Blackheads are small bumps that appear on chin, nose and anywhere on the skin. They often occur in clusters on face. When the sebum pops out the bump, it is called blackhead and if the sebum still stays inside the bump, it is called whiteheads. Blackheads are dark black in color due to oxidation of pus in the open air and accumulation of melanin (a skin color pigment). Accumulation of dirt is not cause of their darkness as people assume. Breakouts of blackheads is most common is people having oily skin.
Blackheads form when sebaceous glands produces excessive sebum that clogs hair follicles. Over production of sebum further depends upon many factors like bacterial infection, weak immune system, lack of nutrients etc. When hair follicles are clogged and sebum is continuously being produced, it exerts pressure on walls of skin pores. Sometimes walls are ruptured and sebum spreads to deep skin layers and sometimes sebum pops out the upper skin surface.
Acne Cleansers
Cleansers are widely used for treating blackheads and they are specially formulated to remove excessive amount of sebum on the skin. Although cleansers are effective but they are not a good solution as more sebum will be secreted from the skin. Cleansers work in conjunction with other topical or oral remedies. Cleanser alone can not get you rid of blackheads. There are hundreds of brands of cleansers, not all are effective and herbal. Most of them contains synthetic substances that further aggravates the disorder.
Antibiotics
Bacterial infection also triggers sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. In case of bacterial infection, topical and oral antibiotics are very helpful in treating blackheads. Use of topical antibiotics is more common. Dermatologist prescribe topical ointments and creams to apply onto the acne spots.
Exfoliators
Exfoliators are similar to acne cleansers. They are used for removing sloughed off skin cells, bacteria, sebum, dirt particles and other environment chemicals that settles down on your skin. These days special blackhead extractor is also used called metallic extractors. It has small round open at the end to plug out the blackheads. Formerly, only dermatologist used it but now these tools available for at home use. If you want use this type of extractor, you must get training from a qualified professional as otherwise it may cause severe scaring and deep skin infection.
Skin Care Supplement
Topical supplements for skin care are rapidly prevailing these days. Your skin is the most exposed and most sensitive organ. Ultraviolet rays, harsh chemicals, detergents and soaps affect its natural growth. In response to these stimuli, your skin loses its essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and surface moisture. Therefore, a supplement provides all necessary nutrients required for your skin health. Many studies reveal that lack of nutrients may stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more sebum that in turn leads to acne breakouts.