Amongst these is testosterone, a male-type sex hormone that is found in both men and women. Testosterone causes the sebaceous glands that produce sebum to enlarge and overproduce the substance. Men are obviously more prone to acne as their bodies contain higher levels of testosterone This excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and congeals in the pores of our skin. This is a “blackhead” and doesn’t mean one is unclean; the dark colour of the blackhead is caused by skin pigment, not dirt. If one has a blackhead, careful squeezing of the area can remove the sebum plug and allow the pore to drain before infection sets in. One must, however, be careful not to damage or irritate the surrounding skin as this can result in permanent scarring and/or further over production of sebum.The same hormonal changes can also cause our skin to swell up and thus constrict the opening of the pores. Bacteria that normally exists safely on the surface of our skin thrive in these airless pockets. The body’s normal reaction to infection – to flood the affected area with defensive white blood cells – is the cause of so-called “whiteheads”. I’m saying it now; don’t pop your spots.
Dr. Sandra Lee’s Videos 27
