Blackheads and Enlarged Pores

What are blackheads and enlarged pores?

Blackheads are small, dark spots that form when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells and debris. As the clog meets the air it oxidises and darkens. Enlarged pores are visibly dilated openings, most common in areas with more oil-gland activity such as the nose, cheeks and forehead, and can give the skin an uneven texture.

What causes them?

Blackheads are linked to excess oil production, a build-up of dead skin cells, hormonal changes, pore-clogging products and environmental factors. Enlarged pores can be influenced by genetics, excess oil, ageing and sun damage, all of which affect the skin’s elasticity.

Types

Blackheads include open comedones (open pores that oxidise and darken) and closed comedones (whiteheads). Enlarged pores are often described as oily-skin pores, age-related pores, or sun-damaged pores.