10 facts to know about blackheads 🙌

  1. Blackheads are a type of acne that is common regardless of age group. They are tiny bumps formed on the skin due to clogging of hair follicles, either due to dirt or excess oil deposition on pores. The sebaceous (oil) glands are located all over our body, and they release oil to keep the skin hydrated and prevent drying. Blackheads are formed when these glands are blocked due to excess oil, dirt, pollutants, or the buildup of dead cells.
  2. Blackheads appear as black or dark spots in the skin and can be easily identified. They can appear all over the body but are most commonly seen on the face, nose, cheek, chin, neck, and back. Studies show that blackheads can appear at any age but are found to appear commonly during adolescence, menstruation, stress, or a positive family history of acne.
  3. Studies show clearly that acne and blackheads appear when there is an overproduction of sebum or oil from the sebaceous glands. These sebaceous glands are on the surface of the skin, all over the body. When the pores of the skin surface are blocked due to deposits of dead cells, dirt and excess oil, the pores appear as comedones. When the comedones are opened and the clogged plug becomes oxidised, they appear black or grey in colour hence the name blackheads.

4.Research shows that there are various factors responsible for blackheads as such:

  • Hormonal changes during adolescent years, during menstruation, pregnancy, and taking birth
    control pills.
  • Certain drugs like corticosteroids, lithium, androgens.
  • Production of excess oil or sebum in the body.
  • Improper skin hygiene causes a build-up of bacteria and dirt on the skin.
  • Low levels of vitamin B and vitamin D can cause acne and blackheads.
  • Abnormal formation of keratin, the protein that is present in skin, hair and nails.
  • Genetic predisposition.

5.Blackheads and Sebaceous filaments might look similar on the skin but they are completely different. Sebaceous filaments are normal appendages on the surface of the skin through which sebum travels from the sebaceous glands to the skin surface. They keep the skin hydrated. Whereas blackheads look dark or grey spots on the skin which has plugs on the surface. They are open, dark bumps due to dirt and oil deposits.

6.Whenever blackheads or pimples appear, what people commonly do is that they squeeze them which is completely a wrong idea. This may have the risk of:

  • Infection.
  • Painful acne.
  • Redness and inflammation.
  • Leaving a permanent scar.

7.Blackheads can be effectively prevented, and you can achieve clear skin with the right approach Some of the common ways which can be done to prevent acne and blackheads are:

  • Double cleansing method: First, remove the dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin with an oil-based cleanser. Followed by washing the face with a water-based cleanser or mild facewash.
  • Use facial scrubs regularly to exfoliate the skin and remove the dead cells: A gentle brush, fruit scrubs, and sodium tetraborate decahydrate granules are some less abrasive scrubs which
    can be used.
  • Oatmeal scrubs are effective exfoliative and anti-inflammatory agents suitable for the skin.
  • Pore strips are adhesive strips that are put on the skin and pulled away removing the dirt and excess oil. But, they should be used once or twice a week.
Pore strips

8.Common treatments which can be applied to treat blackheads are:

  • Firstly, squeezing or using some self-removal methods should be completely avoided. These methods are more harmful and worsen the skin condition, leaving a permanent scar.
  • Over-the-counter topical lotion or cleanser can be used: Salicylic acid, Azelaic acid (wheat, barley, other grains naturally contain azelaic acid), Benzoyl peroxide and Retinoids.
  • Tea tree oil is an effective topical agent.

9.If blackheads are persistent or there is skin irritation and inflammation, Dermatologist treatments are necessary. Oral antibiotics, prescription-strength topical agents, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser therapy can be used depending on the skin condition.

10. Blackheads, as such are not a serious condition and usually go on their own with routine skin hygiene. Yes, some people suffer from blackheads throughout life. Routinely washing the face with mild face wash, cleansing and moisturizing are necessary. Daily removal of make-up and cosmetic agents at the end of each day is mandatory before following the routine skin cleansing methods. An important tip of the day is keeping your hands away from your face always.

Thanks for sharing.

