9 Things You Need To Know About Those Pesky Blackheads

They’re gross, they’re annoying, and the worst part is that they keep coming back to ruin your pretty face! But, before you head to the salon to get a clean up, there are a few things you need to know about those pesky blackheads. So what you waiting for? Read on!

1. What are they?

A blackhead is a widened hair follicle that is packed with debris which comprises of dead skin cells, sebum oil and bacteria.

2. Where are blackheads found?

The most common place to get blackheads are on your face. Your nose to be specific. Some people also get blackheads on their ears, shoulders, and on their back. (Yikes!)

3. Why are they black in colour?

Sebum contains melanin. Melanin is a pigment which is responsible for tanning your skin when exposed to rays of the sun. When melanin comes in contact with your pores, it oxidizes. That very reaction results in the darkness of your blackhead.

4. Are all blackheads black in colour?

No, not all of them. Although most of them are black, which is where they derive their name from, a handful of them are actually yellow in colour. It depends from skin to skin.

5. Can blackheads turn into pimples?

Well, of course they can! Pimples are caused due to clogged pores, and if you already have blackheads, the chances of getting them are high. The faster you remove the blackheads, the faster you lower the chances of getting pimples. Yep, it’s as simple as that!

6. What causes them?

There’s only one answer to that – overproduction of oil. Usually, people who have oily skin, fall victim to getting blackheads.

7. How to get rid of them?

Never use your fingers to squeeze or pop them out, no matter how tempting it may be. Believe it or not, but your fingers already have oil and bacteria on them which could give rise to further breakouts. Search for skin cleansing products that have salicylic acid, glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide in it. Products that have these ingredients help loosen up the dead skin cells trapped in the hair follicle and can help unclog it.

POPxo recommends: Ducray Keracnyl Cream, Perrigo Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment Gel, Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser, Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub

8. Does a home ingredient like ‘baking soda’ help with removing blackheads?

Baking soda is a miracle worker at fighting blackheads. It’s not only a cheaper option than consulting a dermatologist, but also can be made in the four corners of your house. All you have to do is, mix the baking soda with water or apple cider vinegar till it turns into a paste. Apply the paste to the blackheads everyday to see results!

9. What is the difference between blackheads and whiteheads?

Whiteheads and blackheads are both symptoms of acne. They are comedones (clogged pores) which occur because of irritated skin follicles which are clogged with oil secretion and dead skin cells. Whiteheads are caused when the pore gets completely blocked and air is not allowed to enter the plugged follicle. The debris that get trapped within the pore then become white or light yellow in colour, until it drains from the blemish. Compared to blackheads, they are comparatively larger, more swollen and extra sensitive.