The US Library of Medicine describes blackheads as small, dark spots on the skin, caused by a small blockage in the opening of a pore (follicle). Blackheads are said to be the first stage of acne. They form before bacteria invade the pores of the patient's skin. A blackhead can develop into a pimple, which is also known as a papule or pustule.

             Blackheads and acne in general usually develop after the onset of puberty, when hormone levels surge and reach the skin. Certain hormones overstimulate the sebaceous glands, resulting in the overproduction of sebum.

What are the causes of blackheads?

Blackheads are typically caused by the overproduction of oil, which tends to occur when a person reaches puberty. Spikes in hormone production can result in the high levels of DHT(dihydrotestosterone), a hormone which triggers over activity in the oil glands, resulting in clogged pores.

         Many people believe that if your skin is not cleaned properly more blackheads can appear, especially during periods of fluctuating hormone levels such as puberty or just before menstruation. Scientists and doctors say this a myth. 

How to Get Rid of Blackheads

Exfoliating with baking soda : Baking soda is an ingredient that is often used in microdermabrasion which as a method of exfoliating, can aid in minimizing blackheads when done regularly.” Mixed with water, baking soda can be used to create a gentle scrubbing paste. Alternatively, you can use apple cider vinegar instead of water, which has astringent and anti-bacterial properties and will similarly clear out pores.

Pore Strips: Whether store-bought or homemade , pore strips can provide immediate improvement of some types of plugged pores but the blackheads will recur unless a proper skin care regime is followed routinely as a preventative measure.

 Check your makeup – The truth is, what you put on to cover blackheads up might actually be causing more of them!  If you wear lots of heavy foundation or use thick face creams, you could be contributing to the problem with your products!  In general, if you have a problem with greasy skin and clogged pores, consider using as few products as you can.  The fewer layers of stuff that you put on your face, the better.

                    

Squeeze, but do it carefully! - This is one situation where picking your face may actually help instead of making things worse.  Don’t take this as permission to pick at your face all you want!  There is a right and a wrong way to squeeze blackheads and it’s really important that you do it the right way.

Lots of water & healthy eating – Cliche’, maybe, but it’s so true.  What you put into your body shows on the outside.  Simple as that.  If you eat lots of greasy crap, your skin is not going to look as good as it would if you ate more veggies and drank more water.

Do a clay mask once a week – This is only for those of you with oily or combination skin.  Dry skin, obviously, needs all the oil it can get.  Blackheads are partially caused by excess oil on your face, so if you have greasy skin, a good quality clay mask will help sop up some of the grease and keep your pores clearer.  Using it once a week is enough – you don’t want to over-dry your skin, because this could lead to even more problems!

Salicylic and Glycolic Acid: "The best way to break down oil in clogged pores is by using beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic) or combination peels containing salicylic acid," says Dr. MacGregor. "It is lipophilic (attracted to fat/oils) and concentrates at the surface of the pore to dissolve the plugs. Consistent use will prevent the blackheads before they form and help clear existing pores." Additionally, glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid which is derived from sugar cane, helps clear dead skin and debris on the surface. These two work well in tandem.

(livefitandhealthylife)