What are blackheads?
Blackheads (open comedones or blackheads) are a plug from a mixture of oxidized sebum, particles of dead skin cells, dust and remnants of decorative cosmetics. They arise against the background of increased secretion of the sebaceous glands, as a result of which the pores expand and are more susceptible to clogging.
According to epidemiological studies, open comedones are a problem that occurs in people of different age categories, and not just in adolescents in puberty. Mostly such rashes are localized in areas of excessive sebum production and the largest number of active sebaceous and sweat glands: forehead, nose, chin (in other words, in the T-zone).
Why do you need peeling to fight blackheads?
Acid peels provide deep cleansing of pores from comedones thanks to:
- Acids effectively remove accumulated horny scales from the surface of the skin and inside the sebaceous hair follicle. To do this, you need to choose peeling with fat-soluble acids.
- Acids dissolve sebaceous plugs (blackheads) and cleanse stretched pores.
The right exfoliation increases the effectiveness of home care in keeping pores clean, which prevents them from stretching and looking gaping.
The best remedies for blackheads on the nose and face
Properly selected comprehensive basic care will prevent the occurrence of blackheads. Let's look at which cosmetic care products are most effective in the fight against acne.
Gels and foams for washing against blackheads
Regular cleansing in the morning and evening is a key step in the beauty routine for oily and problematic skin. Cleansing should be aimed at removing excess sebum from the face. The formulas of the cleansers also contain sebum-regulating and mattifying components that reduce its production by the sebaceous ducts.
- Effaclar Ultra range micellar water
will help remove excess sebum, sweat and cosmetics without water: a special combination of micelles, thermal water, glycerin and zinc, which has antibacterial properties, provides oily skin with delicate cleansing and the necessary care.
Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic, alkaline-free gels and foams with a normal or acidic pH. Aggressive cleansing with alcohol-containing solutions or alkaline soap violates the skin's natural protective barrier - the hydrolipid film. As a result of this excessive degreasing, dehydrated skin reacts by increasing the synthesis of sebum in order to moisturize naturally.
- Provide the dermis with gentle cleansing, use gels or foams for washing that do not contain alcohol or aggressive acids. foaming gel for oily, acne-prone skin
will gently remove excess sebum and deeply cleanse pores . The gel does not dry out sensitive skin and gives it a feeling of cleanliness and freshness for a long time.
Clay masks for blackheads
The formulas of mineral masks based on clay and its derivatives have a pronounced absorbent effect, literally pull out the remaining sebum from the pores, normalize its synthesis, and mattify the skin well. Use these masks 1-2 times a week to deeply cleanse your face.
Effaclar Purifying Mattifying Mask
removes even invisible impurities thanks to two types of cleansing clay and thermal water with the antioxidant selenium, tightens pores, and moisturizes the skin.
Exfoliants
Dead skin particles are part of the sebaceous plug, which is why it is so important to exfoliate the skin in a timely manner. Exfoliants (soft scrubs, peelings, gommages) remove the stratum corneum of cells, preventing clogging of pores. Formulas based on acids and enzymes are also suitable for exfoliating problem skin.
Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Cleansing Gel
with acids (salicylic and lipohydroxy acid) removes the keratinized layer of cells without scrubbing particles, eliminates impurities, and prevents clogging of pores.
Lotions for blackheads
Another effective remedy for acne are lotions with a sebum-regulating effect, dissolving blackheads and narrowing pores. The lotion is applied to previously cleansed skin and prepares it for basic care, improving the absorption of its beneficial components by cells.
Effaclar pore tightening lotion will help remove residual cleanser and impurities, as well as reduce pore size.
. The ultra-soft formula of the product gently cares for the skin, smoothing and mattifying its surface. The lotion also prepares the epidermis for the application of the cream.
Stripes against blackheads
Strips that pull out sebaceous plugs from pores are a working way to quickly cleanse pores of impurities. Apply a special adhesive strip mask to cleansed skin, leave it for 15-20 minutes and carefully remove it like a band-aid. Then apply a clay mask or wipe the area with lotion for best results and tighten pores.
