How to get rid of closed comedones on the face: causes of comedones

the problem of comedones on the skin of the face and body, and not only during teenage hormonal changes. Those with oily skin have to cope with this problem all their lives using any available means. In our article we will tell you what comedones are, why they appear and how to get rid of them.

What are comedones and what are they like?

Epidermal cells are constantly renewed throughout a person's life. And during the normal course of this process, the keratinized cells are exfoliated on their own, and the sebaceous ducts perform the function of secreting sebum ( sebum ). Sebum forms a hydrolipidic protective film on the surface of the skin.

However, in some cases, dead cells are not removed on their own, but form a stratum corneum that clogs the sebaceous ducts. Sebum can also become thicker for a variety of reasons, including being full of toxins. Due to the subcutaneous plug, a capsule is formed in the sebaceous gland, which creates an ideal environment for the development of bacteria. All this leads to inflammation, which is called comedones.

Let's look at the main types of comedones

Open comedones are the so-called blackheads. They are pores clogged with oxidized sebum and keratinized cells with melanin particles. Because of this, they have a dark shade and dense structure.

Closed comedones are small white subcutaneous nodules. They are formed when the sebaceous ducts are blocked by dead skin cells and sebum. Unlike blackheads, in closed comedones the plug is formed subcutaneously, and the duct does not have an exit to the outside. Papules quite often become inflamed, also cause pain, and a reddish tint appears around them.

Both types of comedones spoil the appearance, form irregularities, pigment spots, and depressions (as a consequence), and improper treatment and removal can cause the appearance of new lesions.

Many comedones form acne - a disease of skin rashes.

It is important not to confuse closed comedones with milia (epidermal cystic formations), sebaceous adenomas (benign skin formations characteristic of adulthood) and allergic rashes. Getting rid of these types of skin diseases is possible only in a beauty salon, under the supervision of a doctor.

Symptoms of atheroma

The formation is in the form of a tubercle, painless, mobile, fused to the skin, you can often see the opening of the excretory duct of the gland. Most often, the “bump” is located on areas of the body where there is hair: on the face, scalp, in the genital area, on the legs, on the back, and is found on the face. If a suppurating atheroma appears, the formation increases in size over several days, the skin on the affected area may turn red and become painful, and the temperature may also rise.

What causes comedones?

In fact, there are many reasons for the formation of comedones, and to combat them you need an integrated approach. Therefore, it is necessary to exclude all possible provoking factors , change your lifestyle, and aim for constant support of your health. It is certainly possible to improve the situation, but you need to understand that the external manifestation of a problem always has internal causes that should be studied and eliminated, and this is a slow and systemic process.

So, let's name the main reasons for the appearance of comedones:

hormonal imbalance (age-related changes, pregnancy or disruption of the glands);
genetic predisposition;
poor nutrition;
lack of hygiene;
poor environmental conditions;
prolonged stress;
lack of sleep;
incorrectly selected cosmetics (which leads to allergies or clogged pores);
bad habits;
poor nutrition and poor drinking habits (which leads to indigestion).

Stages of the appearance of comedones

Sebum accumulates in the hair follicle and gets stuck in the duct due to, among other things, a dense keratinized layer of cells (hyperkeratosis).
The release of toxins from the deep layers of the dermis becomes more difficult.
Sebum thickens and becomes filled with toxins and bacteria.
The duct expands under the pressure of harmful substances accumulated in it.
Further stages of development differ depending on whether an open or closed comedon appears:
Or the papule remains under the skin, causes internal inflammation and eventually breaks out (closed comedon).

Symptoms

Identifying the problem in both cases is usually not difficult.

Signs of lipoma:

mobile and painless, sizes can range from a few millimeters to 10-15 cm;
to the touch - doughy or dense;
not fused to the skin - the skin easily moves over the formation;
never becomes inflamed – i.e. There is no redness or swelling of the skin above the lipoma.

Most often, lipomas are located on the limbs, head and torso; they are almost never on the face.

How to get rid of closed comedones on the face

To completely get rid of comedones, it is necessary to take comprehensive measures: consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist, and also follow all instructions at home.

So, at home you need :

make therapeutic masks containing blue clay, as well as light peelings and scrubs for home use;
include antioxidants : fresh fruits and berries, spinach, lettuce leaves, green tea - this will help remove toxins from the body;
use cosmetics containing keratolytics .

Keratoloitics are necessary to thin the stratum corneum of the skin, which increases the risk of comedones. Among them:

salicylic acid 2-4% (cosmetics with a high percentage of acid are suitable for the skin of the back, neck, etc.);
fruit acids AHA (or hydroxy acids), because they oxidize the pH of sebum, which prevents the proliferation of bacteria;
retinol (including in peelings) - as a rule, is prescribed for external use for a long period, up to six months, with a gradual increase in the amount of the drug and the frequency of application. Suitable for the treatment of acne and multiple comedones. Oral systemic retinoids are prescribed by a doctor if necessary.

The use of keratolytics has a complex effect on the epidermis: cleansing, softening, antiseptic, brightening, stimulating the removal of the stratum corneum, opening comedones and cell renewal.

However, their use also thins the skin, making it more sensitive and unprotected, including from the sun. The cosmetologist chooses the appropriate remedy for each clinical situation and the duration of its use. He will also suggest the optimal sunscreen and tell you about other methods of skin protection.

Let's consider the options for solutions and treatment procedures that modern professional cosmetology can offer.

