Contents
Comedones – what is it?
Comedones – these are signs of acne or acne – a Latin derivative of acne comedonica. They are deep subcutaneous rashes – black and white dots that have arisen on the skin due to blockage of pores.
Facial comedones are a common problem for oily and combination skin types. Against the background of excessive work of the sebaceous glands, blockage of pores and sebaceous ducts occurs – excess sebum is mixed with dead cells, makeup residues and external impurities, forming a sebaceous plug.
Important (!): Without timely care, an inflammatory element may occur at the site of the comedone: the sebaceous plug creates an ideal environment for the growth of acne bacteria, which provoke inflammation.
Types of comedones
In dermatology, two types of comedones are distinguished, depending on the depth of their formation:
- open comedones – these are the usual black dots – superficial clogging of pores with sebum mixed with external impurities and makeup residues. The characteristic dark color of open comedones is acquired due to the oxidative reaction of the sebaceous plug and oxygen.
- Closed comedones – subcutaneous nodes of white color, similar to acne without purulent contents. They occur against the background of an imbalance in seboregulation: when excess sebum, mixed with toxins and keratinized cells, block the deep sebaceous ducts and mouths of the hair follicles, accumulate in the pores and create a kind of seal or cyst – a subcutaneous sebaceous plug.
Localization of the occurrence of comedones
Most often, comedones on the face are found in owners of oily and combination skin with a tendency to acne. The more actively sebum is secreted, the higher the risk of blockage of pores and the formation of a sebaceous plug.
Black comedones can also occur in owners of dry and normal skin types. Subcutaneous white dots are the most common signs of acne on the background of increased oily skin.
Such imperfections are mainly localized in the T-zone of the face – on the forehead, but on the nose and chin – the areas of the greatest accumulation of sebaceous glands. Often, comedones spill out on the back, shoulders or chest – the sebaceous glands in these areas are also active, and the pores are enlarged.
From what comedones appear: the main reasons
Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenereologist, La Roche-Posay brand expert, talks about the possible causes of comedones:
- Incorrectly chosen care, for example, some compositions of cosmetics can clog pores, excessive frequent exfoliation with scrubs and peels can disrupt the hydrolipid mantle of the epidermis, to which the skin will react with increased sebum secretion.
- Insufficient or excessive cleansing of the skin: in the first case, the remnants of impurities and decorative cosmetics clog pores and cause inflammation. In the second – the skin barrier is damaged, dries, flakes off – the keratinized layer of cells mixes with sebum and creates a sebaceous plug in the pores.
- Some diseases, for example, gastrointestinal disorders, as well as hormonal changes in the body, can provoke rashes.
- Touching your face with your hands stimulates the sebaceous glands, which increases the risk of comedones and other imperfections.
- Synthetic clothing does not allow the skin to breathe, the skin reacts with increased sebum and sweating, which also causes clogged pores in the back, shoulders, neck, and chest.
- Improper nutrition and non-compliance with the drinking regime negatively affect the condition of the epidermis: insufficient drinking regime is reflected on the face with dryness, peeling, unbalanced nutrition and bad habits disrupt the sebaceous glands.
- Some cosmetics may contain ingredients that clog pores. If your skin is prone to blemishes, look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” and “for oily problem skin.”
In what cases should you consult a doctor for treatment?
In the absence of visible results from home care in combination with cosmetic procedures, you should consult a dermatologist. After a full-time examination and based on the results of the tests, the doctor will select an individual medication using, for example, hormonal drugs or antibiotics.
Cosmetic procedures for removing comedones in the salon
A corrective home routine can be supplemented with in-salon beauty treatments on a regular basis or courses. Treatments and in-salon treatments are personalized by a beautician based on the type, condition and needs of your skin. Aesthetic procedures do not replace the basic steps of regular home care: daily cleansing, toning, moisturizing and matting will help oily problem skin stay clear and look healthy for a long time.
List of salon procedures for comedones:
- Cleaning (mechanical, ultrasonic, hardware);
- Peelings of various types and depths of exposure (superficial, median, deep);
- Phototherapy – the procedure reduces acne, smoothes post-acne (pigmentation and scars);
- Biodermabrasion or Microdermabrasion (polishing) – procedures fight hyperkeratosis and enlarged pores, improve microcirculation, help skin cells regenerate faster, reduce post-acne, suitable for the treatment of non-inflammatory rashes.
