Everyone has encountered comedones, or as they are popularly called “blackheads.” They are harmless, practically do not become inflamed, but they spoil the appearance and the skin looks unkempt. It's actually a dirty, greasy plug. To solve the problem, use the best remedy for blackheads according to our recommendations or visit a beauty salon.
Causes of clogged pores
Blackheads on the face are dense nodules inside the pores. Particles of subcutaneous sebum mixed with dead cells and dust particles, and under the influence of oxygen the formations darkened. Comedones are usually concentrated in places where the epidermis is fattier - the chin, forehead, wings of the nose, on the rim of the lips, inside the ear.
It would seem that there is nothing wrong, only the appearance deteriorates, but this is not entirely true. Comedones interfere with normal skin respiration and absorption of nutritional components from cosmetic products. In addition, in extremely rare cases, blackheads can become inflamed.
And it provokes the formation of comedones:
- Insufficient cleansing of the skin, lack of proper care;
- Wax or fat based cosmetics;
- Cosmetics that do not match the type of epidermis or are incorrectly selected;
- Increased irritability of the epidermis, frequent diaper rash, profuse sweating in the heat;
- Hormonal disruptions that provoke active work of the sebaceous glands, as a result, excess subcutaneous fat;
- Favorable climate for the formation of comedones (high air humidity, dust, air pollution);
- Constant nervous tension, stressful situations;
- Poor nutrition (meaning poor in vitamins, nutritional components, minerals);
- A peculiar reaction to the drug being taken.
To get rid of blackheads, it is not necessary to visit beauty salons; just consulting a cosmetologist and following his recommendations is enough. The main emphasis in solving the problem is on deep cleansing.
How to get rid of comedones
The essence of the treatment of comedones involves 3 stages:
- Loosening the structure of education itself;
- Removing residues from dirt, sebaceous plugs;
- Prevention to prevent the problem from occurring in the future.
In order for the sebaceous plug to leave the pore, you need to dissolve it as much as possible and grind it into small particles. The beauty salon will offer you many options for hardware cosmetology and chemical peeling. To solve these problems, cosmetologists recommend vacuum cleaning or an ultrasound facial procedure. They are safe and do not cause discomfort or complications. In addition to cleansing and removing sebaceous nodules, these techniques stimulate fiber renewal processes, the production of collagen, elastin, improvement of metabolic processes and microcirculation. After the procedure, the skin will be pleased with clean pores and incredible softness.
Chemical peeling is an effective procedure in the fight against clogged pores. The tissues are exposed to various acids. They destroy dead cells, dissolve sebaceous plugs and remove them from the pores. Not everyone can perform such cleaning (chemical peeling has a number of contraindications), and after it it will take some time for tissue restoration. After peeling with acids, the old skin will peel off - this looks unaesthetic, but the result after rehabilitation is expected to be excellent.
If it is not possible to visit a beauty salon or take advantage of professional help, many companies have developed cosmetic products for removing comedones and compositions for home peelings. There are folk recipes for scrubs, they will also be useful. Let us dwell in detail on pharmaceutical and cosmetic products to combat comedones.
How can a pharmacy help?
An effective remedy for blackheads can be found at the pharmacy kiosk for a reasonable amount. The main advantage of such drugs is that, in addition to removing defects, you can stabilize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, reduce the production of subcutaneous fat - this will significantly reduce the likelihood of further occurrence of the problem.
Which ointment for blackheads should you choose? We offer some options for a budget-friendly and at the same time effective solution to the problem:
- Differin is a popular ointment for clogged pores and acne. It will cost approximately 750 rubles. The active ingredient is a synthetic version of retinoic acid. The drug perfectly softens problematic nodules, relieves inflammation and helps restore the skin. It is recommended to apply Differin for blackheads once a day. Please note that this is an active drug and is used to treat acne. Before use, be sure to consult with your doctor about the dosage so as not to get peeling and itching instead of comedones.
- Retinoic ointment - the effectiveness of the drug has been proven by positive reviews from patients. One of the forms of retinol (vitamin A) is used as an active ingredient. The drug reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands, relieves inflammation and improves the immune system of cells. The course of treatment is up to 3 months and involves twice daily application.
