Blackheads are a common problem faced by women of all ages and all skin types. It’s easy to deal with this unpleasant problem at home by preparing a scrub from healthy products.
When used correctly, facial scrubs for blackheads can be as effective as expensive salon treatments. The article provides popular and simple recipes for homemade cleansers.
Reasons why comedones occur
Blackheads or comedones occur when pores become clogged with dirt, dust, sweat and dead skin particles. When the substances clogged in them oxidize, they turn black.
The main reasons why comedones occur:
- genetic predisposition;
- unhealthy diet (lots of fatty, sweet, spicy and salty foods) and bad habits;
- illiterately selected cosmetics or their use for other purposes;
- insufficient or excessive cleansing of the skin;
- disturbances in the hormonal system (increased testosterone levels);
- allergy;
- climatic conditions;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- stress;
- reaction to the use of drugs.
Where do blackheads come from?
The correct medical name for blackheads is open comedones. They are present on the face of almost all people. For some, blackheads are practically invisible, for others, the pathology is the cause of serious psychological complexes.
The skin of the face is most susceptible to the negative effects of the environment. Through the pores of the epidermis, a special secretion is released, which performs a protective as well as moisturizing function. If too much sebum is produced, it clogs the pores. The black dots known to many are formed.
Negative factors such as poor nutrition, excess weight, hormonal imbalances, and bad habits can provoke the development of pathology. During adolescence, boys and girls are more likely to experience comedones. But to get rid of them, large financial expenses are not needed. Anyone can prepare a scrub against blackheads at home.
How does a scrub work?
The scrub contains abrasive particles that exfoliate and draw out the protruding heads of comedones without damaging the skin. The scrub mechanically affects the dermis, cleansing the pores of:
- pollution;
- excess sebum;
- cosmetics.
After the scrubbing procedure, the use of serums and face masks gives a more pronounced effect and benefit.
In addition to abrasive particles, the compositions of scrubbing agents should contain:
- Absorbents . To draw out impurities from pores and the surface of the skin.
- Solvents (plant extracts, acids). To weaken intercellular connections and more easily remove stubborn dirt.
- Substances with antibacterial properties . For the treatment of acne caused by microbes.
- Softening and caring components . To soothe and moisturize the skin after aggressive scrubbing.
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Scrubs often contain zinc to tighten pores.
Cereals
Proper nutrition will help significantly reduce the number of blackheads. Oatmeal must be present in the diet of a girl leading a healthy lifestyle. However, this product can also be used to prepare a scrub for blackheads at home. The product helps reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria, normalizes the secretion of skin secretions, and makes the face smoother. In addition, oatmeal helps remove age spots.
To prepare the scrub, oatmeal must first be crushed using a blender. Two tablespoons of the resulting powder are mixed with the same amount of rice flour, boiled water and a teaspoon of glycerin are added. It should have the consistency of thick sour cream. The resulting product is applied to cleansed skin with massaging movements, and after two minutes, rinsed off with warm water. The advantage is that after such a scrub you don’t even need to apply a moisturizing mask. Glycerin perfectly softens the skin.
Best finished product
The abundance of scrubbing products in stores can confuse an inexperienced buyer. We present the 3 best scrubs according to customers.
Vichy Normaderm
Facial scrub “Gel with microgranules” from Vishi is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. It perfectly cleanses clogged pores, reduces the production of subcutaneous sebum and gets rid of blackheads without damaging the dermis. Active components:
- Peeling particles . Soft abrasive.
- Glycolic acid . Starts the process of exfoliation (skin renewal).
- Salicylic acid . Suppresses excess sebum production, softens the outer layer of the dermis, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Glycerin . Moisturizes and prevents dehydration.
- Thermal water Vishi SPA . Antioxidant, restores and maintains skin pH levels, accelerates cell renewal.
The combination of these substances gives an effect that is visible from the first time: the skin becomes significantly cleaner, fresher and acquires an even color.
Christina Comodex Scrub & Smooth Exfoliator
An exfoliator scrub with a leveling effect from the Israeli brand Christina exfoliates dead skin particles, accelerates metabolic processes in the skin and normalizes the production of sebaceous glands.
Active components:
- Apricot kernels (chopped). Abrasive.
- Lemon acid . Tones, cleanses and refreshes. Fights pigment spots and post-acne. Mattifies the skin and reduces the production of sebaceous glands.
- Cucumber extract . Moisturizes and prevents skin dehydration.
- Lycopene . Prevents premature aging, protects against UV rays and other aggressive environmental factors.
Lancôme Exfoliance Clarite
Exfoliance Clarte exfoliating gel refreshes and cleanses the skin of dead cells. Suitable for any age and skin type.
Active components:
- Salicylic acid . Normalizes sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Papaya and pineapple extracts . Smoothes and tones the skin. Gives it a healthy shine and radiance.
- Antibacterial substances . Get rid of acne caused by bacteria.
- White wax microgranules . Softens the skin, forms an invisible film, balancing the pH balance.
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How to care for your skin after the procedure
After scrubbing, you must carefully remove all scrub residue. Finally, you can rinse your face with mineral water and pat dry (but do not rub) with a towel. Then apply face cream - night, nourishing or moisturizing light gel.
Scrubs made from natural products not only successfully exfoliate keratinized particles of the epithelium and open comedones, but also successfully perform deep cleaning of pores and sebaceous ducts, using abrasive particles to remove the remnants of gland secretion with keratinized particles
The skin needs rest, so after 10-15 procedures you need to take a break for 2-3 weeks. During this period of time, only gentle moisturizing or nourishing masks are allowed. The new dot cleansing cycle depends on your skin type:
- oily skin is scrubbed 2-3 times a week;
- normal or combined - once a week;
- dry or withering - once every 2 weeks.
