Let's wash away troubles: how do anti-blackhead remedies work?

Probably every second woman and every first man had to deal with them. As ancient as humanity itself, blackheads are nothing more than open comedones. When the mouths of skin follicles are expanded, they are easily clogged with a mixture of sebum and dead epidermal cells. This cocktail inevitably oxidizes and – hello, black dot!

The specificity of these skin imperfections is such that the thicker the sebum, the worse the exfoliation of the epidermis, the greater the chance of getting a scattering of comedones. More often - on the forehead, nose, chin and along the hairline.

There are usually several reasons.

• Hormones. Exceeding the norm of certain hormones leads to thickening of sebum and thickening of the epidermis. As a result, inflammation and comedones appear on the skin of the face - both open and closed. When the main cause of clogged pores is hormones, even the best remedy for blackheads will not save you, but it will keep the situation under control.
• Nutrition. Recent scientific studies have proven that dark chocolate is not as dangerous to the skin as baked goods and sugar. Foods with a high glycemic index are what scientists call them. Fruits, vegetables and grains, on the contrary, reduce the risk of acne.
• Incorrect care. Insufficient cleansing, lack of makeup remover, aggressive washing gels, comedogenic creams - all this is fraught with clogged pores, especially for oily skin.
• Stress. Problems at work, school or at home affect the health of facial skin only indirectly. Stressful situations disrupt the balanced distribution of vitamins and minerals throughout the body's systems, and the skin and hair are supplied according to a residual principle. In addition, when our nerves give out, we are more likely to ignore normal hygiene, leading to acne on our skin.
• Heredity. Sometimes the width of pores and viscosity of sebum are determined by genes. In this case, it will not be possible to get rid of blackheads forever. The good news is that fighting them is not useless. Regular care allows you to keep your skin beautiful and clean.

Effective methods to get rid of blackheads

Not all of these methods of cleansing the skin and removing blackheads are universal, but you definitely need to know about them.

• Cosmetics Dermatologists advise choosing a range of care from one brand and using it daily. The least that cosmetics can do against blackheads is to noticeably lighten them and keep the pores clean after a visit to a cosmetologist.
• Pharmacy preparations Complexes of biologically active substances for problem skin should contain zinc, vitamin A, B vitamins, silicon and magnesium, which reduce the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands and dilute it. But be prepared to disciplinedly monitor your dietary supplement intake with a doctor.
• Salon procedures From mechanical cleaning to deep chemical peeling - in the salon you can get any service for cleaning and tightening pores with a prolonged effect. Entrust your face only to qualified dermatologists and be prepared for the fact that the procedures will not work on you - this is possible if the problem is deep inside, and not in the skin layers.
• Homemade recipes The rating of homemade remedies for blackheads puts mixtures with parsley, yeast, celandine, salt, soda and other kitchen “residents” in first place. Doctors are pessimistic: these products are likely to cause allergies, and gruel with salt and soda will lead to dehydration, which is much more unpleasant than clogged pores.
• Diet and maintaining hydration Proper nutrition and one and a half liters of water per day are suitable for both men and women. In the long term, an active and healthy approach to life normalizes metabolism and makes the skin clearer. In addition, a diet rich in zinc, alpha-lipoic acid and retinol (and these are the same fruits and vegetables, herbs, beef, dairy products) balances the composition and viscosity of sebum.

Garnier Clear Skin

Price: from 180 rubles

This film mask against blackheads works due to the powerful tandem of activated carbon and salicylic acid. The first component, like a sponge, absorbs impurities, including sebum, toxic substances accumulated in cells, and keratinized particles of the epidermis. Acts as a soft peeling that, in addition to blackheads, removes small hairs and imperfections on the face.

The mask itself is charcoal in color and has the consistency of a thick gel. When applied, it spreads easily and sticks to your hands, just like other products of a similar category. The smell is chemical, unpleasant. In second place in the composition is ethyl alcohol, which is felt when inhaling the vapor from the tube. The mask is decorated in black and red tones. It is sold in a box on which the user can read all the information of interest.

Pros:

• jelly-like film mask with a good composition;
• excellent cleansing detox effect;
• easy to apply;
• does not tear, is easy to clean;
• affordable price.