Creams against acne and blackheads
Corrective care (creams, serums) will help prevent not only the formation of blackheads, but also their transformation into pimples. The sebaceous plug creates a favorable airless environment for the proliferation of acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes or Malassezia), which contribute to the development of inflammatory elements. A cream for blackheads, in addition to matting and antimicrobial, should have moisturizing properties that prevent tissue dehydration. Let's take a closer look at effective remedies against blackheads.
Hardware types of peeling
This procedure is carried out with special tools and only by a qualified specialist. It is divided into ultrasonic treatment and laser exposure.
Laser cleaning
This technique is aimed at breaking intercellular connections to renew facial skin cells. The facial skin is massaged with ultrasound, collagen production is stimulated. It is best used for dry to normal skin. Women with oily skin should combine ultrasound with mechanical techniques. The procedure helps smooth out the skin, facial wrinkles, and removes pigment spots and blackheads. The procedure can be done in any season, two or three times every six months. After peeling there is no redness on the face.
Region | Cost of the procedure, in rubles. |
Novosibirsk | 2000 — 5000 |
Saint Petersburg | 2500–7000 |
Moscow | 2800–8000 |
Diamond peeling
This is a relatively new procedure for beauty salons, so it is not available in all regions and medical centers.
Grinding is done using diamond dust. In combination with diamond cleaning, a vacuum massage is performed.
This procedure does not injure the skin, but promotes cell regeneration.
Region | Cost of the procedure, in rubles. |
Novosibirsk | 1500 – 3000 |
Saint Petersburg | 2000–3500 |
Moscow | 2000–3700 |
Ready-made complexes
In the fight against blackheads, you can use ready-made complexes. You don’t need to prepare them, you don’t need to be afraid of making a mistake with concentration. Simply follow the instructions on the box of the product.
Ultra Gentle Exfoliating Gel Ultraceuticals
It contains lactic and salicylic acid. The face does not dry out, thanks to glycerin. Eucalyptus oil prevents inflammation and makes the skin matte. The price starts from 4300 rubles per package.
Peeling Gommage with vitamins E from Christina
This ready-made composition can be used with equal success for salon and home procedures. It contains Dead Sea minerals and medicinal plant extracts. The complex is hypoallergenic. It is recommended for use for any skin type. The price in the store starts from 1400 rubles.
Gigi Peeling regular
This cosmetic complex is used for regular use as a means for cleansing facial skin and regenerating it. It contains stearic acid. The cost of peeling products starts from 1150 rubles.
Herb Clear Gel Pure by Cefine
The complex has a gentle effect on the skin. It is suitable for all skin types. Main active ingredient: polyglutamic acid. The price starts from 1600 rubles per package.
TOP 5 effective remedies for blackheads La Roche-Posay
- The moisturizing matting emulsion Effaclar Mat will provide the skin with a mattifying effect for up to 8 hours and will protect against dehydration for a long time. A product with La Roche-Posay thermal water, glycerin, zinc, perlite and the sebum-regulating component Sebulyse, mattifies the skin, eliminates excess oily shine on the face for 8 hours, tightens pores and moisturizes well.
- For spot application, use the corrective local product Effaclar AI, intended for oily problem skin prone to imperfections. Keratolytic components and elements in the product suppress bacterial activity and smooth the epidermis.
- Lack of skin moisture increases the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Multi-restorative moisturizing soothing product Effaclar H contains: ceramides that restore the stratum corneum and lipids of a new generation, increases the protective functions of the skin, deeply and long-term moisturizes and softens the epidermis.
- Corrective emulsion for oily skin Effaclar K(+) mattifies for 8 hours, prevents the formation of blackheads, and has an antioxidant effect to prevent sebum oxidation.
- Anthelios XL sunscreen mattifying gel-cream, SPF 50/PPD 21 for oily and combination problem skin with patented Airlicium technology reduces shine, tightens pores, the product formula is effective in open sun for up to 6 hours. Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic. Can be used under makeup.
