Blackheads are the visible part of excess sebum. Produced by sebaceous glands, sebum is an oily substance meant to lubricate the skin. When the pores are blocked or too much sebum is produced, blackheads form. There are two types of blackheads :
- Comedones linked to acne are caused by excessive sebum production. A blackhead appears when a saturated pore enlarges and opens, leading to sebum oxidation and its characteristic dark color. Closed comedones, or whiteheads, occur when the pore remains completely blocked.
- Environmental blackheads are caused by skin clogged with pollution, heavy makeup, or various impurities. Enlarged pores trap these particles, causing blackheads to form.
Blackheads affect many people. While not painful, they can dull the complexion.