Retinoic ointment comes in different dosages of the active ingredient so that you can choose the appropriate option based on your skin type. For increased oiliness of the epidermis, it is recommended to use an ointment with a dosage of 0.1%; for dry or sensitive skin - 0.05%. For one tube of the drug you will pay 250 rubles. Be careful, excess vitamin A causes itching and redness, and pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid such treatment.
- Zinc ointment is a universal remedy against skin problems. Used to treat dermatitis and sunburn at any age. It will also be useful in the fight against blackheads. Zinc ointment acts simultaneously in two directions: zinc kills bacteria and dries out the epidermis, and petroleum jelly softens tissues and the effect of zinc on cells. As a result of regular use, the skin becomes clean and the pores become smaller. In terms of costs, purchasing a medicine will cost 50 rubles.
- Ichthyol ointment - refers to budgetary remedies against acne, acne and comedones. The drug increases blood circulation, has an anti-inflammatory effect and is suitable for all skin types. It is applied with glycerin, about the properties of which you can read here. To do this, mix 1 part glycerin with 4 parts ichthyol ointment. Distribute the prepared mixture onto problem areas. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent it from sleeping, secure with a bandage. Do the procedure before bed so that the product takes effect overnight. After just 2 procedures, the skin will be clean, without blemishes and black inclusions.
Ichthyol ointment is inexpensive (100–120 rubles), but can be used to treat acne, acne, and boils. The product has contraindications. The ointment should not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under 12 years of age, with cancer or an individual allergic reaction to its constituent components.
Pharmacy ointments are a good method for solving skin defects. They act purposefully and are applied only to problem areas.
Before using any medication, carefully read the instructions for use, contraindications and dosage. Be sure to consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist to avoid the opposite effect of treatment.
Cosmetic products against comedones
Cosmetic companies did not waste time and created their own versions of products to combat pore pollution. The effect of cosmetic products is partially reduced, but the treatment takes place without a high risk of side effects, with a minimum of contraindications.
- Cream "Baziron" (made in France) is considered the best cosmetic product for gentle and effective removal of sebaceous plugs. French cream for blackheads does not leave a trace on the face. It fights bacteria and normalizes fat secretion. After a course of using the drug, the skin begins to breathe actively, and a healthy, even tone appears. You can purchase Basiron in a specialty store or order it online.
- Cream “Propeller” (made in Russia) – degreases the surface of the face, helps get rid of clogged pores gently and effectively. The product contains natural plant extracts, a mixture of essential oils and acids. Apply the anti-blackhead gel to the skin before washing, massage for a few minutes, and rinse with water. Repeat the procedure morning and evening. A propeller for blackheads will cost 100 rubles.
- Cream for blackheads on the face “Klenzit” (made in India) is a real medicine for the skin based on a retinoid. Used against open and closed forms of comedones, for gentle cleansing of the integument, to cure acne. Use face cream strictly for 3 months, even if the problem is cured ahead of schedule. Before applying the product, clean your face with milk and dry. Then precisely distribute the product onto the problem nodules and massage for 1–2 minutes.
Use the medicine every other day for the first 2 weeks, and then daily.
Ointment for blackheads based on retinol (vitamin A) and its derivatives is not recommended for use on hot, sunny days. Retinoids increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, and therefore provoke the appearance of age spots when exposed to the sun.
Some tips to prevent the problem
It’s not enough to get rid of comedones; try to prevent their reappearance:
- Clean your skin with special products, not clean water;
- Periodically perform cleansing masks with activated carbon;
- Get into the habit of using home scrubs and peeling procedures;
- Eat better, worry less;
- Get rid of low quality cosmetics;
- Take breaks between makeup to allow your skin to breathe more.
Cleansing is an important step in daily care. There is no point in applying nourishing creams and expecting good results if the pores are clogged. Free them from sebaceous nodules to open the way for vitamins, minerals and oxygen to the cells.
