What are Blackheads?
Blackheads are small, dark lesions that appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles. The dark color comes from the oxidation of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its natural color. Blackheads are a form of acne and occur when oil and dead skin cells are trapped in an open pore, resulting in a buildup of blackheads on the skin. Blackheads are also known as open comedones and can be difficult to remove due to their adhesive nature.

What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads can form when a pore becomes plugged with sebum, a waxy, oily substance produced by your sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are found on the face, neck, chest, and back, and produce sebum to lubricate and protect the skin. In some cases, too much sebum can build up in the pores, causing the formation of blackheads.

How to Treat Blackheads
Blackheads can be hard to treat because of their adhesive nature and can leave stubborn marks on the skin. Most blackhead treatments are aimed at getting rid of excess oil and bacteria on the skin that can lead to their formation. Common treatments include topical treatments such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid, which can be effective in clearing up mild cases of blackheads. Some dermatologists may suggest deeper chemical peels or laser treatments to help reduce the appearance of blackheads and reduce the risk of them recurring.

If you’re dealing with blackheads and want to get serious about treating them, it’s important to know what’s causing them in the first place and determine the best course of action to tackle them. A good skincare routine can go a long way in preventing the formation of blackheads. Regular cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing can help keep the skin clear and help minimize the risk of blackheads.