Acne is a widespread skin issue, which generally begins during puberty, when sex hormones cause changes in the body. Acne occurs in about 95 % of 16-year-olds. While acne may reduce as the body adjusts to these sex hormones, but acne can persist into adulthood. Blackheads and whiteheads are two common, mild non-inflammatory types of acne. They usually form on the face, back, chest, neck, arms, and shoulders. As the names suggest, blackheads look like black dots on your skin and whiteheads look like white spots. Although both form differently, both respond to similar treatment approaches. Because of their dark color, blackheads are easy to spot on the skin. They are slightly raised, but not painful because they are not inflamed like pimples. Most blackheads and whiteheads that are close to the surface of your skin are more likely to go away through natural remedies. However, for deeply embedded blackheads seeking a dermatologist advice is necessary.

How blackheads develop?

Blackheads are also called open comedones that are the skin-colored bumps that form when you have a pimple. These comedones consist of follicles beneath your skin with very large openings, or pores that become clogged with a substance known as sebum, dirt, dead skin cells and makeup. A chemical reaction with the sebum/melanin oxidization through exposure to the air/oxygen occurs under your skin and turns the clogged pores look black blemish and a blackhead forms.

How whiteheads develop?

Whiteheads are closed comedones. The follicles beneath your skin become filled with bacteria and have a very small opening at the top of your skin. Air is not able to enter the follicle, so the bacteria inside do not undergo the same chemical reaction that causes blackheads to be dark and a white blemish forms.

Is it good to pop or squeeze blackheads and whiteheads?

It is tempting to popping or squeezing with fingers whiteheads or blackheads but squeezing can push bacteria and other substances deeper into the skin, which might cause more swelling, redness, scabs and permanent pits or scars. These techniques will not necessarily get rid of the problem.

What causes /factors can increase the chances of developing blackheads/whiteheads?

• Undergoing hormonal changes that causes producing too much body oil during the teen years, during menstruation, or while taking birth control pills
• Building up of the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria on the skin
• Irritation of the hair follicles when dead skins cells do not shed on a regular basis
• Taking certain drugs, such as corticosteroids, lithium, or androgens

• Other causes include diet, perspiration, and reactions to certain skin care products and fabrics.

What are the natural treatments for blackheads and whiteheads?

Both blackheads and whiteheads caused by clogged pores that can be treated similarly with some natural remedies.

1. Baking Soda: is a an alkaline substance and a powerful ingredient that balances the skin's PH level and also cures whiteheads and blackheads by removing dirt, oil, and dead cells very easily. It is a natural exfoliator. Prepare a paste by mixing 1tbs of baking soda with 2tbs of water. Apply it gently on the face and let it remain for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, you can rinse it off with lukewarm water.

2. Tomato: is rich in vitamin C and A. They have skin-brightening, oil absorbing, and pore shrinking qualities. It is especially good for those who have oily skin as tomato pulp effectively removes the extra grease without being harsh. Cut a tomato into few round slices and rub on the affected areas of your face and other areas of the face as well. After 5 minutes, wash it off with normal water. Your skin becomes healthy and smooth.

3. Steaming: your face softens blackheads and whiteheads and clears your skin by opening up pores and removing the whitehead toxins and blackheads from the surface of your skin. Slightly rubbing wipe your face nicely with towel.

4. Keep your face clean: because you face is the most exposed part to the external atmosphere that naturally attracts pollution and dust very easily. So wash your face regularly whenever you feel the face is getting too oily or exposed to pollution. Washing should be done either by using normal water or by slightly rubbing your skin with a wet Turkish towel.

5. Lemon, honey and sugar: A mixture of these ingredients in equal quantities works effectively on blackheads and whiteheads. Apply it on the affected areas and leave it there for 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water. The citric acid in lemon can open up the pores, whereas honey has an excellent anti-bacterial property and sugar acts as a scrub to exfoliate your skin. You will see clearly their effect on your skin. Hygiene is an important factor to prevent blackheads or whiteheads. Keep your skin clean so that it can breathe.

6. Raw apple cider vinegar: (diluted with 50 or 75% water) is a naturally acidic substance that can help exfoliate the skin and act as an astringent helping to dry out extra oil in the pores and shrink their size. Its high acidity may also help reduce inflammation, and kill the bacteria that lead to acne.

What are the effective self-care tips to prevent acne breakouts

·      Washing your skin gently with mild soap and lukewarm water twice a day

• Refraining from squeezing pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and using caution when shaving
• Avoiding excessive sun exposure that could cause tanning or burns
• Using only oil-free, noncomedogenic skin care products, which do not clog the pores
• Using cosmetics sparingly and removing makeup before going to bed
• Using fragrance-free, water-based, emollient products to treat dry skin
• Regularly washing your hair and keeping hairspray away from the face
• Wearing loose clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and hemp
• Maintaining a healthy diet with less sugary and high-sodium food or drinks