What are blackheads on the face called?

When pores become clogged with sebum and dust particles, they become dark and inflamed. Mostly, blockages occur on the nose and in the T-zone of the face, since the glands that secrete fat are most active in these areas. The reasons why blackheads appear may be different; it is more important to find out what means exist to remove them, preferably once and for all.

What are blackheads

Scientifically, they are called open comedones. In fact, these are clogged pores with sebum, dirt and dust, etc. Comedones can be of different sizes (and small ones, which are difficult to squeeze out, are no better than large ones that spoil the appearance), can become inflamed, then turning into pimples. The problem of blackheads is medical, therefore, to solve it, it is recommended to seek help from a cosmetologist. However, there are home methods for getting rid of it.

What they look like

Comedones look as they are described - they are dark spots that appear primarily on the nose and T-zone (forehead/bridge of the nose), but can be located on other parts of the face, such as the cheeks and chin, or on the body. The problem is especially pronounced in those with oily or combination skin types and enlarged pores. The visual effect of black pores results from the accumulation of dirt in them. The more clogged debris, the larger and darker the dot.

Why do blackheads appear?

Unlike teenage acne, clogged pores also occur in adulthood. The reasons for this are as follows:

1. Hormonal imbalances in the body. At the age of 27-30, there is a sharp decline in estrogen in the blood, which is why sebum begins to be released in greater quantities than before. Some medications can also lead to hormonal imbalances.
2. Incorrect care. Scented makeup products and incorrectly selected cosmetics have a negative impact. Oily creams can clog pores. Drying medications can dry out the skin, causing it to produce more oil in response. In addition, if you neglect to regularly cleanse your face every evening and every morning (not necessarily with expensive toners, but minimal care, washing and complete removal of makeup before bed should take place), the skin will begin to become dirty.
3. Poor nutrition. Abuse of spicy, salty and fatty foods (especially fast food), coffee, energy drinks, and alcoholic drinks leads to active work of the sebaceous glands.
4. Smoking. Tobacco is bad for your skin. It is recommended to limit it or eliminate it altogether.
5. Sweating. This function can be adjusted: do not wear makeup on hot days, use thermal water, do not wear clothes made of synthetic fabrics.
6. Ecology. The air in megacities is more polluted than in villages. The solution is simple: cleanse your face as often as possible.

How to get rid of black dots

To choose an effective way to get rid of it, you need to find out the cause of its appearance. Only by solving the original problem will it be possible to clear your face of blackheads once and for all. The methods of struggle are:

1. Homemade cleansing face masks. They are made on the basis of drying and antibacterial components - lemon juice, kefir, chamomile decoction. The effect is noticeable after several repetitions.
2. Extrusion. This is a simple, but painstaking, painful work that is recommended to be done once every two weeks. You can sign up for this procedure with a cosmetologist or squeeze out blackheads at home yourself.
3. Peeling and scrubs. They can be homemade (contain sugar, soda or fine salt) or purchased cosmetics. Removal of blackheads using this method is carried out both independently and in salons. It is recommended to do it once or twice a week (for light peeling), less often for aggressive scrubbing.
4. Strips for removing blockages. They are sold in markets or made according to folk recipes based on gelatin.
5. Combined drugs. Medicinal gels containing anti-inflammatory components and antibiotics. They cleanse from the inside, penetrating deeply into the layers of the epidermis, thereby destroying harmful microorganisms.

Masks

The two most popular masks are black and white (there are different manufacturers). The first is made on the basis of activated carbon, the second contains soda. The effectiveness of the products is the same, but both have the main drawback - they dry out the skin very much, so after using them you need to actively moisturize it, and you need to wash off the mask after 10 minutes of exposure. It is also useful to use cosmetic clay - blue or white. Its main function is to dry the skin, so you need to combine other cleansing methods with this mask.

Creams

One of the most effective products on the market is Differin cream. The active substance in the composition, the retinoid adapalene, can remove comedones. The cream cleanses the sebaceous glands well. The cost of the product is 600 rubles. The manufacturer already mentioned above has a cheaper option. For 100 rub. You can buy Propeller cream in the form of foam. Its main advantage is hypoallergenicity.

Scrubs

“Clean Line” with apricot kernels is a popular and effective budget product. Designed for normal skin. For those with dry and sensitive skin, we recommend its softer version “Clean Line” with cranberry seeds and raspberry juice. “Apricot kernels” have been on sale for more than 15 years, and their effectiveness has been confirmed by hundreds of reviews. Judging by them, the “raspberry” scrub is also not lagging behind in effectiveness.