Minuses:

• average degree of cleansing of problem areas from blackheads;
• presence of alcohol components;
• unpleasant aroma.

Features of cosmetics against blackheads

Did you know that remedies for blackheads, for example, on the nose, have the same mechanism of action as lotions for comedones on the back? Modern cosmetics begin with active ingredients - they are well studied and successfully used all over the world.

Compound

Anti-comedogenic substances in cosmetics serve several purposes. They need to dissolve the plug in the skin pores, draw it to the surface, and make the skin smooth and matte. An effective remedy for blackheads must contain at least a couple of components from this list.

• — Salicylic acid – at a concentration of 2% it dissolves the contents of pores and has a delicate antibacterial effect on the skin.
• - Glycolic acid - acts similarly, but only on the surface of the skin.
• — Zinc – fights oiliness, mattifies well, prevents inflammation.
• — Plant extracts – some of them mattify, while others visually reduce pores and soothe the skin.
• - Clay and charcoal - they are loved for their absorbent talents, their ability to draw out impurities from pores, reduce and lighten blackheads.
• — Mild abrasive additives – exfoliate the epidermis and polish the skin, restoring its smoothness and softness.

Properties

Cosmetic ranges, whose formulas are based on active ingredients, are produced in entire “families” - so one set of cosmetics for problem skin will replace all your usual care. In these ranges, each product has its own specificity, but together they go towards the same goal.

• Moisturizers. Oily and at the same time dehydrated skin – does this happen? Even so, if there is no moisturizing product without comedogenic substances in your care.
• Cleansing. They are the main ones here: they work in the pores, renew the epidermis, remove impurities and excess sebum, gradually reducing the number of clogged pores.
• Exfoliating. Created for regular skin renewal. Those with blackheads, as a rule, have a slower exfoliation of dead cells - this cannot be done without outside help.
• Toning. By enhancing the effect of cleansers, they soothe the skin and even prevent the appearance of oily shine throughout the day.

Ninelle So Pure Skin

Price: from 45 rubles

This mask for blackheads is colorless, but has a mint scent. The aroma effectively complements the characteristic chill felt on the skin at the moment of hardening. In addition to cleansing substances, it includes biotin, which improves tissue structure, allantoin, which is involved in the restoration, renewal and smoothing of the skin, “asebiol complex” to combat oily shine and prevent acne, moisturizing and softening ingredients.

The mask is packaged in a standard soft tube with a hinged lid. The combination of white and sea green is pleasing to the eye. In addition, the packaging contains information about the composition and promises from the developers: during the session, the mask deeply cleanses, carefully removes keratinized epidermis, soothes irritated areas, reduces pores, and refreshes the complexion. The mask has a viscous, sticky consistency that can take up to half an hour to transform into a mask.

Pros:

• the dots become less visible and brighten;
• smells nice, easy to use;
• mattifies perfectly and does not draw out moisture;
• tightens pores well;
• mask film against blackheads is affordable.

Minuses:

• does not clean pores completely;
• It's not suitable for everyone, you need to test it.

Types of cosmetics for blackheads

Now let’s take a closer look at what cosmetic products help against blackheads – and how to incorporate them into your care.

Creams

A special cream for acne and blackheads can be drying, so it is permissible to alternate it with other moisturizing products: for example, in the morning - neutral care, and in the evening - cream with salicylic acid.

Scrubs

The general consensus is that products with scrubbing particles should be used most often - every other day, and ideally twice a week after an acid peel (tonic) or instead of a regular cleansing gel.

Tonics

Lotions and tonics are indispensable in the fight for a beautiful face: they gently exfoliate, mattify and enhance the effect of the care applied after them. Focus on the behavior of your skin - sometimes it is enough to wipe it with toner only in the morning.

Oils

Even oily skin needs ceramides, just in smaller quantities. Look for non-comedogenic oils and apply oil-based products twice a week only to moisturized skin.

Gels

If the gel cleanser for blackheads contains acids, that’s just great! But alcohol at the very beginning of the list of ingredients is undesirable, because the mission of the gel is to cleanse the skin of a mix of sebum and typical urban pollution without overdrying. You can wash your face with this product twice a day with a clear conscience.

