Blackheads form when hair follicles in the skin become clogged with a combination of excess oil (sebum) produced by sebaceous glands, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. Each follicle contains a hair and a sebaceous gland that secretes oil to keep the skin lubricated. When the opening of a follicle gets plugged by this mixture, it creates a bump called a comedo. If the pore remains open, the trapped material is exposed to air, causing oxidation of the oil and dead skin cells, which turns the clog black-hence the name "blackhead." If the pore is closed, the bump is called a whitehead
. Factors that contribute to blackhead formation include:
- Overproduction of sebum
- Accumulation of dead skin cells that don't shed properly
- Bacterial buildup, particularly Propionibacterium acnes
- Hormonal changes (e.g., during adolescence, menstruation, or while taking certain medications)
- Use of pore-clogging skin or hair products
- Genetic predisposition and certain ethnic backgrounds may influence susceptibility
Contrary to common belief, blackheads are not caused by dirt but by oxidation of the clogged material when exposed to air
. Excessive washing or scrubbing can irritate the skin and worsen blackheads rather than improve them
