The maximum number of sebaceous glands is located in the face, shoulders, upper chest and back, on the scalp and in the ear area. Therefore, in these areas, the skin can become oily (oily seborrhea) and lead to the appearance of blackheads (comedones) and acne. After 35 years, the glands begin to reduce their activity, and the skin most often changes towards normal. But if you don’t want to just sit and wait for old age, when the problem will solve itself, there are several effective ways to improve the condition of your skin now. These include: cleansing, peeling and proper cosmetic care. Today we propose to consider the 10 best remedies for blackheads - according to reviews from cosmetologists and ordinary customers.
Blackheads or open comedones are clogged with excess sebum, mixed with dead old cells of the upper layer of skin, bacteria and external impurities, ducts of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Dimensions are usually from 0.1 to 2 mm. The color can range from yellow to black. Sebum acquires a dark color during the process of oxidation with oxygen. Most often they are located on the forehead, wings of the nose, chin and upper back.
Closed comedones are almost the same thing, but locked under a thin layer of skin and not oxidized by oxygen, but capable of turning into an ordinary pimple. They may rise above the skin or be felt as small bumps when passed by hand. They are most often located on the forehead, cheeks, cheekbones, chin, neck and chest area.
Comedones are non-inflammatory elements of acne and, when constantly present on the skin, lead to persistent enlargement of pores.
Causes of comedones:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Increased activity of the sebaceous glands with increased sebum production (for example, in adolescence). Most often under the influence of sex hormones androgens.
- Replacing sebum with fatty acids for beneficial linoleic acid.
- Comedogenic effect of some external cosmetics (too oily).
- Increased keratinization of cells in the upper part of the follicle and blockage of its mouth.
- Insufficient skin cleansing.
Why and how often should you cleanse your skin?
Cleansing the skin is necessary to get rid of excess oil secreted by the skin itself for its softness and elasticity. Dirt accumulates in uncleaned pores and bacteria multiply, leading to micro-inflammations.
Deep cleaning, which should be carried out at least once a month, will help cope with this. Superficial daily cleansing is a preventive procedure after deep cleaning.
Salon treatments for blackheads
If the imperfections are non-inflammatory and there is no recurrence of acne, you can get rid of blackheads using popular cosmetic procedures. Properly selected corrective home care will prolong the temporary results of aesthetic manipulations.
Types of salon procedures for removing blackheads:
- Ultrasonic, vacuum or mechanical (manual) cleaning of pores;
- Dermabrasion (mechanical resurfacing) for deep exfoliation of the skin;
- Cryotherapy (cryopeeling), acid peeling (based on glycolic, lactic, azelaic, salicylic acids or retinoids) for intensive renewal of the stratum corneum of the skin;
- Laser resurfacing is a radical and most traumatic way to get rid of acne, as well as post-acne marks, by exposing the epidermis to a laser beam.
- Disincrustation cleanses pores with a special solution that delivers electric current to the deep layers of the skin.
Cleansing rules
When cleansing your skin daily, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:
- the face should be cleansed in the mornings and evenings using various cleansers, and they must be washed off with water;
- Cleansers should be selected according to skin type;
- evening cleansing order: removing makeup, washing, toning, moisturizing;
- use peeling, scrub or cleansing mask no more than 2 times a week;
- When washing, do not use soap;
- the area around the eyes should not be rubbed with force;
- the cleanser should be applied in a circular motion, avoiding the eye area; the skin of the neck also needs daily cleaning;
- After rinsing off the product, the skin is carefully blotted with a towel.
It is worth noting some features of cleansing:
- to wash oily skin, first use warm and then cold water;
- It is not recommended to cleanse the skin with products without the use of water, since when using such cosmetics, impurities are not completely removed, and the skin is deprived of massage.
Weleda Cleansing Gel
Weleda Cleansing Gel How often to use:
daily.
If you're looking for a gentle cleanser with an antibacterial effect, this is it. Willow bark works as a natural antiseptic, licorice root extract has antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, and witch hazel water tones and soothes.
