Blackheads/Comedo

Comedo, Open plugged pores

Blackheads form when a clog or plug develops in the opening of hair follicles in your skin. Each follicle contains one hair and a sebaceous gland that produces oil. This oil, called sebum, helps keep your skin soft. Dead skin cells and oils collect in the opening to the skin follicle, producing a bump called a comedo.

Introduction

As annoying as those dark black spots appear to be. Blackheads are common skin care concern we all face. But are they exactly. Blackheads are just a mix of oil and dirt that are sitting in the pours. When oxidized, they locate the oiliest pour by appearing black. But there is no reason to worry.

Blackheads are a form of acne that cause tiny dark or brown bumps tp appear on the surface of your skin. It is mainly caused due to accumulation of dirt and grime on your hair follicles. When this is exposed to oxygen it turns black. Some of the reason that aggravate black heads formation includes :

Causes

Overactive oil glands

Sebum produced by our body is brought to the surface through hair follicles to moisturize our skin naturally. When these pores are clogged and dead cells  and dirt and mixes with the excess oil it leads to blackheads.

Hormonal changes

Hormones typically fluctuate between puberty, pregnancy and menstruation. The change in the biological aspects increases oil production, sensitivity to the skin, inflammations and other irritations causing blackheads.

Health conditions and medications

Some underlying conditions such as PCOD PMS, anxiety or stress and the medications take to control them can have side effects leading to aggravating blackheads. If so you must take a blood test to identify a probable cause.

Covering or blocking the pores

Tight clothing's, cosmetics, and other product that constrain the pores make it difficult for the gland to secrete oil and dirt and block the outlets of pores. This leads to heavy sweating  and accumulation of oils.

Shaving

This is a common concern for men when shaving and other activities expose the hair follicle to environmental pollutants which can harbor bacteria. In such a case it is important to follow a after shave ritual to avoid clogging of pores.

Environmental factors

The various environmental factors such as pollution, heat, humidity, and greasiness lead to an increased production of natural oils in the body. This excess sweat sits on the skin  and does not evaporate easily due to the moisture content of the air.

An open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead) skin pore or hair follicle clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria.

• Blackheads : The accumulation of dead skin cell debris and oily sebum blocks the pore of the hair follicle, thus forming the microcomedone. The C. acnes biofilm  within the hair follicle worsens this process. If the microcomedone is superficial within the hair follicle, the skin pigment melanin is exposed to air, resulting in its oxidation  and dark appearance (known as a blackhead or open comedo)  Blackheads (open plugged pores) 

Treatment

close 5 ways to get rid of Blackheads :

• MOISTURISE

Daily moisturization leads to healthier skin. It also improves the quality of  your cells, and prevents blackheads.

• EXFOLIATE

You'd think that oil and dirt produce blackheads. You're wrong. Most times, your own dead skin cells lead to black heads. Do yourself a favor, and exfoliate every other day (thrice a week). Physical scrub or chemical exfoliator.

• GET A FACIAL

Facials are refreshing, prevents blackheads, and if you have them, help in elimination. If you don't want to go to a salon, pick a face mask on your next trip to the market.

• USE A GENTLE CLEANSER

If you use a harsh cleanser or wash your face too often you will dry out your skin which will stimulate a natural oil production causing more blackheads.

• USE CLAY MASK

When used in moderation it has shown promising results however, using it too often can lead to dryness.

• INCORPORATE RETINOID IN YOUR ROUTINE

Vitamin A derivative such as retinol contains antioxidants that increase cell turnover and avoid clogging of pores.

• BUY NON-COMEDOGENIC PRODUCTS

Non-comedogenic products are specially built not to clog your pores, so look for this word in your next buy. Always read the label.

• Extraction is the way out

This is the process of manually removing blackheads by applying pressure using specialized tool. It is best to consult a professional to avoid scarring.

• LOOK FOR SALICYLIC ACID

It has ability to penetrate deep into the skin, breaking down the dirt and excess sebum from the pores making it an effective treatment for black heads. Invest in a face wash, that's meant for a oily skin and one that includes blemish-fighting components like salicylic acid. Buy men's (not just any) face wash

• Squeeze a lemon and add baking soda until you make a thick creamy paste. Leave on for upto 20 minutes, and rinsed it with cold water.

How do I get rid of my blackheads?

1. Cleanse with salicylic acid. Instead of benzoyl peroxide, look for over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain salicylic acid. 
2. Gently exfoliate with AHAs and BHAs.
3. Pick up a skin brush. 
4. Try topical retinoids.
5. Use a clay mask.
6. Use a charcoal mask. 
7. Consider a chemical peel.