Pharmacy products

An effective way to remove impurities from pores is to use a patch. This is a special fabric-based patch that is sold in pharmacies. The patch pulls blockages to the surface, so after use you can only wipe them off with a cotton swab. Before applying the patch, your face needs to be steamed. Another pharmaceutical remedy is calendula tincture. Diluted with water 1:1, used as a lotion.

Salon treatments

Using home remedies is a matter of trial and error. Without special education, it is difficult to choose the ideal care for yourself. That's why many girls turn to salons. In order to clean pores, specialists carry out the following procedures:

1. Mechanical cleaning. The same extrusion, only professional.
2. Ultrasonic. A painless procedure that stimulates regeneration processes.
3. Vacuum. Cleans the deepest dirt using a tube that creates pressure. A life hack with an ampoule is a home analogue of this manipulation.
4. Chemical peeling. Removing comedones with fruit acids that dissolve blockages.
5. Vaporizer. Hardware steaming of facial skin.

Vacuum cleaning

It is carried out with a special tool that creates pressure. So, the sebaceous plugs are literally pulled out.

1. Benefit: Effectively clears even the most serious blockages.
2. Contraindications: dry, sensitive skin, inflammation, dermatological lesions.
3. Process: before manipulation, the pores are opened with a vaporizer or the face is prepared with warming creams, then a vacuum tube is taken and passed over the entire surface. The procedure takes up to an hour, the cleaning itself takes 15-20 minutes. After the manipulation, a soothing mask is applied.

Mechanical cleaning

Although this type of cleansing can be done at home yourself, the effect of a professional procedure cannot be compared with it. Firstly, the masters use high-quality preparations to treat the skin, and secondly, they remove comedones carefully, using their fingers and special tools.

1. Benefit: painstaking manual work guarantees the removal of all contaminants.
2. Contraindications: dermatitis, menstruation (inflammation will appear), sensitive skin, vessels close to the upper layer of the dermis.
3. Process: first, wash the face with an antibacterial solution, then apply soothing and steaming ointments or gels, or expand the pores with a bath, and then begin squeezing. The cleaning itself takes up to half an hour, the entire session – about 1.5-2. After squeezing, a mask is applied to tighten the pores and the Darsonval device is used to speed up skin healing.

Folk remedies

Folk recipes are based on the use of herbs and products for cosmetic purposes. They are used to make homemade masks and lotions against sebaceous plugs. Their main advantage: naturalness.

1. Protein mask. One protein is mixed with one tablespoon of sugar. Apply to face and leave until dry. Then apply a second layer using patting movements, creating a stretching adhesive mask. Continue manipulation until the substance stops sticking to your fingers. Wash off the mask and then moisturize the skin with cream. Repeat 3-4 times a week.
2. A product based on salt and soda. The substances are mixed 1:1. Moisten a cotton swab and dip into the mixture. Treat comedones with it, lightly wiping the skin. Repeat once a week.
3. Kefir mask (for those with oily and combination skin). Apply kefir to your face and leave for up to 20 minutes. Then wash it off.
4. A gentle product for sensitive skin. Add a few drops of lemon juice to honey, apply to areas of the face where there are blockages, leave for 10 minutes, and wash off.

Prevention of occurrence

Firstly, you need to carefully study the reasons for the appearance of comedones on the face and reduce their impact as much as possible. Normalize your diet, eliminate caffeine and alcohol. Secondly, you need to remember the main rule: touch your face with your hands as little as possible. If inflammation appears on the skin, do not touch it, squeeze it out only with disinfection. In addition, use properly selected cosmetics, provide regular care, wash your face morning and evening (only with a mild lotion, not soap, it dries).

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Unlike oily shine or acne, blackheads are familiar to many - after all, they can appear on any skin type. Why they arise and how to get rid of them (and whether this should be done) will be discussed in this article.

1. What are blackheads
2. Causes of blackheads
3. Blackheads: what to do?
4. How to remove blackheads
5. Cosmetology procedures
6. Cosmetical tools
7. Prevention

What are blackheads

Blackheads are also called open comedones. They form when pores become clogged with a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells. Many people ignorantly confuse black dots and a phenomenon called sebaceous filaments.

With blackheads, the pores are completely clogged.

Sebaceous filaments (their name can be translated as “sebaceous ducts”) are an element of the structure of the hair follicle. They do not clog the pore, but rather line it from the inside and serve as a kind of channel through which sebum is brought to the surface of the skin.