Plasters

Not all cosmetologists approve of them. But what could be more effective than a strip that pulls out dozens of “columns” from pores at a time? And if you apply a steaming mask first... Be sure to consult your dermatologist before declaring war on blackheads with such a radical method, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Masks

Aimed at drawing out impurities from pores and reducing skin oiliness. Typically, the mask is applied once a week or more often after washing and only on dry skin, left for at least three minutes, and then washed off. Cleansing fabric masks are also useful as an express remedy.

Secret Key Black Out Pore Peel-Off Pack

Price: from 800 rubles

And again a representative of protection against “black imperfections”, now from a South Korean brand. The color is due to the content of charcoal, which is added for gentle cleansing, removing toxic substances, absorbing impurities and stagnant secretions of the sebaceous glands. For parallel hydration, the composition contains an interesting complex of sesame, black rice and soybeans. To speed up cell renewal, lighten age spots and acne marks, the product contains papaya extract, and centella extract will help tone and maintain skin elasticity.

The mask is presented in a black design: from the box and tube to the cleansing mass itself. Compared to other film masks, it is more liquid, deep charcoal in color with shiny tints. Once on the skin, it quickly sticks and sinks into uneven areas. It spreads without special effort, and can also be removed if applied in a layer of a certain thickness. For some, it causes unpleasant painful sensations when removed. Along with the film, various impurities, sebum from the pores, peeling, as well as small vellus hairs come off.

Pros:

• a good film mask for powerful cleaning;
• neutral smell;
• easy-to-distribute texture;
• after removal, the face is matte, clean, brightened;
• economically used.

Minuses:

• It’s a bit painful to take off;
• high price.

How to choose the right remedy for blackheads: a mini-guide

It all depends on your skin type. Which one is yours?

The problem is the tendency to become fatty:

• you need comprehensive care: gel, tonic, cream, scrub and mask;
• choose products for daily use;
• Pocket-sized products will come in handy - for example, matting napkins.

Problem – combination skin:

• Enough gel, lotion and mask;
• give preference to textures that allow you to apply the product only to the T-zone.

Problem – dry or sensitive skin:

• your choice – cream or mask for local application (a fabric mask will no longer work);
• avoid drying cosmetics;
• Pay attention to anti-allergenic, non-comedogenic care.

One Spring with bamboo charcoal

Price: from 250 rubles

The formula of this mask against blackheads has an atypical composition for cleansers. In addition to the adsorbent component (extracts from bamboo charcoal), it contains a humectant - hyaluronic acid, nutritional components, vitamin E. The complex allows you to simultaneously carry out not only powerful cleansing, but also provides hydration and nutrition to the cells during the procedure. That is why there is no dryness on the face after removing the mask, the skin is transformed, looks very clean and renewed.

It is hardly possible to pass by a film mask with bamboo charcoal. It comes in a beautiful, glossy, deep black tube. The product is easily squeezed out, it is charcoal in color with a liquid consistency. To apply it quickly, you need to adapt. Before the procedure, the skin must be prepared by steaming. If the pores are open, the mask will easily remove impurities, soften and draw out sebaceous plugs (blackheads). It is not necessary to apply the mask over the entire face. It is enough to pay attention to areas with problem pores.

Pros:

• cleansing mask with a good composition;
• cleanses the skin, removes dirt, sebum, keratinized epithelium;
• Beautiful design;
• hardens quickly;
• can be removed easily and painlessly.

Minuses:

• strong unpleasant odor;
• not suitable for everyone.

BIOVENE BLACK MASK

Price: from 1,200 rubles

Spanish mask film for blackheads. Thanks to its rich composition, it effectively fights pimples, clogged pores, blackheads, oily skin and spots (pigmentation, post-acne) on the face. Contains activated carbon, which absorbs impurities, soothing and moisturizing aloe vera, green tea extract, grapefruit seed extract, papaya.

Pros:

• high-quality mask with useful ingredients;
• cleanses pores, smoothes and softens the skin;
• convenient to use.

Minuses:

• high price.

Comparison table of characteristics

Basic information regarding each of the funds presented today is contained in the table.