EFFACLAR MAT
Sebum-regulating emulsion
Visibly tightens pores and eliminates oily shine.
RUB 1,618 buy
EFFACLAR AI
Corrective remedy for blackheads
Effectively affects imperfections.
RUB 1,417 buy
EFFACLAR H
Multi-restorative agent
Moisturizes oily skin, reduces flaking.
RUB 1,458 buy
EFFACLAR K(+)
Corrective emulsion for blackheads
Moisturizes oily skin, reduces flaking.
RUB 1,303 buy
ANTHELIO XL
Sunscreen for problem skin
Reduces oily shine, tightens pores.
RUB 1,673 buy
Cause of the problem
Cosmetic problems must be solved by eliminating the causes of their occurrence.
Otherwise, all measures taken will only give temporary results. And even more so, homemade ones, which are still weaker than professional methods. Black dots on the surface of the epidermis, which so greatly spoil the appearance of the skin and make it unkempt, are nothing more than ordinary dirt and exfoliated dead cells. They stick to the fat accumulated in the pores and clog them, causing the formation of acne and comedones. Yes, there are practically no blackheads on dry skin, or they are very small and can be easily removed with soap.
Conclusion - first of all, you need to try to eliminate the causes of increased skin greasiness, which most often are:
- love of sweets and fast foods, which contain a huge amount of carbohydrates;
- improper skin care, causing hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands;
- excess cosmetics, especially abuse of foundations with silicone;
- constant heating or air conditioning of the room;
- prolonged exposure to the sun or hot climates;
- frequent peelings, including a compensatory mechanism to restore hydrolipid balance;
- constant or prolonged stress, chronic fatigue, frequent lack of sleep.
In addition, there are internal factors such as hereditary predisposition, hormonal imbalance and chronic diseases. They are more difficult to deal with, but they must be taken into account when purchasing cosmetics.
What should be the composition of good anti-blackhead products?
- Hydroacids (AHA acids, azelaic acid, LHA acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid) promote gentle exfoliation of the stratum corneum of cells, breaking down the protein bonds between them, and gently cleanses the skin.
- Hydrofixatives (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, La Roche-Posay Thermal Water) soften and moisturize the skin, prevent transepidermal loss of moisture from cells, and strengthen the hydrolipid barrier.
- Amino acids (sebulis) reduce shine.
- Absorbents (perlite, kaolin) absorb sebum and sweat, giving the skin matte and smoothness.
- Zinc pidolate or zinc mattifies the skin and has antibacterial properties.
- Niacinamide soothes skin.
- Prokerad prevents the formation of stagnant spots.
- Mannose extract normalizes the skin microbiome and restores its protective properties.
- Antioxidants (vitamin C, E, carnosine) prevent oxidative stress by helping cells fight the negative effects of free radicals.
- Piroctone olamine has an anti-inflammatory effect and cleanses pores.
- Oils (squalane, shea butter, shea butter) restore the hydrolipidic barrier, nourish, soften the skin, and prevent the development of hyperkeratosis.
Natural oils
Natural oils perfectly dissolve fat, so they are also good to use for high-quality skin cleansing. Products with a light consistency and not subjected to heat treatment during production are best suited:
- avocado – light, perfectly absorbed, rich in vitamins and perfectly moisturizes the skin;
- olive is a traditional basic cosmetic product that is perfectly absorbed by the skin and contains a large amount of Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids;
- peach – does not overload the skin, has a slight whitening effect, penetrates deeply enough and smoothes out fine wrinkles;
- wheat germ – contains a large amount of antioxidants, protects against the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, slows down the aging process;
- sesame – the most neutral, can be used even on inflamed and very sensitive skin, accelerates the healing of wounds and cracks;
- grape seeds – has pronounced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands and tightens pores;
- apricot – contains a large amount of carotene, prevents the early appearance of wrinkles and significantly reduces existing ones, eliminates flaking of the skin;
- macadamia - it’s not for nothing that they call it liquid gold, it is absorbed almost completely, whitens, rejuvenates and deeply moisturizes the skin.
