| Comedones, more commonaly known as | | | | dermatologists recommend the use of these |
| blackheads, are one of the most common causes | | | | products twice per week, to avoid irritating the |
| of acne, particularly for those who have oily skin. | | | | skin. All exfoliants should be used in a gentle |
| It is caused by excess oils that have accumulated | | | | manner, don't scrub or use hard rubbing |
| in the sebaceous gland's duct. Generally, when | | | | movements when using them. |
| acne vulgaris begins, its starts as blackheads and | | | | Avoid hard squeezing to remove the blackheads. |
| whiteheads. The difference between them is that | | | | This may cause further irritation resulting in |
| a blackhead, or open comedo, is open at the | | | | pimples since it may force part of the blockage |
| surface of the skin. A whitehead, or closed | | | | deeper into the skin. It is best to employ gentle |
| comedo, is hardening of the oil in a closed | | | | methods of removal, such as blackhead removal |
| environment under the surface of the skin. Both | | | | strips and products designed to dry them up. |
| of them contribute to the formation of pimples | | | | Although is a longer method to take than quickly |
| and acne breakouts. | | | | squeezing them out, it is better for the skin in the |
| At one time, it was believed that comedones | | | | long run because it avoids scarring. |
| formed because of too little cleansing, but it has | | | | Occasionally,diet plays a role in acne breakouts |
| been shown that they are created by a | | | | although it is generally believed to affect adults |
| combination of oil, dust and dead skin cells within | | | | more than adolescents. There may be foods that |
| the pore itself. The "black" appearance of a | | | | influence acne due to allergies or individual |
| comedone is caused by oxidization acting on the | | | | sensitivity to certain food groups. Most physicians |
| oil, melanin (color pigments in the skin cells) and | | | | maintain that proper diet helps decrease oil |
| keratin in dead skin cells clogging the pores which | | | | production, provides moisture to the skin, and |
| creates their dark appearance. | | | | helps facilitate the growth of new and healthy skin |
| Treating Blackheads | | | | cells. |
| The best way to prevent blackheads is to | | | | As previously mentioned, blackheads are usually |
| alleviate their cause: excess oil and dead skin cells. | | | | prevalent in oily skin types, but they can occur in |
| Use gentle cleansing products that are designed to | | | | dry, normal and combination skin, although with |
| treat comedones. Avoid using products that | | | | less frequency. Skin care products should be |
| contain alcohol, mineral oil or petroleum-based | | | | chosen carefully because they are esssential to |
| additives as these are harsh and actually may | | | | preventing and healing acne and blackhead |
| make the problem worse instead of better. | | | | breakouts. A healthy diet and lots of water are |
| Stripping the skin of its natural acid mantle | | | | also key to maintaining a fresh, clean complexion. |
| (emollients and oils produced by the skin) actually | | | | There are many over-the-counter products for |
| stimulates the glands to produce more oil, | | | | treating blackheads as well as prescription |
| perpetuating an acne cycle. Products containing | | | | medications available from your dermatologist. If |
| natural oils and ingredients are less likely to block | | | | blackheads occur, eliminate them gently using mild |
| pores, and usually are more gentle to the skin. | | | | cleansing products and topical creams designed to |
| A gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells may | | | | dry them up. |
| be used on a daily basis. However, most | | | | |