The appearance of blackheads can malign the beauty of the most flawless face. No wonder then blackheads are cause of concern for women.Formation of BlackheadsBlackheads are caused when excessive sebum (oil) and dead skin cells get trapped within the pores. If the pore is not covered over by skin, the clog gets exposed to air resulting in oxidation of sebum and skin cells. This is what appears as dark colored blackheads on the skin surface.CausesEven though it is a result of hormonal functions, blackheads can be caused by bad skin care habits as well. Here are some reasons why blackheads appear on the skin:Not Removing Make-UpMake-up and cosmetic products contain ingredients like triglycerides, fatty acids, wax esters, squalene, cholesterol, and cholesterol esters, all of which are constituents of sebum as well. When they get absorbed into the skin pores, they add to the build-up of sebum and cause blackheads.Not Cleaning the FaceIf you don’t clean your face regularly, the skin pores can collect dirt and debris from the environment which when combines with sebum result in the development of blackheads.Using Harsh Skin Care ProductsSkin care products that contain harsh ingredients serve to scrape off the protective layer from the surface of skin and expose the contents of skin pores to the air. This oxidizes the accumulated sebum and results in the appearance of blackheads.Getting Rid of BlackheadsHere are some effective skin care tips to ensure proper care for your skin and prevent and treat blackheads:Avoid Bar SoapsBar soaps contain harsh ingredients that clog the skin pores, cause irritation and cause the skin cells to flake off before due time. This makes them accumulate within the skin pores, combine with the sebum there and lead to the formation of blackheadsUse Gentle CleansersUse a mild cleanser that removes the dirt and impurities from within the skin pores without causing any irritation. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex is a great option!Exfoliate RegularlyUse a gentle scrub or exfoliant to remove the excess skin cells on the surface of the face so that they don’t build up within the pores. Exfoliants also help to improve the shape of skin pores and allow a more even flow of oil through it. However, take care not to over-exfoliate your skin lest you end up damaging your skin.Effective IngredientsBeta Hydroxy AcidsSalicylic acid is one of the most common BHAs and can penetrate through the skin pore and exfoliate inside its lining. It dissolves the debris and helps to restore normal oil flow. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties to reduces the redness of blemishes and antibacterial properties to reduce breakouts.Benzoyl PeroxideIt is a topical disinfectants such as benzoyl peroxide that helps to eliminate bacteria within the skin pores.RetinoidsTertinoin, a popular form of retinoids are very effective in treating blackheads. Retinoids are forms of vitamin A that help skin cells to function normally and improves the shape of the skin pore so oil flow is normalized and clogs are far less apt to take place.