At some instance in our lives, we have encountered and have dealt with blocked skin pores. This usually begins during adolescence. Let’s take a look on how blackheads are formed and how to manage them.
 
Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are form when the pores clogged with a mixture of dead skin cells and sebum (or oil). They usually appear to be flat and darkened spots. The dark color of the blackheads is due to the closely packed skin cells. It is not the dirt that causes the dark pigment but it’s the oxidizing result of air on oil in the clogged pores and the pigment of melanin.

The most common affected area is the chin, forehead and down the nose. These are the areas where the sebaceous glands are extremely sensitive. However, blackheads may occur anywhere on the face. Ordinary notion tells us that black heads are caused by dirty or unclean skin cells, but it is not always the case.  If inflamed or invaded by bacteria, blackheads may turn into developed acne lesions.

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Common Causes

There are a variety of factors known to the development of blackheads. First, male hormones, also known as testosterone, activate the sebaceous glands to produce an oily chemical called sebum. This usually happens during puberty when sex hormones are active.  The presence of sebum makes the skin appear greasy. Although this initial contributor to blackheads is known, this may not be true for most cases.  Most individuals who are suffering from whiteheads have normal hormonal balance.

The problem comes in when there is an excess in the production of sebum. The hair follicle and skin pores then become susceptive to clogging. Propionobacterium acnes is a bug that dwells normally on the skin. However when it places itself within a blocked pore, infection begins. The bug causes inflammation which often leads to skin redness and swelling. In severe cases, the inflamed pore can rupture, thus causing tissue damage and can lead to scarring.
 
Many may have not known but drugs can contribute as well to the development of acne such as blackheads. Medications including steroid tablets and some beauty products, can block the pores as well as such other factors.

Treatment

The best way to treat blackheads is to go into the root cause of them. It is to avoid the combination of dead skin cells and excessive sebum or skin oil. Natural products have always been good for skin use, while dermatologists frown on too much of astringents. This is because astringents can deprive the skin of the proper oil resulting to the production of more sebum. However, don’t miss out to cleanse your skin with natural cleansers such as coconut oil.

Apply skin exfoliators while washing your face. They work as scrubs in romoving dead skin cells. But remember to be very gentle because although helpful, they may cause irritation in some cases.