Stages of cleansing
Facial skin cleansing occurs in stages using special cosmetics:
- At the 1st stage, decorative cosmetics are removed from the skin;
- at the washing stage, dirt and fat are washed away from the surface of the skin;
- toning is a mandatory 3rd stage;
- Finally, cream is applied.
Makeup remover
Makeup removal is the removal of decorative cosmetics and must be carried out before bed, because at night the skin undergoes restoration processes.
When choosing makeup removers, you need to focus on this skin type:
- For normal skin, any product is suitable;
- dry ones are completely unsuitable for alcohol-containing products; milk is more suitable for her;
- Products with cosmetic oils are not suitable for oily skin; micellar water is needed to cleanse it.
Subsequence:
- Removing cosmetics begins with removing lipstick;
- then use a cotton pad to clean the eye area with soft, gentle movements;
- Lastly, the foundation is removed.
It is necessary to cleanse the skin of complexion products especially carefully and carefully. Failure to follow the rules leads to damage and early aging.
Steaming and washing
For better cleansing, steam the skin using hot water, or better yet, herbal decoctions. After steaming, the elasticity of the skin increases, blood circulation increases, the pores open, which makes it easy to remove dead cells and fat accumulation in the pores. Masks and creams applied to the skin after steaming are more effective.
Each skin type has its own steaming method:
- It is recommended to steam oily skin 2 times a week for 20 minutes;
- For normal skin, 1 steam per week for 10 minutes is enough;
- Dry skin is steamed for 5 minutes. once every 2 weeks.
Preparation and carrying out the procedure:
- remove makeup;
- carry out surface cleaning;
- moisturize lips and skin around the mouth and eyes with a rich cream;
- collect hair in a bun;
- boil water or prepare a decoction of herbs, pour into a convenient container;
- place your face over a container of hot liquid, cover with a towel;
- withstand for the required time.
Proper washing is important to keep your skin clean and healthy. Morning washing cleanses the skin of dust particles and sweat released during sleep. Evening will get rid of the remnants of cosmetics and dirt, returning full breathing to the skin.
You should not wash your face with hot or too cold water; for this it is better to use water at room temperature.
It is also not recommended to wash your face with running water: heavy impurities have a negative effect on the skin. Filtered or boiled water, infused overnight with glycerin, lemon juice and soda, is suitable for manipulation. Immediately before washing your face, you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap.
Facial cleansing cosmetics also include cleansers that are applied to damp skin, rubbed in for a few seconds, and rinsed off.
Deep cleansing of pores
There are 3 types of deep facial cleansing:
- hardware room (using special devices for deep cleansing of the skin, widely used in beauty salons);
- mechanical (deep contaminants are squeezed out of the pores);
- chemical (using cleansing masks, scrubs, peelings).
You can do deep facial cleansing yourself at home using natural products. Such products will contain natural beneficial components and abrasive particles.
Before the procedure, the skin must be steamed. For particularly contaminated areas of the skin, use mechanical cleansing, and then clean with hydrogen peroxide. Then cleanse the skin with peeling or scrub, rinse with water, apply a deep cleanser, leave for a few minutes, and rinse.
In order to close the pores after deep cleaning, apply a special mask and wash with cool water. The procedure is completed by applying a suitable cream.
Deep cleansing of facial pores at home:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMfejSQF6k
How to clean pores at home
To get stunning results, you don't have to spend a lot of money on expensive products or spa treatments. There are a few simple home remedies you can try that are made from natural ingredients and are easily accessible to everyone.
Photo by Isaac Rock: Pexels
- Oats and onion puree
Place about three tablespoons of raw oatmeal in a cup or bowl, then add enough boiling water to cover the oatmeal and let the mixture sit for about five minutes. Grind a small onion in a blender or food processor and mix with the prepared oatmeal. If the mixture is thin, add a small amount of warmed honey to create a thick consistency.
Before applying the mask, clean your skin with water and dry with a towel. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it there until it dries. After carefully remove the mixture with water (it should not get into your eyes), moisturize your skin with light cream.