Peace and love 🙏

Face ageing: 5 crucial tips 😌

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

Skin is the largest organ in the body and is most prominent. So, any kind of changes of ageing can be visible clearly in the skin. The skin, like other tissues, possess the extracellular matrix. This matrix comprises collagen and other structural compounds called Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans. All these compounds together contribute to the tightness of the tissues which keep our skin stiff and makes us look younger and radiant.

As we age, we tend to lose more collagen, proteoglycans and GAGs slowly. A research study has shown that another vital hormone produced in the liver called Insulin Growth Factor -1 (IGF-1) is related to facial ageing. These IGF-1 levels are inversely proportional to the levels of serum insulin in the body. When insulin level is high like in case of insulin resistance individuals, the IGF-1 level is low. So, insulin resistance individuals tend to age faster usually. Hyaluronic acid is a lubricant which is also naturally produced by our body which helps the skin and connective tissues to retain the moisture. We tend to lose this lubricant due to ageing and unhealthy food habits.

Facial ageing causes the horizontal and vertical lines to look prominent, thinned skin, loss of elasticity and collagen, loss of tissues and bones in the cheeks, fat atrophy, puffiness around eyes, sagginess around the neck and so on.

Common factors which aggravate the ageing process:

1.Smoking
2.Too much sun exposure causes skin damage. But, daily exposure to 10-15 mins of sunlight is useful for Vitamin D synthesis in the body.


3.Too much chemical-based cosmetic products like cremes, lotions, make up products are harmful.
4.Alcohol /drugs consumption
5.Refined processed food and too much sugar


6.Chronic stress causes high cortisol level.
7.Sedantery lifestyle and lack of exercise.

Specific important ways which prevent facial ageing :


1.Exercise: Most preferably maintaining an active lifestyle with the routine exercise of 30 mins to1 hour is ideal.A particular activity like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is short periods of 7-10mins of intense exercise with intervals of rest, and low-intensity exercise is beneficial to keep the cortisol level optimum. 

2.Enhance the quality of sleep: Sleep induces the release of HGH, human growth hormone and Insulin growth factor-1, which helps to prevent the breakdown of collagen and proteoglycans.


3.Intemittent fasting: Fasting of at least 16 hours can stimulate autophagy, body’s renewal mechanism, activates the immune system. Fasting increases the antioxidant activity and increase stem cell production.
4: Foods:
Collagen rich foods: These foods are a rich source of collagen, amino acids and hyaluronic acids.
Fermented foods: bone broth, green leafy veggies, caviar or fish roe, citrus fruits, mushrooms and seaweeds. To know more about collagen, please refer to my previous post https://atomic-temporary-162723897.wpcomstaging.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4448&action=edit

Healthy fats: Omega 3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA found in oily fishes like salmon, tuna, sardines, nuts like walnuts, macadamia, pecan nuts, seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds.
Saturated fats like in grass-fed butter, ghee, coconut oil, olive oil are very helpful.


Organic Acids: Organic acids promote the growth of probiotics in the body, which helps to support the immune system and the cell renewal process. Organic acids found in fermented foods like saurkraut, kombucha are quite known for beauty benefits. The citric acid found in citrus fruits is also vital. Enzyme rich foods: Enzymes are essential for digestion and absorption of proteins in the body. Certain fruits with individual enzymes present in each of them like papaya contain papain. Figs contain ficans. Pineapple contains bromelain and kiwi have actinidain are all-powerful proteolytic enzymes which helps in the polysaccharide metabolism and the digestive process. Fruits are also rich in antioxidants which prevent free radical damage.


Vitamins: Fat-soluble vitamins D, K, E, A are all essential for the prevention of free radical damage and cells renewal process.

5.Essential oils: These natural oils work naturally on the skin by hydrating and moisturizing. Some commonly used oils for beauty purpose are geranium, frankincense, lavender, jojoba, myrrh, rose and rosemary.

So, it is crucial to understand that to have a healthy body, a glowing skin, and healthy hair; it is necessary to correct our food habits and lifestyle rather than spending an enormous amount on cosmetic treatments and beauty products. The approach should be inside out rather than external means.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