What are comedones
Comedones are formed from clots of sebum and dead scales of the epidermis, which accumulate in the hair follicle and clog the skin pores. As a result, the skin stops “breathing” without receiving oxygen; a sebum plug forms in the pore along its entire length. Because of this, a comedon is formed, which must be gotten rid of before it turns into acne.
photo of comedones on the face
Comedones, as a rule, are not dangerous and do not cause any harm to the body other than cosmetic discomfort. But this is only until the problem is joined by infection or bacterial damage by microorganisms such as Propionibacterium acnes, which provoke inflammation, suppuration and damage to epithelial tissue.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide special care to the skin affected by this disease and take therapeutic measures to get rid of it.
Salon treatments: trust the professionals
photo from the site www.primamedspa.com
The beauty salon will offer you a number of ways to remove closed comedones, in different price categories. Try to allocate money and time for professional cleaning a couple of times a year. Believe me, it is very difficult to get the same results on your own.
- Vacuum cleaning. A special device creates negative pressure, which literally pulls their contents out of the pores.
- Electrocoagulation. This method is suitable for very deep comedones. An electric current punctures the epidermis, which opens access to the deep glands.
- Laser cleaning. The laser beam has an excellent ability to penetrate into the deep layers of the skin without disturbing its integrity. The laser kills bacteria, reduces the secretion of the sebaceous glands, and the only disadvantage of the miracle remedy is the cost of the procedure.
- Ultrasonic cleaning. Ultrasound waves penetrate the skin structure, remove impurities and dead particles.
Now that you know how to treat closed comedones on the face, do not forget the basic recommendations - the most vigorous local remedies will be powerless if you do not give up bad habits and an unbalanced diet. Act comprehensively and you will succeed!
Types (closed, open)
There are two types of comedones: open comedones, the so-called blackheads, and closed comedones, which appear as white pimples.
Open comedones are formed when sebum, dust, dead dermal cells, and cosmetic residues accumulate in the follicles and pores. They clog the pore like a plug, the upper part of which oxidizes under the influence of oxygen, after which it becomes black and looks like a black dot on the skin. Such comedones are the least dangerous and traumatic for the skin, but they must be gotten rid of and treated.
Closed comedones, unlike the previous version, do not have a point where sebum comes to the surface, as they are located under the upper layer of the epithelium. They have the appearance of white balls or nodules that rise above the surface of the skin. A decrease in the production and content of linoleic acid in the tissues of the epidermis leads to a decrease in the protective properties of the dermis and an increase in the acidity of the sebum produced by the skin.
In combination, these factors provide a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms:
- propionbacteria;
- siaphylococcus;
- fungi.
comedones in the photo
In this case, inflammatory processes can develop in the body, both in the closed comedones themselves and in the surrounding tissues of the epidermis, purulent acne can form, the lesions of which are painful, unaesthetic and can form abscesses and boils. After such lesions, in most cases, uneven skin, scars and scars remain, which can only be eliminated by resorting to cosmetic procedures and the help of specialists.
Localization of comedones of any type is possible on the surface of the entire body, but is mainly found on the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, upper back and on the surface of the chest. When acne appears, it is necessary to carry out treatment that will get rid of the problem and bring the skin to normal condition.
Why does a big pimple appear on the body?
Cosmetologists identify different reasons why black spots appear on the chest. The main ones are:
- Improper skin care is a common cause. Black comedones appear due to insufficient cleansing of the epidermis or the use of inappropriate cosmetics.
- Poor nutrition. Fatty and spicy foods provoke an increase in sebum secretion, resulting in clogged pores and the formation of comedones.
- Frequent stress and nervous disorders.
- Hormonal disorders due to puberty or pregnancy.
- Wearing synthetic and tight-fitting clothing.
- Internal diseases.
- Genetic predisposition to the occurrence of blackheads.
Comedones are blackheads that clog pores and are the result of the accumulation and untimely removal of subcutaneous sebum from the hair follicle. Most often, such pimples are localized on the forehead, chin, and cheeks. If the skin is oily and prone to inflammation, comedones form on the neck, shoulders, back, arms and legs.
The main causes of blackheads are:
- disruption of the sebaceous glands;
- failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, as a result of which the pores become clogged, and white pimples with a black head form in this place;
- unfavorable climatic and environmental conditions, under the influence of which many toxins and harmful substances enter the body and are excreted through the skin;
- abuse of bad habits;
- decreased protective functions;
- lack of vitamins and microelements necessary for the body;
- low-quality or incorrectly selected cosmetics, which cause inflammation and irritation of the skin;
- hereditary predisposition;
- hormonal and endocrine disruptions;
- chronic stress, nervous overload, lack of sleep.
A common cause of comedones is poor nutrition, when the diet is dominated by unhealthy, heavy, fatty, salty and spicy foods. If you do not exclude these products, the fight against comedones will be ineffective. But as soon as you go on a diet, acne will begin to disappear on its own, and your skin will quickly return to its healthy and radiant appearance.