Video
What leads to the formation of comedones on the face:
frequent use of cosmetics and not always of high quality is a direct path to problem skin, because various foundations and powders close the pores, which prevents the release of subcutaneous fat, which begins to accumulate, leading to inflammation;- irregular and improper facial care - there are two extremes, when facial care is limited to washing with water, and when the arsenal of hygiene products includes many cosmetics, and in each case the skin suffers;
- smoking and alcohol - it is unnecessary to talk about their dangers, because everyone, without exception, has been told since childhood that many diseases can be acquired from cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, and the skin is an organ like all the others, and not one suffers from the harmful effects of bad habits less;
- eating low-quality products - this includes all unhealthy food that is needed to satisfy “psychological hunger” and gain pleasure, but not to nourish the body, because in order to get rid of a number of health problems, it is enough to reconsider the diet.
Genetic predisposition will also be important, because everyone has individual skin characteristics inherent in nature. This is aggravated by stress, constant worry, and lack of sleep.
How to get rid of dots and comedones
Using medications and home remedies for blackheads alone will not be enough. This problem needs to be approached comprehensively. Cosmetologists give a number of recommendations that you can follow to quickly get rid of acne, comedones and blackheads.
Rules for maintaining healthy facial skin:
wash your face no more than 2 times a day using mineral or warm boiled water;- do not use drugs for blackheads on the face with alcohol, because they dry out the skin and lead to irritation;
- diversify your diet, eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day, limit your fat intake, try to give up coffee and energy drinks;
- Do not squeeze out comedones and blackheads yourself, as this will lead to the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.
Pharmacy medications for blackheads are not the only solution to the problem. There are other good treatments that are not included in the list of the best, but have their own advantages. Everyone can choose the optimal inexpensive but effective treatment method for themselves, and a cosmetologist can help with this.
Modern cosmetic procedures include vacuum, mechanical and ultrasonic cleaning. Such methods are often resorted to when pharmacy and home remedies are powerless. Which particular drug or method will help can be determined experimentally, but it is still better to consult a specialist.
Good pharmacy medicines
Among the effective remedies for comedones on the face, which precede the appearance of acne, are retinoic, ichthyol, zinc ointments and Differin. Each of them has contraindications and rules of use.
Retinoic ointment - contains isotretinoin, vitamin A. These substances affect the functioning of the sebaceous glands, narrowing the ducts, thereby relieving inflammation. The ointment is used to cleanse the pores on the face, which leads to the removal of dots. The product is available in concentrations of 0.1% and 0.05%. The first option is suitable for oily skin; a low-concentration ointment helps with sensitive and dry skin types. To treat comedones, the ointment is applied to problem areas in the morning and evening for 2-3 months. This is not the fastest-acting drug, but it is safe and, if the rules of use are followed, does not lead to adverse reactions. The ointment is not recommended for hypervitaminosis A.- Differin - the active substance of the ointment is a synthetic analogue of retinoic acid. The drug has an anti-inflammatory and regenerative effect, removes fat that clogs pores. The ointment softens the skin, causing acne to dissolve, helping to remove dirt and pus from them. Differin is used once a day. It should be applied to problem areas, usually the nose, chin, ears, cheeks. If your skin is hypersensitive, you should expect adverse reactions in the form of peeling, dryness and irritation of acne. This is not a reason to stop treatment; the symptoms will go away over time. But if your skin is sensitive, it is better to use gentler products.
- Zinc ointment is the most budget-friendly option for treating points. She has practically no contraindications, with the exception of intolerance. Pediatricians prescribe this ointment to young children, which already indicates its safety. Zinc dries the skin, but does not dry it out due to the content of petroleum jelly, which in turn stimulates regenerative processes. This ointment also softens the skin, tightens pores, relieving inflammation. The product can be used to remove pimples, blackheads, and multiple comedones.
- Ichthyol ointment is suitable for any skin type. It can be applied at night by mixing with glycerin. Indicated for acne, pimples and even boils. Contraindications include pregnancy, cancer, age under 12 years, and allergies.
Facial tablets
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics for oral medications. This treatment is indicated only for severe disorders, when there are multiple acne. Antibacterial agents are prescribed only by a doctor who monitors the therapy process. Without a prescription, you can buy vitamin complexes and tablets to cleanse the body, which will help remove the problem from the inside.