This simple technique will help you quickly remove blackheads with natural oil. Wash your face with water with a small amount of gel and lightly steam. You can also perform the procedure in a sauna or while taking a bath. Apply a little preheated oil to the skin. Cover the top with a cotton or terry towel soaked in hot water. Lie quietly for 5-10 minutes, carefully collect the remaining oil with the same cloth and wash again with warm water.
Salon treatments for blackheads
If the imperfections are non-inflammatory and there is no recurrence of acne, you can get rid of blackheads using popular cosmetic procedures. Properly selected corrective home care will prolong the temporary results of aesthetic manipulations.
Types of salon procedures for removing blackheads:
- Ultrasonic, vacuum or mechanical (manual) cleaning of pores;
- Dermabrasion (mechanical resurfacing) for deep exfoliation of the skin;
- Cryotherapy (cryopeeling), acid peeling (based on glycolic, lactic, azelaic, salicylic acids or retinoids) for intensive renewal of the stratum corneum of the skin;
- Laser resurfacing is a radical and most traumatic way to get rid of acne, as well as post-acne marks, by exposing the epidermis to a laser beam.
- Disincrustation cleanses pores with a special solution that delivers electric current to the deep layers of the skin.
Reviews
Reviews about peeling, its chemical compositions and methods are very contradictory. Some women note the complete uselessness of the glycolic procedure, but praise procedures with fruit acids. Many people note that the spots went away quickly after the procedure, but the effect is only temporary if the skin is prone to comedones. Based on reviews on the Internet, you can see many dissatisfied posts about the condition of the skin after the procedure. It takes up to 10 days to heal, and all this time the face peels, swells and turns red. Almond peeling is considered one of the most effective and gentle, after which there is no peeling, and the effect is visible immediately. Some women do not believe in expensive salon procedures and do facial cleansing according to proven “folk” recipes.
Folk remedies for blackheads: will they help?
Home remedies for blackheads are a common way to cleanse the skin of sebaceous plugs at home.
The following are often used in cleansing masks:
- tea tree, which relieves inflammation and cleanses pores;
- clay (white, blue, black) as an absorbent of sebum and other impurities that clog pores;
- egg white, which has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- baking soda cleanses pores, relieves and dries inflammation.
These are not all the available components that are used to prepare cleaning products at home. But each of them in their pure form has a number of contraindications, as they can cause an allergic reaction and provoke new foci of inflammation. Experts in the field of dermatology do not recommend resorting to such a prescription, replacing them with professional care with clinically proven effectiveness.
Let's sum it up
Peeling effectively deals with blackheads, wrinkles, and skin blemishes. After the procedure, the skin looks younger . But before cleansing, you need to consult with a cosmetologist who will advise you on how to properly prepare for cleansing, choose the type of cleansing, and select the concentration of active substances. In the salon, the qualifications of the specialist are no less important.
An incorrectly performed procedure can lead to scars, suppuration, and burns.
“Home” remedies are safer and less caustic, so they can be used without fear for the results. But such compositions are gentle and less effective.
Causes of blackheads on the face and preventive measures
- Insufficient cleansing of facial skin
is one of the key causes of imperfections. Twice a day, wash your face with foams or gels for oily problem skin or wipe your face with micellar water, which delicately removes remaining impurities from the skin and prevents clogging of pores. - Excessive exfoliation and squeaky cleansing
is the other side of the coin. Aggressive formulas of alkali- or alcohol-based cleansers disrupt the hydrolipidic mantle of the skin and provoke dehydration. Choose gentle formulas with a normal or acidic pH. - Insufficient hydration
disrupts the hydrobalance of cells and triggers increased sebum synthesis. Dryness also occurs as a result of over-cleaning, excess matting and exposure to negative external factors. Use corrective care with hydrofixatives at the base of the formula to maintain the water balance of cells. - Incorrect care
also negatively affects the condition of the epidermis. For example, greasy, oily textures in dry skin products clog pores and can cause breakouts. Choose non-comedogenic formulas for oily, problem and combination skin. - An unbalanced diet
is another cause of imperfections in oily problem skin. Fatty, sweet, salty, spicy foods increase the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Switch to a healthy diet enriched with fiber, vitamins and minerals that will help normalize your skin from the inside out.
