Blackheads are a frustrating issue for many beauty enthusiasts, with some even resorting to daily cleansing to get rid of them. So how do these stubborn blackheads form?
Insufficient Skin Cleansing
The sebaceous glands on our skin produce oil every day. If this oil is not cleansed properly, it can mix with dead skin cells, dust, and dirt, resulting in the formation of blackheads.
Inadequate Sun Protection
If the skin is not properly protected from the sun, excessive exposure to UV rays can disrupt the metabolism of epidermal cells, cause loss of elasticity in connective tissues, enlarge pores, and lead to the accumulation of oil and dirt in the pores. When the oil cannot be expelled and is not cleansed in a timely manner, blackheads can easily form.
Improper Use of Skincare Products
Skincare products are essential for maintaining healthy skin. However, if products that are too greasy or unsuitable for one's skin type are used, excessive sebum secretion can occur, leading to clogged pores and the formation of blackheads and acne. Common examples include oily lotions, creams, and day creams.
Excessive Skin Cleansing
As mentioned earlier, insufficient cleansing of the skin can easily lead to blackheads. However, excessive cleansing can make the skin tight and dry, disrupt the normal metabolism of the skin's keratinocytes, and cause an imbalance in water and oil, making it more prone to blackheads and other skin issues.
Naturally Thickened Keratinocytes
Some individuals have a different composition of keratinocytes on the surface of their hair follicles, which are thicker and less likely to detach from the follicles. When excess sebum mixes with old dead skin cells, it can clog the pores. As the sebum oxidizes and hardens, it becomes exposed to the air and appears black, commonly known as blackheads.
Spicy and Greasy Diet
Frequent consumption of spicy and greasy foods can increase sebum production and worsen blackheads. Traditional Chinese medicine also believes that conditions such as blood heat, gastric heat, and blood stasis can contribute to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. People who have a diet rich in spicy and greasy foods are more prone to these conditions.
