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Unlike oily sheen or acne, blackheads are familiar to many because they can appear on any skin type. Why they arise and how to get rid of them (and whether it should be done), we will tell in this article.
What are black dots
Many unknowingly confuse black spots and a phenomenon called sebaceous filaments.
With black dots, the pores are completely clogged.
Sebaceous filaments (translated from Latin as “sebaceous ducts”) is an element of the structure of the hair follicle. They do not clog the pore, but, as it were, line it from the inside and serve as a kind of channel through which sebum is removed to the surface of the skin.
Not every person has black dots, 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 reappear anyway.
To understand what kind of education you are concerned about, just take a closer look at them:
black dots – 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 that resembles Vaseline in texture.
The sebaceous ducts that open into the pores are essential fat channels that renew the protective hydrolipid mantle of the skin. Their content in the pores consists 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 expand due to increased production of sebum. Comedones (black dots) appear when the sebum in these channels becomes too thick. Oxidation processes are activated and the pigment melanin, which is contained in sebum, appears.
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Causes of black spots
As a rule, enlarged pores are a sign of oily or combination skin with increased sebum production. It is impossible to make normal skin out of oily skin, but it is quite possible to bring it closer to this state.
If your skin produces too much oil that clogs pores, oxidizes, and shows pigment, we get what are called blackheads.
So, what can cause blackheads to appear?
Hormones
Food
To date, a direct relationship between nutrition and skin condition has not been scientifically established. However, it has been noticed that exacerbation of skin problems often happens if the following appear in the diet:
fatty meals;
chocolate;
milk and fatty dairy products;
carbohydrates (bread, pastries).
Also, acne is 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.
Dermatologists have noticed a connection between the passion for sweets and the appearance of acne.
Wrong skin care products
Insufficient cleansing
Even a dense 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 the foundation can still interfere with the optimal regulation of sebum. Therefore, use non-comedogenic tonal products (for oily or problematic skin).
Irregular exfoliation
Do not neglect exfoliation. Exfoliation is necessary for the skin so that dead cells of the epidermis do not prevent sebum from coming to the surface. Failure to do so can lead to clogged pores and blackheads as a result.
Black dots: 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 fat formation falls on the period of 4:00-5:00.
Do not be lazy to study the composition of cosmetics before buying, especially if you already know which ingredients are comedogenic for you.
Don’t skimp on exfoliation. Dead skin buildup interferes with healthy sebum regulation and prevents active ingredients from your cosmetics from penetrating into the skin.
Alcohol-containing products will help to narrow the pores, but you should not abuse them – alcohol dries the skin, which means it provokes even more sebum secretion.
How to remove black dots
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 beautician, because now in salons and clinics they offer many procedures for deep cleansing of the skin.
Cosmetic procedures
Mechanical cleaning is performed manually by a beautician using a special tool. This is an effective way to get rid of comedones, but the most traumatic, and may result in an exacerbation of rashes.
During vacuum cleaning, the specialist, after steaming the skin, uses a special apparatus with a vacuum nozzle, which draws fat and impurities from the pores.
During vaporization, the skin is treated with steam mixed with ozone, which gives it bactericidal properties. Steam has an expanding effect on the pores, and this helps to regulate the secretion of sebum.
Ultrasonic cleaning is the most effective and safe procedure. It is performed using a special spatula, which instantly removes sebaceous plugs by exposure to ultrasonic waves.
Cosmetical tools
There are enough products on the cosmetic market to get rid of black dots – choose those that suit your skin type.
Patches, or strips from black dots, are applied to wet skin for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the adhesive surface of the patch “pulls” the dirt out of the pores.
Clay-based cleansing masks remove oil from the pores to the surface, and the active substances in their composition help to normalize the release of sebum.
Creams and tonics with acids (benzoic, salicylic, glycolic) accelerate the process of exfoliation of dead cells.
Scrub is effective when used regularly, but quite a rough way to exfoliate. Not suitable for sensitive, inflamed and irritated skin. Our test will help you decide on the choice of scrub.
Prevention
In between cleansing, give your skin a supportive treatment with cleansing and sebum-regulating ingredients.
Cleansing and make-up removal
In this category of products, pay special attention to formulas with salicylic acid.
Clear Skin Cleansing Gel, Garnier
Salicylic acid has antibacterial properties, while zinc regulates sebum production. Due to these ingredients, the product cleanses the pores and protects the skin from oily sheen.
Cleansing gel for washing Normaderm Phytosolution, Vichy
The product effectively and gently eliminates skin imperfections using a formula with an original combination of components: salicylic acid, a probiotic derivative, oligoelements and, of course, Vichy mineralizing thermal water. Suitable for problem skin.
Care
For daily skin care that is prone to blackheads, choose light gel or fluid textures.
Hyaluronic aloe gel, Garnier
Intensively moisturizes the skin throughout the day or night due to moisturizing ingredients in the composition: glycerin, organic aloe vera, hyaluronic acid. The non-comedogenic product is perfect for summer and will not cause blackheads. Can also be used as an SOS mask.
Corrective emulsion for oily skin Effaclar K (+), La Roche-Posay
Designed for daily care of oily skin with black dots: moisturizes, mattifies at the same time, contains an exfoliating component, keeps oily sheen under control, and prevents the reappearance of imperfections.
Corrective care double action Normaderm Phytosolution, Vichy
Provides decent care for oily skin prone to imperfections, fights comedones, exfoliates dead cells, maintaining the protective functions of the skin.
Masks and exfoliants
Use these products more often 1-2 times a week.
3-in-1 Clear Skin Clay Facial, Garnier
It can be used in many ways, including as a mask for a mattifying effect. Contains kaolin clay to absorb excess sebum, purify zinc & pumice to exfoliate & reduce blackheads.
Facial sugar scrub, purifying, reducing blackheads, “3 natural sugars and kiwi”, L’Oréal Paris
The scrub has a thermal effect, exfoliates dead cells with the help of sugar granules and kiwi seeds, is enriched with lemongrass oil, a component that fights imperfections.