Not every person has blackheads, but everyone has sebaceous filaments. And if you can get rid of the former or significantly reduce their number, then exterminating the latter is a waste of time and money. They will appear again anyway.

To understand what type of education is bothering you, just take a closer look at them:

black dots are dense, cork-like formations with a dark and dense top;

The contents of the sebaceous ducts (sebacious filaments) have a translucent yellow or grayish tint and, if squeezed out, will come to the surface in the form of a thread, which in texture will resemble Vaseline.

The sebaceous ducts that open into the pores are essential fat channels that renew the protective hydrolipidic mantle of the skin. Their contents in the pores consist of a mixture of epidermal cells, sebum and bacteria.

As a rule, on dry and normal skin such pores are practically invisible, but on oily and combination skin they can become visible due to expansion due to increased sebum production. Comedones (blackheads) appear when the sebum in these channels becomes too thick. The processes of sebum oxidation are activated and the pigment melanin, which is contained in sebum, appears.

Causes of blackheads

As a rule, enlarged pores are a sign of oily or combination skin with increased sebum production. It is impossible to turn oily skin into normal skin, but it is quite possible to bring it closer to this state.

When your skin produces too much thick oil that clogs the pores, oxidizes and shows pigment, we get what is called blackheads.

So, what can cause blackheads to appear?

Hormones

Nutrition

To date, a direct connection between nutrition and skin condition has not been scientifically established. However, it has been noticed that exacerbation of skin problems often occurs if the following appears in the diet:

milk and fatty dairy products;

carbohydrates (bread, pastries).

Acne is also often found in those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders (gastritis, peptic ulcer). If you are concerned about inflammatory processes on the skin, be sure to visit a gastroenterologist.

Wrong skin care products

Insufficient cleansing

Even a thick layer of foundation will not harm the skin if it is washed off in time. The statement that the skin “does not breathe” under cosmetics is a myth, but foundation can still interfere with the optimal regulation of sebum. Therefore, use non-comedogenic foundations (for oily or problem skin).

Irregular exfoliation

Don't neglect exfoliation. Exfoliation is necessary for the skin so that dead epidermal cells do not prevent sebum from coming to the surface. Failure to do this cleansing can lead to clogged pores and, as a result, blackheads.

Blackheads: what to do?

To keep your pores clean for as long as possible, follow a few simple rules.

Don't forget to wash your face 2 times a day. It is especially important to do this in the morning, because the peak of sebum production occurs between 4:00–5:00.

Don’t be lazy to study the composition of cosmetics before purchasing, especially if you already know which ingredients are comedogenic for you.

Don't neglect exfoliation. Accumulations of dead skin particles interfere with healthy sebum regulation and prevent the active substances from your cosmetics from penetrating into the skin.

Alcohol-containing products will help narrow the pores, but you should not abuse them - alcohol dries the skin, which means it provokes even more sebum secretion.

How to remove blackheads

The easiest way to remove blackheads is to simply squeeze them out. But this method is traumatic, and as a result of improper removal, inflammation can develop. Therefore, we recommend visiting a cosmetologist, because now salons and clinics offer many procedures for deep cleansing of the skin.

Cosmetology procedures

Mechanical cleaning is performed manually by a cosmetologist using a special tool. This is an effective way to get rid of comedones, but it is the most traumatic and can result in an exacerbation of rashes.

When vacuum cleaning, a specialist, having previously steamed the skin, uses a special device with a vacuum nozzle, which draws out oil and impurities from the pores.

When vaporizing, the skin is treated with steam mixed with ozone, which gives it bactericidal properties. Steam has an expanding effect on the pores, which helps regulate sebum secretion.

Ultrasonic cleaning is the most effective and safe procedure. It is performed using a special spatula, which instantly removes sebaceous plugs using ultrasonic waves.

Cosmetical tools

There are enough products on the cosmetic market to get rid of blackheads; choose those that suit your skin type.

Patches or strips for blackheads are applied to damp skin for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the adhesive surface of the patch “pulls” dirt out of the pores.

Clay-based cleansing masks remove sebum from pores to the surface, and the active substances in their composition help normalize sebum secretion.

Creams and tonics with acids (benzoic, salicylic, glycolic) accelerate the process of exfoliation of dead cells.

A scrub is effective when used regularly, but is a rather rough method of exfoliation. Not suitable for sensitive, inflamed and irritated skin. Our test will help you decide on the choice of scrub.

Prevention

In between cleansings, provide your skin with supportive care with ingredients that cleanse and regulate sebum production.

