To truly appreciate the fascination with blackhead popping, it is important to understand what blackheads are and how they form. Blackheads are a type of acne lesion that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. Unlike whiteheads, which are closed comedowns, blackheads are open comedowns that have a dark appearance due to oxidation of melanin in the clogged pore.
Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands in our skin and plays an important role in keeping our skin moisturized. However, when there is an overproduction of sebum or an accumulation of dead skin cells, the hair follicles can become blocked, leading to the formation of blackheads. Factors such as hormonal changes, genetics, and certain skincare products can contribute to the development of blackheads.