Medicines to speed up the removal of toxins from the body:
- Lactofiltrum - allowed from 12 years of age, the average course of treatment is 2 weeks, there is a possibility of adverse reactions such as diarrhea, flatulence, allergies;
- Polypefan is a herbal preparation, taken for a week, contraindicated for stomach ulcers and antacid gastritis;
- Activated carbon - taken in the morning on an empty stomach at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight, analogues of the drug are Sorbex and Carbopect;
- Filtrum-STI - taken before meals 2-4 times a day for a week; adverse reactions may include allergies and constipation.
Among antibacterial drugs, the doctor may prescribe Metronidazole, Levomycetin, Erythromycin, Dixycycline, Tetracycline. When taking antibiotics, you should prepare for their adverse reactions. These are dyspepsia, bloating, diarrhea. Antibacterial agents disrupt the microflora and reduce the medicinal effect of drugs, therefore they are taken together with immunomodulators.
Cosmetic preparations
Popular professional remedies for comedones are Baziron, Propeller and Klenzit creams. They can be purchased at cosmetology clinics and ordered online from trusted sites, since they may not be available in pharmacies.
Baziron cream is produced by a French company and is considered an effective means for removing sebaceous plugs and cleansing pores. The drug has an antibacterial effect and normalizes the functioning of the subcutaneous glands. After completing the entire course of treatment, the skin becomes smooth, pleasant to the touch, acquires a healthy shade and begins to breathe freely.
Propeller is a Russian-made cream that contains plant extracts and essential oils. It is applied to the skin before washing, easily rubbed in with massage movements, then washed off with warm water. It should be used morning and evening.
Clenzit is an Indian cream based on retinoids. It is used for comedones to cleanse the skin, and also helps remove acne. Indicated for 3 months and if the course is interrupted, the effect may not occur. Apply the cream to a cleansed and dried face using massage movements.
Recommendations for the use of ointments for comedones:
Any product should be applied to a previously washed face;- some drugs need to be applied pointwise, this is indicated in the instructions;
- if adverse reactions occur, use should be discontinued;
- Apply a cleansing scrub several times a week;
- refuse low-quality cosmetics.
Ointments based on retinol (vitamin A) will be popular for comedones, but they are not recommended for use in hot weather. Under the influence of sunlight, the ointment increases the sensitivity of the skin, causing age spots to appear on the face.
Homemade Facial Cleansers
Clay is the most popular folk remedy. It can be purchased at the pharmacy in its pure form or as part of cosmetic preparations. A clay mask softens the skin and the contents of the pores, causing their contents to come out.
You can prepare the following face masks at home:
Sugar with egg white - the product is applied to the skin and easily rubbed. When the mask lies flat, you need to wait a few minutes, then start tapping with your fingers, creating a vacuum effect (to draw out dirt). This way, the pores are cleaned, the face becomes brighter, smoother, and the spots disappear.- Honey - used according to the same principle, applied evenly to the face, then tapping with fingers. You can also put your palms to your face and quickly remove them, which will enhance the effect.
- A scrub of flakes, water, a pinch of salt and a drop of boric acid is applied for 10 minutes; if the skin is dry, kefir is added.
You can prepare cleansers at home. For this purpose, decoctions of sage, calendula, and nettle are used. The easiest one to prepare is aloe vera lotion. You need to chop the leaves, pour water over them and leave for half an hour. Then the product is brought to a boil. The finished lotion is used to wipe the face in the morning and evening.
When using folk remedies and pharmaceutical drugs, you should remember that there are different types of skin for which completely different medications are suitable. Before treating comedones, it is recommended to visit a cosmetologist and get recommendations on facial cleansing.
There is probably no woman in the world who would be completely satisfied with her appearance. Blondes dye their hair brunettes, brown-haired women dye their hair platinum. Tall women want to look shorter, while petite girls, on the contrary, choose higher heels. So please the female sex after this! But there is a drawback that worries all women. These are black dots. Whatever girls do to get rid of comedones! They go to a cosmetologist, buy a bunch of ointments and scrubs, and flood the Internet with requests to suggest an effective remedy. Getting rid of comedones is not difficult. The main thing is to know a few tricks and be patient.
Reasons for appearance
Before looking for a cure, let's try to understand the causes of this skin deficiency.