Cleansing and makeup removal

In this category of products, pay special attention to formulas with salicylic acid.

Products for cleansing and makeup removal

Apply to dry skin, massage lightly, then rinse and cleanse skin with cleanser.

Squalane and primrose oil hydrate skin without clogging pores. Lavender oil soothes and regulates sebum production.

Cleansing mattifying mousse Normaderm, Vichy

Apply a small amount of foam to damp skin and rinse. Use morning and evening.

Salicylic acid accelerates the skin renewal process, preventing clogged pores and inflammation.

For daily care of skin prone to blackheads, choose light gel or fluid textures.

Creams and lotions

Moisturizing Products

Apply a little product to the skin of the face, neck and décolleté, or on top of the serum.

Brazilian algae extract saturates the skin with minerals and trace elements.

Extracts of burnet, ginger and cinnamon reduce oily skin and tighten pores.

Allantoin and panthenol soften the skin.

Herbal lotion for problem skin, Kiehl’s

Apply to pre-cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area.

Camphor and menthol have a cooling effect. Sodium salt, a non-comedogenic moisture-retaining agent, increases skin moisture levels.

Masks and exfoliants

Use these products more often 1-2 times a week.

Black spots on the face are a problem that knows neither age nor gender. Both young guys and 30-year-old women suffer from this skin deficiency. Scientifically, blackheads are called comedones.

Reasons for appearance

They appear due to the release of sebum through an open pore. The nodule acquires a gray or black color due to dust and dirt. A typical cause of comedones is insufficient skin care.

Black spots on the face

Black spots on the face can appear as a result of an unbalanced diet or hormonal imbalance. The skin needs daily care, which consists of three simple postulates:

Today there are enough products designed to care for problem skin. The choice is large and requires a careful and thoughtful approach, because we are talking primarily about facial skin.

To choose the right product, it is important to consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist. Conduct your own mini user survey. For example, reviews about “Skinoren” gel are very positive. This is a product that is in great demand among modern consumers. But in addition to the use of drugs and products, it is worth paying great attention to daily skin care. This is exactly what we will dwell on in more detail.

Daily care

To remove makeup, use cosmetic wipes or cotton pads soaked in makeup remover milk.

You should wash your face with warm water using special products that will help clean pores and remove dust and dirt from the surface of the skin.

You need to wash your face with warm water

Daily peelings and scrubs are available for sale; microparticles of these products more effectively remove keratinized epithelium and wash away gray plaque.

Washing your face before bed should become an integral part of your life. The skin, like a filter, collects daytime dust and suffocates at night.

You can add a few drops of essential oils to your evening wash:

These oils do not contain chemicals and have valuable healing properties. Toning the skin normalizes its pH balance and gives the skin a radiant appearance.

For toning, you can use self-prepared lotions from natural ingredients: honey, glycerin, etc. Moisturizing creams cover the skin with invisible protection from dust and dirt and prevent skin dehydration.

To combat blackheads, many cosmetic products are sold in stores and pharmacies. Choose your product that suits your age and skin type. Change your cosmetic line several times a year. This will help avoid addiction.

Proper nutrition will solve the problem

If your skin receives sufficient care, but the problem of blackheads remains urgent, pay attention to nutrition. Excessive consumption of flour products, fatty fried foods, coffee are the main causes of comedones.

Your skin is a reflection of your diet. Include the following products:

1. whole wheat bread,
2. dairy products,
3. fruits,
4. vegetables.

Excessive sugar consumption is also harmful to the skin. Nutritionists say that eating onions and garlic has a beneficial effect on skin condition. After all, these products have an antimicrobial and tonic effect.

Hormonal disbalance

When the cause of unhealthy skin is hormonal imbalance, this problem cannot be solved without consultation with specialists. The folk method, which has a completely scientific basis, says: “More love - more beautiful skin!”

Excess male hormones lead to skin problems in women. During sexual intercourse, the body produces female sex hormones - estrogens. With an active sexual life, skin problems go away on their own.

Mechanical cleaning

It is not uncommon to resort to mechanical or vacuum facial cleansing to combat blackheads. Both of these procedures are painful, they injure the skin and have a short-term effect.

Squeezing out blackheads is extremely unsafe

The purpose of the procedure is to squeeze out blackheads on the face. One wrong move and you could have a scar on your face for life. It is possible that you may get an infection during the procedure.

The appearance of comedones (black spots on the face) is a consequence of your mistake, be it in care, nutrition or hormonal levels. To solve a problem, you need to eliminate its cause, and not fight the effect.

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