Although there are many myths surrounding the causes of blackheads, there are certain daily habits that can promote their occurrence. It is therefore possible to prevent them by adopting some good routines.
Have you ever wondered why blackheads occur on the face? Contrary to popular belief, blackheads are not the product of dirt or poor hygiene. Their causes have other origins that it is interesting to know in order to better combat them.
The hair follicles in each pore produce sebum to lubricate the hair and skin. With hormonal changes, the sebaceous glands can become damaged and fat production increases. The pores of the skin then become blocked and trap dead cells and bacteria.
When this takes place under the skin, the famous white dots appear. These, when not exposed, are less likely to become infected.
What Are the Causes of Blackheads on the Face?
Now that we know that blackheads appear due to excess skin fat, we must determine the causes of this overactive sebaceous glands.
1. Hormonal changes
The contraceptive pill causes hormonal changes which can lead to the appearance of blackheads on the face.
Age
This is the reason why blackheads appear more on the face during puberty. At this stage, androgens – male sex hormones – stimulate the production of sebum and cells, in both men and women.
The women
There are also hormonal changes during pregnancy and during menstrual periods. They can affect the sebaceous glands and promote the appearance of blackheads and pimples.
Taking contraceptives
In addition, birth control pills and other hormone-based pills can also play a role in the appearance of blackheads. There are conflicting studies on this subject since some consider that the contraceptive pill reduces acne. The key seems to lie in the hormones that different brands of pills contain.
2. Make-up
Make-up clogs pores and facilitates the production of bacteria and dead cells. This obviously promotes the appearance of blackheads and pimples on the face. Mainly at night when it is not properly removed.
3. Sweating
Another cause of acne is sweating. This is because the sweat accumulated on the skin causes the appearance of a yeast called Pityrosporum folliculitis ,which irritates the skin and clogs the pores. Acne produced by sweat occurs more in the back, arms and chest, but it can also affect the face.
4. Touching your face and blackheads
Touching your face does not lead to pimples or blackheads. However, this generates an environment conducive to their appearance.
Effectively, when you run your hands over your face, you leave a little dirt, bacteria and grease, which contributes to clogging the pores and blocking the natural release of skin sebum. This then ends up causing pimples and blackheads.
On the other hand, when you pop a blackhead or pimple, it causes irritation from the pressure. It also promotes the development of new blackheads.
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5. Stress
Although there is no conclusive evidence, some dermatologists consider stress to be a breeding ground for the appearance of pimples. Because it increases the production of cortisol and estrogen.
There are also two other reasons to associate stress with blackheads and acne. “ The sebaceous glands are also immune organs that can create inflammation and exacerbate inflammation in the skin, ” according to dermatologist Adam Friedman of Georgetown University. The latter claims that stress is one of the causes.
Moreover, he evokes another theory. Namely “stressed people tend to touch their face more with their hands, to scratch themselves, this promotes the appearance of acne and irritates the skin”.
6. Diet and the appearance of blackheads on the face
The evidence for the effects of diet on the development of acne is inconclusive. However, the American Academy of Dermatology considers that clear signs exist on the influence of diet on this subject.
That’s why she recommends cutting back on foods with a high glycemic and high fat index. ” More studies are needed, but each individual can become their own detective and analyze which foods stimulate acne .”
7. Smoking
Many smokers have black dots on their face
Several studies conclude that smokers have a strong tendency to have blackheads. Tobacco is believed to be the cause of a type of acne called ” reverse acne “. It is the clogging of the pores from the outside to the inside caused by an overproduction of outer skin.
8. Wearing a hat
The hat itself does not cause blackheads. However, its use makes the scalp sweat more and this sweat descends on the forehead and the rest of the face. So, as we have explained, sweat contributes to clogging the pores and promotes the appearance of blackheads on the face.
9. Cell phone use
Having the cell phone glued to the cheek while we are talking also produces sweat which can block the pores. In addition, these are devices that are constantly exposed to bacteria and dirt from hands, surfaces, environment, etc.
How to reduce the appearance of blackheads on the face?
Hormonal changes are often responsible for the appearance of blackheads.
However, it is possible to avoid risk factors by following these tips:
- Wash your face properly with water and neutral soap
- Using skin scrubs
- Do not burst blackheads
- Wash your hands well before touching your face
- Keep your hair clean
- Use makeup without oils and remove it before bed
- Wash your face with water and neutral soap after a workout
- Monitor feeding
- Trying to quit smoking
- Wearing hats with holes
- Do not stick your face to the phone during calls
Finally, if the pimples or blackheads on the face are very recurrent, it is best to consult a dermatologist so that he can advise you on the various appropriate treatments according to the type of skin.
Credit – Bellecampus
