Mask from black dots: how to choose and how to apply at home

Why black dots appear on the face

First, let’s look at what black dots are and why they appear. Black dots, or, as they are also called, open comedones or blackheads, are the top of a sebaceous plug that clogs pores and sebaceous ducts. Such a plug is formed due to excessive production of sebum (sebum) against the background of increased activity of the sebaceous glands. Sebum thickens, mixes with dead skin cells and particles of external pollution, accumulates in the mouths of the external secretion glands and pores, forming a kind of “congestion”. As a result of oxidation upon contact with oxygen, sebum darkens – so acne takes on its characteristic black color.

Types of blackhead masks for home use

How do blackhead masks work? Such cleansers help to absorb excess sebum, remove particles of dead cells and impurities, and have a beneficial effect on the condition of oily skin in general. There are the following types of masks from comedones:

• Mineral masks help to clear the skin of blackheads and reduce facial oiliness. The effectiveness of such masks is due to the composition of their formulas: most often they are based on natural mineral clays or therapeutic mud. With regular use (1-2 times a week), mineral masks contribute to a noticeable lightening of existing comedones, shrink pores and prevent the formation of new imperfections.
• Steaming masks are used to clean pores and sebaceous ducts. They are used in different ways: as an independent remedy, before a facial cleansing procedure or before applying a mineral mask or a film mask to expand the pores and remove impurities from them more easily. The principle of operation of steaming masks: after application, the agent begins to heat up, the pores open, the stratum corneum of dead cells softens, the activity of sweat glands increases (with sweat, accumulated toxins are removed from the skin), metabolic processes in the skin improve.
• Film masks work on the principle of a patch: a composition is applied to the skin, which is left for 15-20 minutes until completely dry, then the mask is carefully removed and dead skin particles, impurities and sebum plugs are removed along with it.

How to choose the right cleansing mask

• The first thing to consider when choosing a cleansing mask is the type of skin. Pay attention to products designed for oily problem skin with non-comedogenic formulas.
• The second thing to pay attention to is the composition. Such products usually contain sebum-absorbing components and literally pull impurities out of the pores. The formulas of such products may contain the following active ingredients that increase the effectiveness of the product: mineral clays (white, blue, black, montmorillonite, bentonite, gassul), charcoal, zinc, salicylic acid, scrubbing particles, warming components, moisturizing and softening components, plant extracts, vitamins.

Best* La Roche-Posay cosmetics for blackheads on the face

Oily skin care at home is a complex procedure. After applying the cleansing mask, do not forget about the corrective agent – this will not only fix the result of cleansing the pores, but also help prevent the recurrence of comedones. We offer the following care scheme from La Roche-Posay:

Effaclar Purifying Mattifying Mask for Oily Problematic Skin¹ with a formula based on two types of mineral clay – kaolin (white clay) and magnesium aluminosilicate, panthenol and La Roche-Posay thermal water provides an intense cleansing effect and helps to remove various types of impurities from the skin. The product helps to mattify the skin, additionally visibly soothes and moisturizes the skin.

After applying the mask, use the Effaclar Pore Tightening Lotion to complete the deep cleansing treatment. The salicylic acid-based formula has a gentle micro-exfoliation effect, helps to reduce the oiliness of the face, narrow and refine the pores.

Also suitable for the final stage of care Emulsion for oily skin Effaclar K + with LHA²— and BHA³-acids. The tool prevents the formation of black dots, helps to smooth the skin texture, effectively cleanses and tightens pores. Erlicium – a component in the formula helps to absorb excess sebum and additionally has a mattifying effect for up to 8 hours **.

*according to the editors

**instrumental test, 24 participants

Homemade mask or purchased: what to choose? 

There are many recipes for making cleansing masks at home, they are easy to find on the Internet. You can prepare the mask yourself, or you can choose ready-made products based on active ingredients. You can buy such cosmetic products in pharmacies or specialized stores.

All La Roche-Posay cosmetic formulas undergo strict dermatological control and, with regular use, show visible results, confirmed by independent clinical studies.

How to apply a mask from black dots

The rules for using a mask from black dots practically do not differ from the use of masks for other purposes:

1. Pre-cleanse the skin from external impurities with a gel or foam for oily skin. Based on Salicylic Acid and Zinc, the Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Cleansing Gel for skin with pronounced imperfections intensively and gently cleanses the skin, providing a micro-exfoliating effect without scrubbing particles. The tool also reduces fat content and has a softening effect.

2. Apply the mask to clean skin. Mineral and warming masks are best applied to slightly moistened skin, film masks to dry skin, however, always check the specifics of the method of application before using the mask. Spread the mask over the face with clean hands only or with a cosmetic spatula. Pay special attention to the T-zone (areas with the most active sebaceous ducts and enlarged pores).

3. Leave the agent for exposure, according to the instructions for use. With the Effaclar mask, for example, you don’t have to wait for the clay mask to dry completely.

4. After application, wash off the mask with warm water. If you used a mask-film, then carefully remove it from your face without sudden movements, so as not to cause discomfort to the skin.

5. Next, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer or any other basic corrective treatment for your skin type. For example, Effaclar MAT Matting Seboregulating Moisturizing Emulsion⁴ at the same time it has a moisturizing and mattifying effect for up to 6 hours***, helps to reduce the oily sheen of the face and visibly narrow the pores.

6. Use purifying blackhead masks 1-2 times a week. Their frequent use can degrease the skin too much and provoke undesirable consequences – increased production of sebum and new imperfections.

***instrumental test, 18 participants

1 Effaclar – Efaclar 2 LHA – lipohydroxy acid 3 BHA – beta hydroxy acid 4 Mat