Blackheads occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. When the sebum gets trapped in a pore along with dead skin cells, it forms a plug known as a comedo. If the top of the plug is open, it oxidizes when exposed to air, turning dark, resulting in a blackhead. Factors such as hormonal changes, excessive oil production, certain medications, and improper skincare can contribute to the formation of blackheads.
There are two main types of blackheads:
- Open comedones: These are blackheads that have a wide opening at the skin’s surface, allowing air to enter and oxidize the trapped oil and dead skin cells. This oxidation process turns the plug dark, giving it a black or dark gray color.
- Closed comedones: Also known as whiteheads, these are similar to blackheads but have a smaller opening at the skin’s surface, which prevents air from entering. As a result, the trapped material remains white or flesh-colored instead of turning dark like open comedones.
