Do you have blackheads? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, studies show that pretty much everyone has them in some form or another.

That said, if your skin is dry and flaky it can make the problem worse because then when you apply makeup or other products to your skin they’ll get stuck inside the clogged pores and that will only cause more problems down the line.

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads are a type of blockage that is typically caused by the stain from the oil. They have a dark color and they are usually found in the areas where there is more sebum, such as the nose, and chin. They can be removed by using a few different methods, such as applying an exfoliating solution, face scrub, or mask.

Cause of Blackheads

The pores on your face have a protective seal called the ‘sebum’, which is designed to protect the skin from bacteria and other harmful substances.

Sebum can promote the development of blackheads when there is acne because it prevents oxygen from reaching the oil at the center of clogged pores.

A common myth about blackheads is that they are dirt, but in actuality, they are not dirt- the only thing that has dirt on them is the hair that’s attached to them.

A blackhead forms when a pore is blocked with a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells.

When these clog pores, they create a dark spot on your skin where you can see what is under them-the dark color comes from a combination of dirt, dead skin cells, and sebum.

Your pores are naturally able to open and close- this process is called ‘osmosis’. When you clean your face, it closes temporarily because the water in the cleansing product causes the cells to shrink slightly.

This makes the oils under your skin inaccessible for a short period of time, but they are quickly released because of increased oil production.