Blackheads: causes, types and treatment methods
Blackheads are one of the most widespread and common skin problems among men and women, and everyone is looking for ways to get rid of them. Given the prevalence of this problem, we had to explain all the correct details about it, the reasons that make you vulnerable to it, and how can you get rid of it? Follow us in the next article>
What are blackheads?
Blackheads are one of the most common types of mild acne. They appear in the form of dark and black dots on the skin. They may appear in different areas such as the face, especially the nose and chin. They can also appear on the neck, chest or shoulders.
Although it is a type of acne, it may affect a person without having any other signs of acne. These heads are open bumps, and many people call these heads blackheads, but they are not skin blisters, they are different.
How do blackheads form?
These heads are formed as a result of the growth of hair follicles under the skin, causing the pores of the skin to open to become wide. Then, bumps form on these pores that are a mixture of oils called sebum – an oily substance produced by the sebaceous gland in the skin – dead skin and bacteria.
These heads are usually skin color, but with exposure to air, the elements in these pores interact with oxygen and air, so the melanin is oxidized and these heads turn from white to black.
What is the difference between black and white heads?
Although these are two types of mild acne, they differ between themselves, and we will show you the difference.
- black headsThey are wide open pores that form bumps, as a result of the presence of follicles under the skin, which are covered with sebum and dead skin.
- whiteheadsThey are the opposite of blackheads, as these heads are closed pores, but full of bacteria in the follicles below the skin, and there is a small hole in the outer skin, but the air cannot pass through this hole into the inside of the follicle, so no interaction occurs with the air and the existing bacteria. Under the skin, this is the reason why it remains light and white because it is not oxidized.
Causes of blackheads
There are some reasons and factors that may increase the chances of blackheads appearing, and the most famous of these reasons:
- Age or age, as it is formed frequently during puberty and adolescence due to the many hormonal changes, but this does not prevent that a large group of people suffer from these heads at any age and not only adulthood.
- Hormonal changes that occur in the body, especially when the levels of the secretion of the hormone androgen “male hormone” increase. This hormone increases the secretion of fat and affects the skin cells. Females and males suffer from this condition during their adolescence. After adolescence, there may be hormonal changes as well, especially changes related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the use of birth control pills.
- Increasing the production of skin cells, as the body’s production of larger proportions of skin cells causes the appearance of these annoying heads.
- The use of cosmetics and some types of clothing, as covering and blocking pores plays a major role in the appearance of these heads.
- Shaving excess hair in the body, using razors and others works to lighten the hair follicles more, and thus greater chances of this problem appearing.
- Direct exposure to an environment with high humidity.
- Having some health problems or pathological syndromes, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, stress, and premenstrual syndrome.
- Some medications that help stimulate and increase the rate of skin cell renewal and thus more dead skin cells.
- Some medicines that contain a steroid compound, such as corticosteroid medicines.
There is a belief that blackheads are dirt due to lack of hygiene, this belief is completely wrong, so do not try to over-rub and scratch them as an attempt to remove them, because this will make the situation worse, so pay attention.
Blackhead treatment
There is more than one way to get rid of blackheads, whether medical or home, and all of them may be effective depending on the condition of the person and his acceptance of any of them, there are topical creams, and natural masks to get rid of blackheads, and there are also skin care products such as nose plasters, home steam devices, and pulling devices Blackheads, in addition to non-surgical procedures such as laser and chemical peels.
Ways to prevent blackheads
There are some instructions that may help prevent and prevent the appearance of these heads, in inexpensive ways, such as:
- Washing the face regularly, morning and evening, with warm water and a cleanser suitable for the skin type, to get rid of the accumulated fat on the skin and kill any bacteria, and do not use the lotion more than twice a day so that it does not cause you any irritation or redness.
- Washing the face well after eating any greasy food, because the remnants of these foods on the skin may also clog the pores.
- It is preferable to use oil-free products, because products that contain oil may cause the appearance of these heads, and it is also necessary to carefully choose cosmetics and sunscreen creams.
- It is possible to use some skin peeling masks that help get rid of dead skin, and reduce the appearance of these heads on the skin.
- Do not try to use your hand to get rid of any problem in the skin, especially these heads, because this makes the matter worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can get rid of deep blackheads?
Deep blackheads are removed by a specialized doctor, in this case metal rings and small tools may be used to extract these heads, and thus they can be removed completely and reduce their return again.
Can blackheads disappear on their own?
The extent to which blackheads disappear on their own depends entirely on the depth of these heads in the skin. If these heads are not deep and close to the outer layer of the skin, they may disappear by themselves without drugs or other products. It is difficult for it to go away on its own, because it will need treatments and a specialized doctor.