Blackheads are the next worst thing after pimples. The best way to get rid of blackheads is to prevent them from forming in the first place. In order to prevent blackheads from forming, you need to know what causes them. Read on to find out what causes blackheads so that you will know how to prevent them from forming in the future.

Blackheads are caused by pores that are partially blocked. They appear black due to the oxidizing effect of air on the sebum that fills the blocked pore combined with the melanin pigment from the dead skin cells. The key to prevent blackheads is to remove the excess sebum and dead skin cells. The first thing you need to look at are your current cleansing and skincare products. Try to stick to products that contain natural ingredients, as harsh products and chemicals strip the skin of oil, which stimulates more sebum production, resulting in blocked pores. Natural cleansing oils, such as coconut or jojoba, are great ways to clean your skin. The ingredients you want to avoid when using a facial product include alcohol, parabens, mineral oil, lanolin and sodium lauryl sulphate.

Exfoliation is another important step you need to take in order to prevent blackheads from forming. Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells so that your pores will not be blocked. Try Neutrogena Clear Pore Scrub, which cleanses and clears impurities responsible for causing breakouts, in addition to providing exfoliating micro-beads that rid your skin of dead skin cells, thereby unclogging pores.