- Tonic made from vinegar and tea leaves
Prepare a tonic base using a green tea infuser or a small spoonful of loose leaf tea per cup of boiling water. Leave the brew for 2-3 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup.
Wash your face, and then wipe the areas with contaminated pores with a swab and tonic. Avoid getting the product into your eyes. After drying the skin, it is necessary to moisturize it with lotion or cream.
Regular procedures aimed at cleaning the pores of the face can significantly improve the appearance of the skin and establish the processes of its renewal and regeneration.
How to choose a cleanser based on your skin type
Selection rules:
- For oily skin, degreasing foam, mousse, scrub and toner without alcohol, designed specifically for oily and problem skin, are suitable.
- For dry skin, cleansing milk or oil is suitable for cleansing, which will saturate it with vitamins and moisturize the skin, smooth out fine wrinkles.
- The choice of cleansing products for normal skin is wider. This includes a variety of gels, micellar water, milk, powders and powders.
- Alcohol-free products are suitable for cleansing mixed-type skin: gel, foam, milk.
When purchasing facial cleansers, it is important to pay attention to the presence of harmful substances in the composition , such as animal fats, bentonite, glycol, and gluten. High-quality drugs should not contain such substances.
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conclusions
- Cold hydrogenation provides a thermal effect without exposing the skin to high temperatures. This eliminates skin burns, injuries and difficulties with blood flow.
- The steaming gel ensures swelling of the epidermis due to damage to intercellular connections. At the same time, the top layer becomes softer and better absorbs moisture and nutrients.
- A cosmetic steaming product removes oily shine and softens sebaceous plugs, which makes them easier to remove, expands pores and warms up the skin.
- The composition of the gel is determined by the manufacturer, but it is always based on plant extracts.
- Hydrogenation is carried out in several steps and replaces professional facial cleansing.
Facial cleansing cosmetics
Types of Cleansers
Cosmetics for facial cleansing are divided into types:
- foam - a creamy cleanser that forms a gentle foam on damp skin;
- mousse - foamy cleanser;
- gel products form less foam than mousses and foams and are conveniently applied to the face;
- lotion is a cleansing liquid that contains beneficial substances and herbal infusions; there are alcohol-free and alcohol-free lotions; lotions do not need to be washed off with water;
- milk is the most delicate cleanser that does not require rinsing; apply it to the face with your hands and remove it after a couple of minutes;
- emulsion is a liquid in which drops of another substance are in a certain state.
Cleansing foam
From all the variety of cleansing foams, you need to be able to choose your own. The tools described below will help you make your choice.
The most popular foams:
- Vichy foam. For dry skin, use foams with a gentle composition, the components of which prevent moisture loss. These products contain vitamin E and wheat protein. Vichy foam has a pleasant aroma and light texture. The product contains thermal water and a complex of plant components. This foam can handle even waterproof cosmetics. The bottle contains 200 ml, its price is approximately 1000 rubles.
- Toning foam Green Pharmacy.
- Foams for cleansing oily skin contain natural ingredients that have an astringent effect (oak bark, string, green tea). Inexpensive (RUB 135) toning foam Green Pharmacy is suitable for oily and normal skin types. The composition includes: milk proteins, menthol, castor oil.
- Natura Siberica foam for removing makeup from the face and eyes removes mascara and eyeliner well. The product helps restore skin, slows down aging, and does not irritate the eyes. The composition contains medicinal herbs and panthenol. A 150 ml bottle costs about 400 rubles.
Foam cleansers are applied to a damp face, foamed, washed off, and then cream is applied.
Washing
Not only various foams are suitable for washing; there are also other means:
- Organic Kitchen soft soap is suitable for oily skin; it delicately cleanses the face, fights imperfections, and makes the skin softer. Price: 220 rub.
- Librederm cleansing gel is designed for dry and normal skin, moisturizes and does not contain parabens or alcohol. Cost from 200 rub.
