A tiny yellowish or blackish bump on the skin is commonly known as a "blackhead". It is a common skin condition caused by changes in the skin structure and accumulation of excess sebum from the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are minute glands in the skin which secrete sebum, an oily substance whose main function is to protect the skin from drying out. Blackheads actually have a yellowish brown color but appear black because they often occur on clogged hair follicles which reflect light irregularly and produce a black hue. Blackheads are most common during adolescence and are caused by oil deposits, unclean skin surface and pollution. In women, hormonal changes at the time of menstruation and pregnancy can also lead to pore clogging, resulting in blackheads. Oil based creams, stress and humid weather are other common causes.
Special care needs to be taken to keep pores unclogged to avoid blackheads. Keeping your skin clean will ensure that dirt and grime does not get lodged in pores. Wash your face regularly with warm water to keep the pores open. Honey and lemon juice can be used to cleanse the skin effectively due to their antibacterial properties. Honey helps in killing germs that cause infection, and is also a mild natural moisturizer. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that prevents scarring and its acidic properties reduce inflammation. Do not rub your face with a towel after washing; instead, gently pat your face till it dries.
Regular exfoliation will also help to ensure that your pores do not get blocked and accumulate sebum. Orange juice and oatmeal make a wonderful natural scrub. Orange juice is rich in vitamin C and has natural astringent properties. Oatmeal absorbs excess oil and gently exfoliates the skin. This scrub leaves the skin looking fresh and young. However, avoid using a scrub too often if you are prone to acne. Coarsely ground almond powder and fuller’s earth mixed with rose water is an excellent face mask. Almonds are rich in phytochemicals that help repair skin damage, Fuller’s earth absorbs oil and prevents acne, and rose water is a natural toner. Rose water also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and its pleasant fragrance can stimulate the nervous system and reduce stress. Applying a liberal amount of ground black pepper mixed in yogurt and washing it off after 10-15 minutes will reduce the occurrence of blackheads. Pepper prevents inflammation and yogurt curbs the spread of infection due to its antibacterial properties.
Avoid using too much makeup as this can clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing. Consume a lot of liquids, especially water, to keep your skin hydrated.
answered by G M