What are Blackheads?

blackheads on the noseIf you have been trying to find out what these annoying black blemishes actually are, it is very likely that what you really want to know is how to get rid of blackheads!

If you have these blemishes, whether you have them on your nose, elsewhere on your face, in your ears, on your back, chest or buttocks – in fact wherever you have them, the first thing you have to know, is BLACKHEADS ARE NOT YOUR FAULT!

Having these black specks in your pores is nothing to do with being dirty or not washing properly, they may be black, but THEY ARE NOT DIRT! So, what are they and what causes them?

Check out these articles for treating problem areas
This site will help you get rid of blackheads wherever they are a problem for you so, if you have them:-
on your back – go here
on your nose – go here
in your ears – go here
around lips – go here

 

What are blackheads made of

what are blackheads

This diagram of a blackhead explains what they are and how they form

Blackheads are a form of acne, most common in people who have oily or combination skin, they are caused when the pore or outlet for an oil or sebum producing gland in the skin becomes blocked by a mixture of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria. When this mixture gets exposed to the air, this blockage of the pore gets discoloured by oxidation and goes black.

Because they can only form when exposed to the air dermatologists refer to a blackhead as an open comedo (several (plural) are referred to as open comedones) as the pores in which they are situated are open to the air and oxidisation has taken place.

Conversely, whiteheads are referred to as closed comedones because the pore is not open to the air and so no oxidisation has happened and the contents are still light coloured.

These blemishes can be very stubborn to treat and even when you think you have got rid of them, they come back again and this is why you may need to change the skin-care regime you are following to prevent them from coming back because some cleansing products can actually make the problem worse.

Washing several times a day, using lots of astringents and toners can dry out the skin too much. This in turn causes the oil production glands to produce excessive sebum (oil) to try to resolve this problem. Of course the result of this is that you feel that no matter what you do, your skin is just getting more oily and your blemishes problem is getting worse. Whereas it is actually the way you are treating the problem that is causing the vicious cycle of oil production and blemishes which you need to break if you are to get your clear skin back again.

Finding out what blackheads are can help you prevent them!

Want to Learn More?

If you would like to read a more complete definition of what blackheads actually are, I came across a really helpful article on the Medical News Today website that I would like to share with you. It is full of interesting information and some really helpful advice.

For example, did you know the following facts about blackheads?:-

  • Some can actually be yellowish in color
  • The scientific name for the dead skin debris that blocks the pores is “keratin squamae”
  • They can go on to develop into a papule or a pustule
  • They are regarded as being the first stage of acne

There is also a lot of helpful information about the causes of blackheads which can help you understand how to prevent them.

The article also provides helpful advice on the treatment of this skin problem and the options available to you if you feel you have been battling away and not getting anywhere!

So, to read more, please use the link to visit the article page. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/71615.php

Get Rid Of Blackheads and Regain your Confidence!

[ad#Ad Block Posts Float Right]Of course, there are other factors that can cause excessive oil production that leads to skin blemishes, hormonal changes, stress, exposure to atmospheric pollutants, lack of nutrients needed for healthy skin are just some of these and you will find information elsewhere on this site to help you.

I hope that this explanation of “what are blackheads” has encouraged you and if you want to learn how to get rid of these blemishes and regain your confidence with clear, smooth skin, take a look at the articles on this site on blackhead treatment and removal, all packed with tips and advice. We have also reviewed lots of products and tell you what people are really saying about them – so you can make an informed decision about whether you want to try a treatment or not! We also review some of the latest dermatologist and cosmetologist treatments. In fact we are trying to bring you all the information you need to help you look great on the outside and feel great on the inside!

By Alison Graham

Comments

What are Blackheads? — 3 Comments

  1. A little tip I’d like to pass on that I’m pretty certain helped me clear up a lot of my blackheads and spots and especially blackheads in ear was to stop using soap.
    I simply started washing my face, ears and neck with just warm water and I started to see a reduction in the amount of zits and blackheads I got.

  2. I found that using nose pore strip can help reduce the current number of blackheads that can be found around the nose, a place where blackheads tend to flock. It won’t remove all of it though.