- Max Perfection Brightening Multi Cleanser complex cleanser eliminates acne marks, lightens age spots, cleanses the skin, soothes irritations, and protects against wind and frost. Price: 1000 rub.
Any cleanser is applied to damp facial skin in a circular motion and washed off with water.
Steaming
Steaming cosmetics provide deep cleansing of the skin.
Here are some of them:
- Hot facial cleansing Premium Professional deeply cleanses and restores the skin, eliminates acne, removes dead skin cells, tones, and slows down aging. Apply to the skin with gentle movements, rinse off after a few minutes with cool water. Price: 538 rub.
- Garnier steaming mask for blackheads in individual packaging deeply cleanses pores. The clay and zinc included in its composition eliminate unevenness, narrow pores, and remove excess fat. The product is applied to the skin for several minutes, during which the skin warms up and cleanses. Then it is washed off. Price: 146 rub.
- Caolion 2 masks: warming and tightening pores. A steaming mask based on mineral water, coal, oat grains and kaolin saturates the skin with essential microelements, moisturizes, opens pores, destroys bacteria, removes dead cells, and soothes. Apply, leave for a few minutes, and wash off. Mask No. 2 tightens pores. Price: 2400 rub.
Micellar water
Micellar water is used to remove makeup and lightly cleanse the skin.
Examples of funds:
- NIVEA micellar water removes even the most stubborn makeup, tones, and is suitable for every skin; it contains castor oil and panthenol. Price: 240 rub.
- LOREAL micellar water is designed specifically for skin with increased sensitivity; it quickly removes decorative cosmetics; the glycerin contained in it soothes the skin; the product does not cause allergies and is used sparingly. Price: 300 rub.
- DUCRAY ICTYANE micellar water for very dry skin, easily removes long-lasting cosmetics, moisturizes, protects against irritation, and has a pleasant smell. Price: 930 rub.
When cleansing your face with micellar water, wet several sponges and place them on your eyes for 1 minute. Then remove the makeup with a light movement. To wash off the foundation, wipe the skin with a sponge soaked in micellar water.
Makeup removal
Optimal products for removing makeup:
- Loreal micellar lotion is suitable for even the most sensitive skin, does not contain alcohol or harmful substances, and does not cause allergies. Costs 230 rubles.
- Jason Natural Wet Pads are a time-tested, effective solution. They will quickly and effortlessly rid your face of any make-up; it contains vitamins and herbal extracts that your skin needs, and there are no chemicals. To remove makeup, you need to wipe the eye area and facial skin with pads. Price: 460 rub.
- The Saem alcohol-free two-phase product is suitable for every skin biotype, effectively and gently removes decorative cosmetics, moisturizes the skin, and contains no harmful substances. Price: 420 rub.
Any makeup remover is applied to cotton sponges, wiped over lips, eyes, and then facial skin.
Shower gel
Cleansing gels from the most famous brands:
- Gentle moisturizing gel “Black Pearl” is designed for dry skin. Instantly moisturizes, increases skin elasticity, and nourishes. With regular use, the condition of dry skin noticeably improves. The price is nice, from 100 rubles.
- BIOTHERM is the best anti-gloss cleanser. The gel deeply cleanses pores, normalizes sebum production, treats acne, and smoothes out skin unevenness. Price: 1700 rub.
- NIVEA washing gel with a scrub effect effectively removes decorative cosmetics, dirt and excess fat. Keeps skin matte without feeling dry. Fights acne and has an exfoliating effect. Average cost: 160 rub.
Wash gels are applied to damp skin, foamed and rinsed off.
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Cleansing with water
Tap water is not at all suitable for washing; it is better to use mineral, bottled or filtered water.
The most important thing is the right cleanser:
- For dry skin, a gentle gel with a creamy texture from NIVEA , containing almond extract and costing 200 rubles, is suitable.
- Cleaning gel Clean Line is suitable for any skin type, thoroughly cleanses the skin, does not dry it out, and fights acne. The price is only 85 rubles.
