Blackhead medically name is open comedo. Blackheads are caused by partially blocked pores. Blackheads are also caused and worsened by excess topical oils and makeup. The congesting toxins that are being expelled through your skin from the blood and lymph fluid combines with sebum creating a pasty glue. The exposed tip becomes oxidized and black, hence the name - blackheads. Blackheads are the first stage of acne. Acne is a skin condition that causes spots. Most people affected by acne are aged between 12 and 25. These lesions typically develop after puberty, once hormones start surging in the body and skin. Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are follicles that have a wider than normal opening. They are filled with plugs of sebum and sloughed off cells and have undergone a chemical reaction resulting in the oxidation of melanin. Blackheads can also be aggravated if you leave your skin dirty and dead cells accumulate within your open pores. The dead cells plug the pore opening resulting in oil build-up within the pore.

Blackheads occur when the trapped sebum and bacteria partially open to the surface. Blackheads are the slightly different sibling of zits, and like zits, squeezing them can be addictive. Blackheads are very commonly found in the area across your forehead and down your nose and chin. Sebaceous glands on this area of the face are very, very active. However they can also occur on other areas of the face, neck, chest, back, shoulder, even arms - any area that is rich in sebaceous glands. Some people experience blackened pores as a result of serious acne issue. One effective method regarding how to remove blackheads concerns a hot wash cloth. There are several ways to deal with ugly, clogged pores depending on how they present themselves. Use of drugs like benozyl peroxide, accutane, are also helpful in blackhead treatments, but always consult a doctor before using any of the above mentioned drugs. Use of pore strips is probably the most popular one, but this method is also the most harmful one.

Pore strips do remove the blackheads but only temporarily, also it can cause severe damage to the skin in and around the blackheads. Use a method of extraction that is effective, yet gentle to the skin. Cosmetic blackhead removal tape is another tool of choice for many people. Applied to softened pores and then pulled upward, the tape uses an adhesive to tug at the head of the debris and lift it away. Avoid cooked carbohydrates and fats, replace these with fresh fruits, vegetables and raw fats (avocadoes, olives, olive oil etc). Always remove your make up with a cleanser at the end of the day. Keep all your make up brushes and sponges clean. Wash them in mild shampoo once a month and let dry completely before using. Develop a good facial and body skin care routine. Exercise discipline to wash the dirt, grime, oil and cosmetics away from the face and skin. Facial cleansers with salicylic acid will help to remove debris and surface oil that clogs pores.

Remove Blackheads Treatment Tips

1. Wash the skin using a gentle, natural exfoliating product and pat the skin dry.

2. Apply a clay mask, such as bentonite clay or seaweed clay mask.

3. Rinse off with warm water and pat the skin dry.

4. Use creams containing AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Fruit acids) like glyco-creams that will clear away any dead skin cells and "expose" the blackhead.

5. Sunshine or ultra-violet light encourages skin peeling, and so helps to clear blocked pores.

6. Avoid washing the face with soaps more than twice a day. Instead wash your face often with plain water splashes.

7. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) has been used with some success, and has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory in skin infections.

8. Laser surgery has been in use for some time to reduce the scars left behind by blackheads.