Beauty Intelligence: The Facts About Blackheads

Did you know that comedones (blackheads) are created when sebum becomes trapped in a hair follicle?

Although their effects depend on the percentage of sebum production and the length of time in which pores remain blocked, the combination of cells from the epidermal lining of the upper follicle and sebum result in the formation of a hardened plug on the skin's surface, but what exactly causes the distinctive black effect?

Despite the soft and pale cheese like consistency found beneath a blackhead, the oxidation in air of the exposed sebum is in fact responsible for the characteristic black tip of a comedone, any visible inflammation is simply a symptom of acne, but don't panic...



the good news is that you don't have to suffer with this unwanted condition! Although comedones are removable, great care should be taken throughout treatment to ensure any further damage is prevented and the risk of infection is avoided. As this unwanted skin complaint is most common in those of a greasy nature, a combination of facial steaming and exfoliation often proves to be the most long term beneficial and effective method in the removal of stubborn blackheads. 
Steaming the face on a regular basis will not only soften the oily deposits in the follicles and, dead skin cells aiding desquamation, but frequent exfoliation allows skin cells to be removed from the outermost layer of the epidermis, successfully removing any trace of dead cells and blockages.