Precautions and possible consequences
Consequences after the procedure may be expected or unexpected.
Expectations include mild redness of the treated area, swelling, and the face may peel off.
Unexpected complications include complications after cleaning. This is a long-term, persistent redness of the skin, severe swelling, rash, and ulcers on injured areas. Self-medication for complications can lead to scars on the face.
To minimize the consequences, it is necessary to take precautions during the cleansing and after the procedure. You should not peel during menstruation, breastfeeding or pregnancy.
The cosmetologist must have sufficient qualifications so as not to violate the technology of the procedure. The most common mistakes : incorrect speed of application of the solution, violation of the order of application of the composition, its uneven layer, incorrect duration of application.
Before peeling, the patient must additionally prepare the skin for the procedure. This may be the use of special cosmetics on the advice of a cosmetologist. It is recommended to take a course of antiviral medications to prevent herpes from developing after the procedure.
If the skin is not properly cared for after cleansing, irritation may occur and allergies may develop. Allergic reactions to the composition of the drug occur less frequently.
Redness of the skin is normal after cleansing the face.
If skin care is correct, the redness will quickly go away. The face may peel off; you should not tear off the films so as not to injure the skin. This can lead to scars and mechanical damage. Swelling around the eyes and mouth goes away on average 3 days after cleaning. The skin may darken. This effect disappears within 7–10 days after peeling. After the manipulations, the face is sensitive to the sun from 7 days to 12 months.
The expected consequences do not need to be treated; they go away on their own. The main thing is to properly care for your skin during this period.
Who is allowed and prohibited from peeling with salicylic acid? 45
Many visitors to beauty salons think about the question of how to get rid of skin imperfections? In the absence of contraindications, cosmetologists recommend undergoing an acid peeling procedure. It is indicated for acne (in the absence of inflammatory elements), seborrheic dermatitis, photoaging, pigmentation. But during periods when the sun is more active, it is better to avoid the procedure. The optimal time for the procedure is the autumn-winter period.
Acid peeling is contraindicated if you have:
- inflammatory rashes;
- injuries, cuts, burns and other damage in the affected area;
- herpes in acute form;
- increased skin sensitivity;
- taking glycemic drugs;
- individual intolerance to the components of the product.
Blackheads due to acne
Acne begins with the appearance of open and closed comedones, which can be considered “pre-pimples.” Factors have been identified that contribute to the formation of inflammatory red acne from comedones (papules and pustules, sometimes nodules and cysts). This:
- hereditary predisposition to oily seborrhea due to increased sensitivity of pilosebaceous complexes to androgens;
- endocrine disorders with an increase in testosterone levels in the body (for example, polycystic ovary syndrome);
- use of comedogenic cosmetics;
- constant contact of the skin with harmful substances (oils, fuel oil, tar, chlorine);
- taking anabolic steroids, antidepressants, oral contraceptives;
- self-medication.
In people with the problems described above, the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) also settles in the pilosebaceous complexes, which, with the usual amount of sebum, does not cause harm, but in clogged pores it multiplies intensively and processes its excess into substances that irritate the skin. The immune system reacts to the presence of bacteria with inflammation, and comedones turn into papules and then into pustules (purulent pimples).
It is precisely because of red pimples with white, festering heads that people usually turn to a cosmetologist. Although those who have a lot of comedones, including closed ones, should also be actively treated, since this is a comedonal form of acne, and not just clogged pores.
This is why self-medication, which usually consists of endless cleaning of black pores (often with dirty hands) and treating the skin with aggressive products, does not have an effect. And in many people, due to constant trauma to the pilosebaceous complexes, the disease develops into papulopustular and cystic nodular forms. Traces of the latter remain for life. Eliminating them requires a lot of time, patience and financial investment. All this can be avoided by promptly contacting a cosmetologist.