Blackheads, also known as ‘open comedomes,’ are a common form of acne that appear as small, dark spots on the skin. Despite their name, blackheads are not always black. They can also be yellowish. The ‘black’ character comes from the oxidation that happens to the oil and dead skin cells that plug the pores and are exposed to air. But what precisely causes blackheads, and how are they related to conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa?

Causes of Blackheads

1. Excessive Oil Production: One of the primary causes of blackheads is excessive sebum production by our skin. Sebum, which keeps the skin moist and healthy, can sometimes lead to blackheads if produced excessively. This overproduction can be due to several factors such as hormonal changes, dietary habits, or even weather conditions.

2. Accumulation of Dead Skin Cells: When impurities accumulate on our skin’s surface, they tend to fill up our skin pores. When this dirt is coupled with excess oil secretion, it leads to a condition ideal for the formation of blackheads. These impurities could include dead skin cells, dust, and other airborne particles.

3. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes often trigger blackheads. Such changes include those during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and certain hormonal disorders. These changes influence the sebum production in the body, contributing to blackhead formation.

4. Use of Certain Cosmetic Products: Certain cosmetic products can be a primary cause of blackheads. Products that are oil-based or not non-comedogenic may block the skin’s pores, leading to the development of blackheads. It is vital to choose skin-friendly, non-comedogenic products that clean and unclog your pores.

Blackheads may seem like trivial issues, but they can lead to more severe skin conditions such as cystic acne or hidradenitis suppurativa – a chronic skin condition featuring lumps in places like the armpits or groin.

The best treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa often involves medication or surgical intervention to manage the symptoms and prevent new breakouts. However, it’s better to prevent such conditions in the first place by maintaining proper skin hygiene and managing blackheads effectively.

Handling and Prevention of Blackheads

1. Proper Cleansing: Incorporate deep cleansing into your daily skincare routine. Choose a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that can effectively remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

2. Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells. Opt for exfoliators with salicylic acid or fruit enzymes to help unclog the pores and eliminate blackheads.

3. Non-Comedogenic Products: As mentioned earlier, certain cosmetics can contribute to blackheads. Always opt for non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products that don’t clog the pores.

4. Professional Treatments: Consider professional treatments like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or light therapy if your blackheads continue to persist.

Remeber, it is always best to consult a dermatologist for appropriate advice on managing and preventing blackheads to avoid worsening skin conditions. Taking proper care of your skin is a proactive step toward health and wellness, preventing more severe conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa in the long run.

Acne is one of the most common skin disorder suffered by teen and elderly people. Homemade acne treatment requires only natural ingredients that can often be found right in your kitchen.

To investigate the homemade acne treatment you must first understand the cause of acne itself. Acne results from oil blockages in the pores of the skin; when an excess of oil blocks pores, the skin begins to trap dirt and bacteria causing acne to develop. Often times, addressing acne means addressing the general cleansing of the skin. The homemade acne treatment can be a viable, cost-effective way to thoroughly cleanse skin and eliminate acne.

Using lemon juice as a homemade acne treatment can be quite effective. Lemon juice acts as an astringent, sloughing away oil and drying out pores. Since lemon also contains Vitamin C, it addresses any vitamin deficiencies that the skin may be experiencing.

The same process can be used with garlic juice, mint juice, and many other natural products. A simple application at bedtime will allow your skin to experience all the benefits of the homemade acne treatment overnight. In addition to cleansing and treating your acne, some homemade acne treatments have been shown to minimize acne scarring.

As these home remedies are made of natural herbs, fruits, vegetables, spices that are easily available in our kitchen or garden, they are inexpensive, easy to make and above all 100% natural and free from harmful effects. Nutrients present in these home remedies not only cure acne but also give ultimate nourishment to your skin.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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By Gloria MacTaggart

Alpha hydroxy acids are now in common use by dermatologists, cosmeticians and the many people buying over the counter skin care products. They are available in moisturizers, cleansers, eye creams, peels, foundations and anti-wrinkle preparations. They are most commonly used for dry skin care, but can tend to be too harsh and therefore damage the skin further. The damage can be repaired with a shielding lotion, but it might also be a good idea to try some of the gentler alpha hydroxy acids Mother Nature has to offer instead of those on the shelves.

Alpha hydroxy acids are plant extracts that, in themselves, are not harmful unless used in very high concentration – which can cause redness and swelling that may last for weeks. Their major benefit is in their ability to accelerate exfoliation. Dead skin cells are stripped away, leaving your skin looking fresh and young. The acids also improve fullness and elasticity by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. As dead skin cell build-up is more common with dry skin than other skin types, and as dry skin tends to be thinner and less supple, these properties are especially benefical in dry skin care.

If you would like to try these acids au naturel rather than in expensive treatments or preparations, here’s where you can find them:

* Bilberry extract – Bilberry is a shrub with leaves and fruit that have toning properties. The extract is a good source of natural alpha hydroxy acid and is available in health food stores.

* Citric acid – most concentrated in lemons and limes, is it high in both antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acids. Both lemons and limes are helpful for dry skin care and are easy to prepare. You can squeeze them for juice and apply them, or simply cut the fruit in half and run it in.

* Sugar cane and sugar maple extracts – extracted from the juicy pulp of sugar cane and the Sugar Maple Tree, these are both good natural sources of alpha hydroxy acids. Although these may be hard to find in stores, a quick search online will produce many sources.

Although bilberry, lemons, limes and sugar plant extracts may be easier on the skin than the usual products, the exfoliation process can still leave it a little raw and vulnerable. So make sure you follow your alpha hydroxy treatment – natural or otherwise – with a good shielding lotion specially formulated dry skin care.

About the Author: Author, Gloria MacTaggart, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for Gloves In A Bottle, Inc. For more information, visit glovesinabottle.com.

Source: isnare.com

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