Tell me, how do girls generally choose creams and lipsticks? That's right, with the help of advertising. Either I liked the actress in the video or the shade. As a result, the cream in a beautiful jar does not improve the condition of the skin and clogs the pores, causing the appearance of blackheads. Who, tell me, is to blame for this? The girl, of course, will blame the manufacturer. But you and I know that the reason is her own, the one who bought the cream without consulting a cosmetologist.
In the evenings, we all wash off makeup and dust that has accumulated on our skin during the day. But not all of us do it competently. Often girls do not completely remove makeup from their faces, and its particles become clogged in the pores.
Probably every profession is associated with experiences. Someone didn’t deliver the project on time, someone got a nervous client, and someone was just tired of work and wanted to go to sea. The result is stress and black spots on the face.
It occurs both in pregnant and lactating girls, and in older women who have entered menopause.
Sometimes our body signals an impending illness with pain symptoms (which each of us happily “seizes” with pills) and external manifestations: acne, comedones, spots on the skin. Not everyone correctly recognizes these signals and begins the fight against blackheads, whereas treatment needs to be comprehensive.
Do you remember how you used to be sent to harvest crops when you were a student? The bustling city gave way to endless fields, endless lectures to songs with a guitar, short skirts gave way to comfortable jeans and a shirt. Romance! Only for some reason afterwards the skin of many students became covered with black dots. This is natural, since it was impossible to take care of oneself in the field. Dust periodically clogged into the pores, causing acne and comedones. The same thing happens in the bustle of the city: the skin of the face is exposed to dust, smog, and exhaust gases every day.
Prevention
Do you know which disease is best treated? The one whose appearance was avoided. You can get rid of comedones, but it’s easier to simply prevent them from appearing. How to do it? Now we'll teach you.
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly in the evenings. It is not at all necessary to use expensive washing gels for this. It is enough that the product suits your skin type. After use, wipe your face with toner.
- Exfoliate. This is an effective procedure.
- Limit yourself to tea, coffee, carbonated drinks and red wines. Of course, you can drink liquids in moderation, but if your norm is 5 cups of espresso a day, then don’t be surprised when in the mirror you see not a fresh complexion, but blackheads.
- It is better if a cosmetologist prescribes the products to you, taking into account the type and condition of your skin.
- Don't touch your face with your hands! Often girls involuntarily touch their skin with their fingers, as if checking whether their comedones are still there and whether acne has disappeared from their forehead. You shouldn’t do this, because germs accumulate on your hands during the day, which you safely transfer to your face.
- Eat less fatty, sweet, spicy. If you can curb yourself, your skin and stomach will thank you for your updated diet.
- Drink more water. A person should drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day. You are no exception.
- Visit a cosmetologist periodically. The more time you take for yourself, the better your skin will be.
Getting rid of blackheads at home
Let's say you made an appointment for next Friday, but you need to get rid of blackheads now. You can do this at home.
First you need to remove dead skin. Both a regular facial scrub and homemade exfoliators will do. Grind a handful of oatmeal in a blender, add 1 yolk and a tablespoon of honey. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. If the scrub does not seem very effective to you, you can prepare a coarser coffee mixture for peeling. Take 2 tablespoons of black ground coffee, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients of the scrub and apply to the face.
Brew 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile in a saucepan with boiling water, steam your face over the steam (15 minutes under a bath towel is enough). Disinfect your hands and gently try to squeeze out blackheads by pressing your nails on both sides of the clogged pores. It's important not to overdo it. If the blackheads are not squeezed out, it means either the face is not steamed enough, or the comedones have not yet “ripened”. It is better to leave the procedure until next time. After cleansing, wipe your skin with hydrogen peroxide, followed by a pore-tightening toner.
In the fight against comedones, you can use face masks. They need to be applied when the skin is steamed and therefore receptive to any type of treatment. For those who are limited in time, you can use white (or blue) clay masks as a basis. For those who are more patient and persistent, we recommend making the following masks.
Vinegar
Mix honey and apple cider vinegar in equal proportions, just make sure that both components are of good quality. Bad vinegar can burn your skin, and candied honey will completely clog your pores. Apply the honey-vinegar mixture to the skin and let it absorb. Rinse off with warm water.
From tooth powder and hydrogen peroxide
A strange combination, isn't it? Cosmetologists say: tooth powder diluted with hydrogen peroxide to a mushy state will relieve girls of blackheads.