- Cleansing gel from the French company Arnaud is considered one of the best mattifying products. Cleans well and tightens pores without drying it out. As a result, the skin is matte and fresh all day long, and the occurrence of acne is minimized. Price: 600 rub.
Hydrophilic oil
Facial cleansing cosmetics can also be in the form of oil. Hydrophilic oil, along with micellar water, is used to remove makeup and is suitable for any skin.
Examples of quality oils:
- NYX is a fragrance-free cleansing oil that easily removes long-lasting makeup and is used sparingly. The price for a 100 ml bottle is 550 rubles.
- Kose Softymo oil is recommended for dry skin; it removes makeup well and is completely washed off with cleansers. Cost 780 rub.
- Soft cleansing oil from The Body Shop does not dry out the skin when used, is suitable for daily use, and dissolves any cosmetics, even particularly long-lasting lipsticks. The price of one package is 1090 rubles.
Hydrophilic oil is applied to dry skin and left for 2 minutes. Next, you need to wet your hands and massage your face, rinse with cleanser.
Oil textures
Oil-based facial cleansers are especially recommended for use with the onset of cold weather, when the skin is exposed to low temperatures.
For example:
- L'OCCITANE Cleansing Oil removes any type of makeup well. When interacting with water, it turns into a delicate foam, does not dry out, and nourishes the skin. The price is: 1700 rub.
- URBAN DECAY thick oil balm is a highly professional product for removing cosmetics, convenient for travel, and contains natural ingredients and vitamins. Price: 2300 rub.
- ORIGINS cleansing oil is based on sunflower, olive, sesame and safflower oils, and also contains vitamin E. The product gently washes away any impurities and restores the skin. Price: 2900 rub.
Facial cleansers containing oils are applied to dry skin after 2 minutes. The facial skin is massaged with wet hands and the product is washed off with water.
Scrub
In addition to surface cleansers, facial cleansing cosmetics also include deep cleansing and exfoliating scrubs:
- Vichy gel scrub will effectively and without damage remove the dead layer of cells and inflammation, return a pleasant color to the face, and tighten pores. The cost is: from 900 rub.
- Clean line scrub with apricot kernels and chamomile perfectly exfoliates, softens and tones the skin. It is important not to overdo it when using, otherwise you can injure the skin. The price is attractive: 90 rubles.
- Garnier clean skin is a scrub, a mask, and a cleansing gel. Deeply cleanses the skin, treats acne, cools, closes pores. Price: 300 rub.
Application of scrubs: apply the product to steamed skin, massage, rinse with water, apply a suitable cream.
Exfoliation
Facial exfoliation is the removal of dead cells with exfoliating agents.
Facial exfoliation products:
- Biotherm lotion renews the skin, deeply cleanses, eliminates oily shine and acne. Price: 1700 rub.
- Lancome's gentle exfoliating cream gently removes the top layer of cells, ideal for sensitive skin. Its cost: 2900 rubles.
- Peeling with glycolic acid Medic Control Peel is used on skin prone to hyperpigmentation, gently exfoliates, and fights age-related skin changes. Price: 1100 rub.
Any peeling product is applied to damp, steamed skin, the face is thoroughly massaged, and the product is washed off with water. Peeling products should not be used in the eye area.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads (open comedones or blackheads) are a plug from a mixture of oxidized sebum, particles of dead skin cells, dust and remnants of decorative cosmetics. They arise against the background of increased secretion of the sebaceous glands, as a result of which the pores expand and are more susceptible to clogging.
According to epidemiological studies, open comedones are a problem that occurs in people of different age categories, and not just in adolescents in puberty. Mostly such rashes are localized in areas of excessive sebum production and the largest number of active sebaceous and sweat glands: forehead, nose, chin (in other words, in the T-zone).
Skin cleansing devices
Deep facial cleansing can be done using special devices at home.
This device can be purchased in the online store:
- Vacuum dermabrasion device GESS Elastic professionally cleanses pores, removes acne, provides a high-quality massage, thereby smoothing out wrinkles. Device price: 5650 rub.
