Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What causes the dark color seen in a blackhead?

1. Clogged pores

2. Oxidation

3. Inflammation

4. Enlarged follicles

The correct answer is: Oxidation

The dark color seen in a blackhead is primarily due to oxidation. When a pore becomes clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, and is exposed to air, the material within can undergo a chemical reaction known as oxidation. This process occurs when the melanin, a pigment in the debris, reacts with oxygen in the air, resulting in the characteristic black or dark appearance of the blackhead. While clogged pores, inflammation, and enlarged follicles can all contribute to the formation of blackheads, they do not specifically explain the dark coloration. Clogged pores are simply the initial condition that leads to the development of a blackhead, inflammation indicates irritation, and enlarged follicles can be a factor in the overall skin condition but do not cause the discoloration itself. Therefore, oxidation is the key factor that results in the dark color seen in a blackhead.