Adults as well as teenagers fear blackheads, which usually appear at the most inopportune times and in the worst place possible, on the face. Learn how to stop them from being a problem for you.

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads, pimples, whiteheads, zits – these terms are used interchangeably by most people. Basically, there are sebaceous glands under the skin that secrete oils, or sebum, through the pores in the skin.

For a variety of reasons, this oil can become trapped in the pore. Bacteria then come to feed on the oil and dirt trapped in the skin and a pus-filled bump forms. Blackheads are normally clear in color, but can turn black when they come in contact with air.

Once you have blackheads, they can be hard to get rid of, but using a few tips can help you stop any future outbreaks.

How to Stop Blackheads from Forming

* Remove your makeup – It’s easy to fall asleep and forget to wash your face, but, makeup can clog the pores and lead to blackheads. Even mineral makeup needs to be removed to prevent build-up.

* Blackhead creams – These creams contain benzyl peroxide and other compounds to help kill the bacteria that can aggravate the condition. Regular use can treat the problem.

* Exfoliate – Dead skin cells can get trapped, especially if you have oily skin. Exfoliation removes these skin cells to prevent them from causing blackheads.

* Drink more water – Water helps to remove toxins from the body. It clears up the skin by rehydrating it. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.

* Use blackhead removal tools – Popping blackheads can lead to scarring on your face. Those who don’t like the look of blackheads will definitely not appreciate the resultant skin discoloration from squeezing them. Find blackhead extractors in your nearby drug store.

* Use pore strips – Many blackheads appear in the oily T-zone. Pore strips are designed to pull oil, bacteria and forming blackheads from their pores before they can surface on the skin and cause more problems. Use the strips regularly.

* Wash your face – Sometimes the simplest solutions are right at hand. Regularly washing your face in the morning can remove any dirt that accumulates through the night. At night, wash off the dirt accumulated from the day before you go to bed. When dirt is washed away, you have eliminated one of the major substances that clog pores.

Both adults and teens deal with blackheads. Hormones can be a reason for the overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands. Whether it is puberty or menopause, blackheads can ruin your skin.