Each of us is well aware of those small black or white imperfections called blackheads, most often found on the nose, chin or forehead. They are quite stubborn, but luckily there are a few ways that can prevent their appearance and make the skin look smooth, radiant and clean. Here's what we need to know to prevent them.

What are blackheads and why do they appear?

Blackheads are the mildest form of acne and are most often caused by blocked hair follicles, often called comedones. They appear due to pollution and clogging of pores with excess sebum. Blackheads are quite easy to recognize as they are a common skin problem, not only during puberty but also later in life. They can appear on both oily and dry skin, and if not addressed in time, they can develop into acne. They can most often be seen on the chin, nose, forehead, shoulders and back.

Let's also consider the reasons for their appearance

There can be several reasons for the appearance of black dots. Here a lot depends on what stage of your life you are in, but usually, lifestyle and bad habits are responsible for their formation. Here are some main reasons:

• Hormonal imbalance

Most often, this is a condition during puberty, pregnancy or during menstruation. During these periods, the sebaceous glands secrete oily substances that moisturize the skin and this can lead to clogged pores.

• The food

Quality food is always the basis of good health, it is also responsible for the good condition of the skin. Therefore, it is good to know which foods have a positive and which negative effect on the condition of our skin.

Foods that negatively affect the skin

Foods to avoid in order to have clear and radiant skin, without blackheads and acne, are semi-finished products, high-fat foods and those with a high glycemic index. For example:

-         Foods with a high glycemic index - These are foods that increase blood sugar, thus stimulating fat secretion and leading to inflammation on the skin. Examples of such foods are: pasta and sweets, white rice, potatoes. 

-         Sweets – They are part of the above and you don't have to cut them out completely, but it's good to limit their intake. You can replace them with dark or natural chocolate, honey, fresh and dried fruits.

-        Fizzy Drinks – Most fizzy drinks contain more sugar than some sweet treats. The artificial ingredients contained in carbonated drinks slow down the digestion of food and this contributes to the appearance of acne and blackheads. 

-       Fast foods - Foods such as burgers, pizzas, hotdogs, fries, in most cases are semi-finished products in which preservatives, enhancers and flavorings are added. These artificial substitutes accumulate in the body and this leads to deterioration of the skin condition. 

-         The lack of fresh foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables would lead to a bad condition not only of the skin, but also of health. 

Foods our skin loves:

- Foods that support good skin condition are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and are found in seafood and fish, broccoli, all kinds of nuts and legumes.

- All fresh fruits and vegetables take care of cleansing the body of toxins and hormonal balance. And toxins and hormones are one of the main culprits for the appearance of blackheads and acne.

- Whether for external or internal use, honey is one of the best products for the skin. He copes well with inflammation.

- Adequate water intake is also key. However, the human body is made up of 70% water and if its intake is not sufficient, then the skin has a withered and exhausted appearance, fine lines begin to appear and the skin begins to get oily - to compensate for the lack of water, and this definitely leads until the appearance of black dots.

• Emotional state

The influence of strong tension and stress causes the epidermal cells to produce more sebum, which of course leads to clogged pores and the appearance of blackheads.

How to deal with blackheads?

• The most effective way to clean blackheads is after a bath. Leather is much easier to clean if it is exposed to steam before cleaning.
• Regular skin cleansing is key. In this way, makeup and environmental impurities are removed, and after that, the skin is ready for the next steps.
• Exfoliation cleans the skin deeply and removes dead skin cells, which if not cleaned well, cause clogged pores, hence the appearance of blackheads.
• You need to choose the right product that is gentle and kind to the skin. Excessively abrasive skin exfoliation products can damage the epidermis and cause irritation and discomfort.

To treat blackheads properly, we advise you to include in your routine Glowing Black Face Mask enriched with rose extract, grape seed extract and activated carbon, which Nature of Agiva specialists created from natural extracts and skin-friendly ingredients. Cleanses deeply, taking care of the good condition of the skin without drying it. If you take care of your skin on time and with the right products, it will thank you over the years!