For deep facial cleansing, in addition to cosmetics, you can use special devices, such as the GESS Elastic vacuum dermabrasion device. - Ultrasonic facial cleansing from GESS Star Face effectively rids the skin of dead skin particles, acts gently, tones, and stimulates metabolic processes. Costs about 4000 rubles.
- An inexpensive option (RUB 1,250) - the Pulse Beauty device is multifunctional. You can use it to wash your face, massage your face and neck, cleanse your skin and smooth out wrinkles, and even apply cosmetics. Its cost: 1250 rubles.
The procedure for cleaning the skin with a special device is carried out on previously cleansed skin. A special gel is applied to the skin. The movements of the appliance blade during cleaning should be slow. Periodically remove dirt from the spatula. After the procedure, apply a soothing mask to the skin.
Tips for using the devices:
Skin type | Number of procedures | Duration of the procedure | Accompanying cosmetics |
Dry | 10-15 | 10-20 min. | Moisturizing formulations |
Sensitive | 10 | 10-15 min. | Moisturizers |
Fat | 10-15 | 10-30 min. | Tonic |
Fading | 10-20 | 10-20 min. | Moisturizers |
What should be the composition of good anti-blackhead products?
- Hydroacids (AHA acids, azelaic acid, LHA acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid) promote gentle exfoliation of the stratum corneum of cells, breaking down the protein bonds between them, and gently cleanses the skin.
- Hydrofixatives (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, La Roche-Posay Thermal Water) soften and moisturize the skin, prevent transepidermal loss of moisture from cells, and strengthen the hydrolipid barrier.
- Amino acids (sebulis) reduce shine.
- Absorbents (perlite, kaolin) absorb sebum and sweat, giving the skin matte and smoothness.
- Zinc pidolate or zinc mattifies the skin and has antibacterial properties.
- Niacinamide soothes skin.
- Prokerad prevents the formation of stagnant spots.
- Mannose extract normalizes the skin microbiome and restores its protective properties.
- Antioxidants (vitamin C, E, carnosine) prevent oxidative stress by helping cells fight the negative effects of free radicals.
- Piroctone olamine has an anti-inflammatory effect and cleanses pores.
- Oils (squalane, shea butter, shea butter) restore the hydrolipidic barrier, nourish, soften the skin, and prevent the development of hyperkeratosis.
Top 5 best cosmetic complexes for facial care
To keep your facial skin clean and well-groomed, you need to use a whole range of cosmetics.
Top 5 best cosmetics manufacturers abroad:
- According to Russian consumers, the best cosmetics are products from the German brand Nivea ;
- In 2nd place are Swiss cosmetics Oriflame ;
- on the 3rd place are cosmetics produced in Belarus ;
- Maybelline is rightfully in fourth place ;
- The list is completed by the Loreal brand.
Top 5 Russian cosmetics manufacturers:
- Natura Siberica;
- Clean line;
- Black Pearl;
- Red line;
- 100 beauty recipes.
Every skin needs daily cleansing. The choice of cosmetic product for facial cleansing should be taken carefully and seriously, taking into account the type and condition of the skin, as well as age. Properly selected cosmetic complexes prolong the youth of the skin.
Author of the article: Doroshenko E.N.
Article design: Ovsyanikova S.V.
Professional gels or traditional steaming with mechanical removal of sebaceous plugs
The steaming procedure significantly increases the flow of blood and lymph. But the outflow weakens. The upper layer of the epidermis swells and softens under the influence of hot steam, but at the same time the dermis becomes overflowing with blood and becomes overly sensitive.
A steaming facial product works through stimulants rather than heat. This improves not only the inflow, but also the outflow of blood and lymph. This difference allows you to use a steaming gel when steam baths and compresses are prohibited:
- with rosacea and frequent dermatitis, with pronounced rosacea and other vascular diseases;
- with very high dryness;
- with a tendency to severe peeling.
Steaming gel includes soothing and antiseptic components. Unlike a steam bath, the gel does not irritate the skin.