To understand why blackhead popping videos are so popular, it’s important to understand what blackheads are and how they form. Blackheads are a type of acne called comedones. They occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Unlike whiteheads, which are closed comedowns, blackheads are open comedowns. The dark color of blackheads is not due to dirt, as commonly believed, but rather the oxidation of melanin in the clogged pore. This oxidation gives blackheads their characteristic black color.
Several factors contribute to the formation of blackheads. Excess oil production, known as sebum, is a major factor. When the skin produces too much sebum, it can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, leading to clogged pores. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty or menstruation, can also increase sebum production and contribute to the formation of blackheads.