• Question: What are the black spots on our faces?

    Asked by Soha? to Greg, Jen, Laura, Mobeen, Paul on 9 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Paul O'Mahoney

      Paul O'Mahoney answered on 9 Mar 2016:

      Do you mean blackheads? These are the result of the over production of an oily substance called sebum in the hair follicles. When too much is produced, it can fill up the follicle and reach the surface. When the sebum comes in to contact with the air it turns a black colour, which gives black heads their name.

    • Photo: Jen Lowe

      Jen Lowe answered on 9 Mar 2016:

      Blackheads?
      Blackheads are part of a variety of spots called acne which are caused by excess oil being produced. The black spot is a darkened plug of oil and dead skin.
      http://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/patient-information-leaflets/acne

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