Consequences of mechanical cleaning

The disadvantages of getting rid of blackheads include:

A long period of skin renewal and restoration - from three to ten days.
The appearance of scars and cicatrices if the procedure is carried out incorrectly.
Possibility of infection or infection of the wound.
The appearance of itching and rashes after poor cleaning.

Also, significant disadvantages include such a problem as deep-lying fatty tubules in the pores.
How to squeeze out blackheads on the nose if they don't squash? Contact a cosmetologist who will perform deep ultrasonic cleaning and clog the pores, after which they will become less deep, and next time you can cleanse yourself at home. After the procedure, for two to three days it is not recommended to: use decorative cosmetics, drink alcohol, play sports or fitness, visit baths or saunas, wash your face with hot water, sunbathe in the sun or visit a solarium.

Treatment procedure using the M22 device

The treatment principle is based on the targeted action of light rays in the range of 311 nm. The phototherapy procedure is absolutely painless and safe, and at the same time very effective. There is no long recovery period required after it. Additional advantages are that one session only takes about 30 minutes, and the effect is targeted only to problem areas.

In addition to the treatment of comedones and acne, there is also photorejuvenation, pigmentation treatment, lifting, and also has an antiseptic effect. The necessary parameters are set on the device: wavelength and depth of exposure, radiation intensity, intervals between flashes and their duration. Before the procedure, the cosmetologist cleanses the skin, applies a conductive gel and protects the eyes of himself and the patient with special glasses.

The M22 hardware procedure is recommended not only for the treatment, but also for the prevention of acne.

Diagnostics

For an experienced dermatologist, an external examination of the patient’s skin is enough to immediately make the correct diagnosis. Specialized laboratory research methods allow us to clarify the mechanism of development of the disease and the presence of pathologies of internal organs: blood tests for hormonal balance and internal infections, tomography of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. It is possible to prescribe additional measures as part of a standard examination if the patient has a history of serious diseases of the internal organs.

Chemical peeling

As mentioned above, light peelings can be carried out at home, however, more intense and, of course, effective chemical peels can only be carried out within the walls of a cosmetology clinic under the strict supervision of a cosmetologist to avoid skin burns. Chemical peeling exfoliates dead skin cells, tightens pores, and has an antiseptic and brightening effect.

Let's look at the most popular types of chemical peels.

Milk peeling is suitable for very sensitive skin. It can be done at any time of the year. Lactic acid is found in pickles and lactic acid fermentation products. In addition to it, the composition includes urea and a complex of amino acids. This peeling gently exfoliates and at the same time moisturizes the skin, and also stimulates the growth of new cells,

Almond can be on a gel or water-alcohol basis, and can also contain not only the main component (mandelic acid), but also other types of acids. Used to improve skin quality, regulate sebum production, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.

Azelaine peeling normalizes keratinization in the follicle ducts and sebum production, has an exfoliating, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. It contains nonandioic, 1.7-heptanedicarboxylic acid, which is found in wheat, barley, lilac and other plants.

Glycolic and salicylic peels (AHA and BHA) are often performed simultaneously. In tandem, they have the maximum therapeutic effect: they not only cause the death of old cells, cause their desquamation, but also stimulate the production of natural collagen, as well as skin regeneration. They also discolor pigment spots and post-acne, improve metabolic processes.

How to avoid comedones

maintain hygiene , including regularly changing face towels and bed linen;
avoid touching your face with your hands;
normalize nutrition (avoid sweet, fatty, floury, fried foods and fast food), maintain a drinking regime, take vitamins;
maintain a sleep schedule and try to avoid overwork and stress;
do not neglect physical activity - this helps speed up metabolic processes, saturate cells with oxygen and remove toxins;
to refuse from bad habits;
use medications and medicinal products prescribed by a cosmetologist;
monitor hormonal levels and avoid any changes;
avoid prolonged exposure to the open sun;
Do not self-medicate and do not use unproven methods of traditional medicine.

Therapy

When considering the question of how to get rid of whiteheads, you need to understand that diet plays an important role in therapy. It must be balanced in nutrients. Doctors recommend consuming large amounts of complex carbohydrates and limiting the amount of sweets. It is necessary to monitor the normal functioning of the intestines. The high polyphenol content of chocolate also contributes to skin inflammation, so patients are advised to limit this product in their diet.

In general therapy, a distinction is made between local and systemic drugs.

The local group includes the following products:

antibacterial ointments;
ointments based on retinoids (promote skin regeneration);
skincare products based on salicylic acid.

The peak of the disease occurs in adolescence; if you follow the doctor’s recommendations and take proper care of your skin, the rashes become smaller. If the causes of acne are systemic disorders, a specialist may prescribe the following medications:

antibiotics;
combined oral contraceptives to normalize the menstrual cycle;
retinoids;
medications to correct the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

How to properly care for skin with open and closed comedones

If the skin is prone to oiliness and the formation of closed and open comedones, it requires special care. Necessary:

wash your face and use alcohol-free tonics and lotions containing acids;
minimize the use of foundation and other cosmetic products that clog pores;
do self-massage and tone the skin with contrasting washes and showers;
use sunscreen cosmetics;
monitor cell renewal, use home peelings and special brushes for washing, do not bring the skin to a critical condition;
moisturize and nourish the skin from the outside to avoid drying and peeling. Restoring the water balance of the epidermis is extremely important for successful treatment;
squeeze out pimples yourself
regularly , undergo all prescribed procedures and follow recommendations.