Blackheads are little bumps that look like a small black dot. The cause of blackheads is usually excess oil that has clogged the pores. Sometimes it is a  misshapen pore that stops the natural oils from making their way to the surface of your skin. When the oil builds up and is mixed with oxygen it hardens and turns black.

Hormones are the cause of excess oil production which is why the belief that teenagers get spots the worst. Also, skin care products can mix with the bodys oil and cause a build up. Basically, the key is to keep your pores of your skin clear and clean. By avoiding them from becoming blocked you can save a lot of trouble.

Spots or whiteheads on the other hand are largely a result of a build up of dirt and toxin that sits in oil. The best guard against spots is to keep skin clear and clean and avoid touching your face throughout the day since your hands will pick up a lot of dirt. Remember, dirt can be invisible but the effects will soon show up on your face.

Whether too much chocolate can cause spots, remains a bit of an old wives tale but there does seem to be a connection.

Also, keep your hair washed to stop too much oil building up on your pillow.

To prevent blackheads

Avoid greasy skin products, this helps lessen your pores becoming blocked. Regular soap contains ingredients that can clog your pores, so use a gentle water soluble acne cleanser where ever possible.

Also, be sure to remove dead skin with a good exfoliate, it should contain around 1 or 2 percent salicylic acid.

To remove blackheads

Believe it or not, the best way to remove blackheads is good old regular squeezing but there are a few things to keep in mind before you do so. Wash your face first to remove dead cells, soften the skin for a few minutes with a warm compress. Then when you start to squeeze, do it gently, if a blackhead is resilient, leave it to avoid damaging your skin or bleeding.