How to make a good remedy at home?
The above store-bought products are very effective in the fight for clean pores. But you don’t have to shell out money for such an effect. To achieve this, you can prepare the scrub at home yourself.
With honey and cinnamon
One of the simplest recipes. Cooking instructions:
- Sprinkle a tablespoon of chopped cinnamon onto a tablespoon of honey.
- Mix.
- Ready.
Cinnamon sticks should first be mashed with a spoon or chopped with a knife.
It is recommended to wash off this scrub with cold water.
Using salt and soda
This recipe is suitable for oily skin. Baking soda softens the dermis, and salt draws out and removes impurities. Cooking method:
- Pour ½ tbsp into a tablespoon of soda. l. oil (olive, castor, argan or flaxseed).
- Mix.
- Add 1 tbsp. l. coarse sea salt.
- Mix.
It is recommended to apply this product with massage movements to problem areas of the face and leave for several minutes.
From coffee and oatmeal
Caffeine improves blood circulation in the skin , and oatmeal improves complexion and tones the dermis. Cooking method:
- Mix one tablespoon of coffee grounds in equal proportions with heavy cream.
- Add 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal.
- Mix.
This scrub should be left on problem areas for 5-7 minutes and then washed off.
Clay and whey
To eliminate comedones, use naturally sour milk. To prepare a scrub for blackheads at home, you need to mix the resulting serum with a tablespoon of white clay. To make a good scrub, you need to use any solid ingredient. Coffee beans are perfect. All components are mixed so that the consistency of thick sour cream is obtained.
The resulting product is carefully distributed over the entire face. After 5 minutes, it is recommended to gently massage the areas with the largest accumulation of blackheads. At the end of the procedure, the product is washed off with warm water. You can then wash your face with cold water to close your pores and soothe your skin. Finally, a suitable moisturizer is applied to the face.
Preparation rules for application to skin
Before applying a store-bought or homemade scrub, you need to prepare your face accordingly:
- Clear . Remove makeup, remove impurities.
- Steam . Open pores for easier removal of comedones.
- Scrub . With clean hands, apply the scrubbing agent to the face, rub in with massage movements for the time specified in the instructions.
- Wash . Wash off any remaining product.
- Moisturize. Apply cream.
Contraindications
The scrub, like any other cosmetic product, has its contraindications. In what cases is it prohibited to use it, and in what cases should you be careful:
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- Sensitive and thin skin. Scrubs contain abrasives that can damage the dermis. Illiterate use of products for this skin type can cause irritation, itching, and redness.
- Dry skin . This type of skin does not have a protective lipid barrier, which can reduce the aggressive effects of the mechanical action of the scrub. You should choose scrubs that contain oils and other moisturizers.
- Inflammation, acne. Friction when using a scrub can cause infection to spread across the skin (pimples). Use for inflammation of the skin is contraindicated.
- Damaged skin (scratches, wounds, bruises) . Using a scrub for damage can cause peeling, itching, rash, burning and hypersensitivity. It is worth waiting for the wounds to heal completely.
In order for a scrub to help get rid of blackheads, you need to choose it wisely, taking into account your skin type and the composition of the product. Using the tips above, you can quickly get rid of blackheads and forget about their existence.
What is a cosmetic scrub
A scrub is a cosmetic product that removes dead cells from the skin and cleanses it of impurities. This effect is achieved due to the presence of hard particles in the soft scrub base. The basis, as a rule, is cream, gel or clay. And the solid particles include sea salt, seeds of various plants, coffee, apricot kernels, synthetic balls, etc. The most effective scrubs in the fight against blackheads are those that contain the following components:
- fruit acids;
- salt, soda, activated carbon;
- cosmetic clay;
- ground coffee;
- honey;
- sugar;
- aspirin (salicylic acid);
- boric acid.
The scrub softens the epidermis, and then the solid particles free the skin from the stratum corneum.
The effectiveness of using a scrub depends on what product you purchased or prepared at home. So, for oily skin, a clay-based scrub with nut shells, sea salt and crushed fruit seeds is better suited. Those with sensitive skin should opt for scrubs with aloe, mint, chamomile and tea tree extract. For normal and ideal skin, the scrub is based on fruit essences with oils, ground coffee and loofah. But for those with dry skin, it is most difficult to choose a scrub. Ideally, it should contain avocado, sunflower or wheat germ oil. Honey and panthenol will also be useful.
Advantages and disadvantages of scrubs
Scrubs are popular in the fight against blackheads due to the presence of a number of advantages:
- the scrub improves skin color, makes it soft and smooth;
- the scrub promotes the production of collagen, which makes the skin tightened and elastic;
- the components of a homemade scrub are natural and cheap, while salon procedures (vacuum cleaning and peeling) will cost an average of 2–3 thousand rubles;
- Thanks to the variety of scrubs, you can find the ideal product suitable for your specific skin type.
However, there are a number of disadvantages that are important to pay attention to:
- the scrub temporarily gets rid of blackheads, but does not prevent their appearance in the future;
- individual intolerance to individual components of the scrub is possible, while popular masks based on activated carbon are practically safe;
- Too harsh scrub components can injure the skin and cause inflammation.
Contraindications to the use of scrubs
Despite all the benefits of scrubs, in some cases they can aggravate the situation and cause increased inflammation. Therefore, it is extremely important to familiarize yourself with the contraindications to the use of scrubs:
- the presence of acne, acne and pustules, as well as microcracks, wounds and burns;
- increased skin sensitivity;
- close location of capillaries to the surface of the skin;
- any dermatological diseases in the acute stage;
- individual intolerance to components.
To protect yourself from unpleasant consequences, first apply a little scrub to your hand and watch the reaction. And if you have any doubts regarding this or that scrub, it is better to consult with a cosmetologist in advance.