How to care for skin with comedones at home?
Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenereologist, La Roche-Posay brand expert, tells about effective home care and active remedies for comedones on the face:
Moisturize oily skin regularly. As part of corrective care, look for hygroscopic ingredients, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid. Hydrofixators prevent transepidermal moisture loss, dryness and flaking of the skin. Moisturizing mattifying sebum-regulating emulsion Effaclar Mat not only mattifies, but also protects the skin from dehydration.
Eliminates oily sheen, mattifies the skin for 6 hours, moisturizes the skin without clogging pores
Effaclar Mat — Where can one buy:
At the moment, La Roche-Posay products are not available for purchase in the official online store. You can purchase our products in other channels you know – in pharmacies, other authorized partners and online marketplaces
Important(!): lack of moisture provokes dehydration of skin cells, which in turn provokes intensive work of the sebaceous glands and the production of sebum.
For acne-prone skin, refrain from wearing make-up or use cosmetics specially formulated for this skin type. For example, Effaclar Duo(+) Unifant (toning) corrective tinting cream-gel for oily problematic skin with a light degree of masking. The tool evens out the tone and microrelief of the face, has a non-comedogenic composition.
Evens out skin tone without clogging pores or creating a mask effect. Light degree of disguise
Effaclar Duo(+) toning — Where can one buy:
At the moment, La Roche-Posay products are not available for purchase in the official online store. You can purchase our products in other channels you know – in pharmacies, other authorized partners and online marketplaces
Cleanse your skin in the morning and evening. For water-free cleansers, Effaclar Ultra Micellar Water visibly cleanses pores and mattifies the skin.
Thoroughly cleanses the skin of impurities without water. Removes make-up from the face and skin around the eyes
Micellar water Effaclar ultra — Where can one buy:
At the moment, La Roche-Posay products are not available for purchase in the official online store. You can purchase our products in other channels you know – in pharmacies, other authorized partners and online marketplaces
The classic wash is complemented by Effaclar’s neutral pH foaming gel, which provides visible cleansing of pores, controls oily sheen and does not leave the skin feeling dry.
Cleanses the skin and pores from impurities. Removes excess sebum.
EFFACLAR GEL — Where can one buy:
At the moment, La Roche-Posay products are not available for purchase in the official online store. You can purchase our products in other channels you know – in pharmacies, other authorized partners and online marketplaces
Cleansing is followed by a skin toning step: apply Effaclar lotion, which visibly renews the skin and reduces excess sebum on the face.
Effectively cleanses pores, helps reduce pore size, mattifies
Effaclar Lotion — Where can one buy:
At the moment, La Roche-Posay products are not available for purchase in the official online store. You can purchase our products in other channels you know – in pharmacies, other authorized partners and online marketplaces
Control shine with lightweight mattifying formulas. For daily care, choose Effaclar K(+) corrective emulsion or Effaclar Duo (+) corrective cream-gel. The products are non-comedogenic and do not dry out the skin.
Prevents the formation of blackheads, evens out the skin texture
Effaclar K(+) — Where can one buy:
At the moment, La Roche-Posay products are not available for purchase in the official online store. You can purchase our products in other channels you know – in pharmacies, other authorized partners and online marketplaces
Reduces pronounced imperfections, prevents the re-formation of imperfections
Effaclar Duo(+) — Where can one buy:
At the moment, La Roche-Posay products are not available for purchase in the official online store. You can purchase our products in other channels you know – in pharmacies, other authorized partners and online marketplaces
Twice a week, carry out intensive cleansing with suitable scrubs and peels. Exfoliation is an essential step in your skincare routine for oily acne prone skin. Twice a week, masks, such as mineral clay, can be applied to effectively cleanse pores and further control oiliness of the skin.
Look for formulas with soothing, mattifying and moisturizing ingredients, as well as formulas containing, for example, zinc, niacinamide, acids, antioxidants, prebiotics, thermal water.