Blackheads 101: Learn how blackheads form, what causes them, and how to get rid of them

There are many factors that contribute to the development of blackheads. These include:

• Dirt – Poor hygiene is one of the main reasons why blackheads form. When dirt gets trapped inside the pores, it will be mixed with oils the skin produces and will form a plug. The reason it appears black, however, has not much to do with the amount of dirt, but with the fact that oil will oxidize and turn dark.
• Dead Skin Cells – are another factor that contributes to the formation of blackheads. When dead skin cells accumulate in the pores and hair follicles, they block the opening of the pore. This prevents any further drainage from taking place.
• Oily Skin – Oily skin aids in the formation of blackheads and acne. Because of the excess amount of oil present on the surface of the skin, there is a higher chance of clogged hair follicles and pores getting blocked.
• Hormonal changes – Onset of puberty as well as changes such as pregnancy and menopause can lead to the formation of black heads. During these times, hormone levels rise causing the production of sebum (oil). This makes the skin produce more oil than usual.
• Lack of sleep and stress – any form of stress, lack of sleep being one of the major causes will interrupt body processes and throw them out of their optimal cycle of self-cleansing and cell renewal. It can quickly use up the body’s energy reserves, affect the blood flow to thecapillaries,s thus lowering oxygen levels available to the skin cells.This lowers the ability of the skin to remove toxins and results in the build up of impurities in the skin.
  When stress builds up, cortisol levels increase. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands which helps regulate the immune system. Too much cortisol can actually damage the skin by dehydrating it, which will produce abnormal levels of dry skin cells blocking the pores.
• Smoking – Smoking can also be a contributing factor to the formation of blackheads. Nicotine found in cigarettes stimulates the production of sweat. Sweat contains salt. Salt is needed to balance the pH level of your skin. When the pH level drops, the skin becomes acidic. This can result in clogged pores.
• Excessive makeup usage – Many makeup products contain chemicals that irritate the skin. They also have ingredients that prevent the skin from absorbing moisture. These ingredients can cause the skin to become dry and flaky. It is super important to choose the right, natural makeup and skin products to avoid any undesirable side effects that could introduce toxins and dehydrate the top skin layer.
• Dairy products are known to increase the amount of mucus in the body and cause puss-filled pimples and increase the amount of skin inflammation. There have been many reports that removing dairy products from the diet can result in clearer skin within a few weeks.