Causes of subcutaneous acne
The reasons for the development of subcutaneous acne are a large number of different factors. For example, this may be excessive activity of the sebaceous glands of the epithelium and excessive secretion of their secretions. This violation can occur when:
- hormonal imbalance;
- long-term use of medications, especially antibacterial drugs that provoke the development of dysbiosis of the digestive organs;
- deficiency of vitamins and beneficial microelements in the body;
- increased psycho-emotional stress;
- during menstruation in women;
- metabolic disorders in the body.
Also, factors that provoke the formation of comedones can be:
- diseases of the digestive system, kidneys or liver. This is due to the fact that the affected organs cannot function properly and remove toxins, waste, harmful substances and compounds from the body, which leads to skin problems;
- poor nutrition;
- hypothermia of the body;
- development of various skin diseases (staphylococcal lesions, skin mites);
- improper skin care and the use of low-quality cosmetics.
At the same time, regardless of the cause of the development of comedones, it is necessary to carry out treatment, which means promptly seeking help from a specialist and eliminating the problem.
Home Recipes
There are quite a few folk recipes that help cope with closed comedones. To choose an effective product, you need to consider your skin type and the severity of the problem.
Vegetable masks
Fresh vegetables are suitable for this product - carrots, zucchini, cucumber. The product must be crushed using a fine grater and mixed with olive oil or lemon juice. The composition must be applied to cleansed skin. Keep the mask on for a quarter of an hour. After which the product must be washed off with water.
Protein mask
First you need to beat the egg white with 1 large spoon of sugar. The resulting product must be divided into 2 parts. Apply part of the protein mass to cleansed skin and wait until it dries. This will take a few minutes.
Then you need to take the second part of the protein and apply it on top of the first layer with gentle tapping movements. The protein mask should be kept on for another 10 minutes. Then the product should be washed off with warm water. This procedure resembles the action of peeling. With its help, it is possible to open and cleanse the pores.
Chamomile mask
To make this substance you will need 2 large spoons of chamomile flowers. They need to be poured with boiling water to get the consistency of mush. Then add 3 drops of lemon juice and 1 small spoon of rye flour to the product. The composition should be applied to clean skin and left for a quarter of an hour. After this, you can wash your face with warm water.
Each mask should be used at least once a week. The listed means can be alternated. It is also very useful to wipe the skin with a homemade tonic. To make it you will need lemon or grapefruit juice. When using lemon juice, 1 small spoon should be mixed with a quarter glass of water. When using grapefruit juice, add 1 tablespoon of the product to a glass of water.
Oatmeal is considered an effective remedy for combating comedones. It can be mixed with warm milk or yogurt. The result should be the consistency of mush. The resulting mass should be applied in a circular motion to the face. After 15 minutes, the product should be washed off with warm water. Finally, it is recommended to treat the skin with a moisturizer.
How to get rid of comedones on the face (video)
Getting rid of comedones is not an easy task, and to solve such a complex problem it is better to seek the help of a cosmetologist in a salon or a doctor in a clinic. In addition, you can improve your skin condition at home using cosmetics and home remedies. In a cosmetologist's office, you can get rid of comedones in a short time and with minimal health consequences by resorting to professional facial cleansing using various tools, as shown in the video and photo. This cleansing will allow you to get rid of comedones for a long time, provided that you take special care of your facial skin.
If you regularly visit a cosmetologist and monitor your health, you can achieve ideal and clean skin on your face.
Treatment and methods of getting rid of comedones must first be discussed with a cosmetologist or dermatologist and carried out under their supervision.
At the same time, it is not recommended to squeeze out comedones yourself, since it is not possible to completely remove them at home. Such removal will not produce results, but will only complicate the situation.
How to treat the problem?
Possible treatment is prescribed after the cause is determined.
To cure such rashes and prevent their reappearance, you should find out the causes of their occurrence and first of all eliminate them. To do this, you need to visit a doctor and undergo a full diagnosis, on the basis of which it will be possible to determine an accurate diagnosis. Comprehensive therapy is prescribed to get rid of acne; medications are prescribed that help eliminate existing comedones and prevent the appearance of new ones. The following medications are considered effective:
- benzoyl peroxide;
- salicylic, azelaic, glycolic acid.
Drug group | Action | Name of medical products |
Retinoids | They influence the production of skin secretions inside the hair follicles, due to which the pores are cleaned in a timely manner and pimples no longer appear | "Tretinoin" |
"Isotretinoin" | ||
Antibiotics | Used in cases where acne becomes inflamed and pus forms inside it. | "Tetracycline" |
"Doxycycline" | ||
"Minocycline" |
Treatment of closed and open blackheads at home
in the photo there are closed comedones (blackheads)
The most effective means of treating comedones of any type are considered:
- keeping the skin clean, adhering to the rules of hygiene (do not touch your face with dirty hands, wash with soap or special cosmetics);
- the use of creams containing glyceric acids, which cleanse the upper layers of the epidermis from dead cells and help cleanse pores;
- the use of medications that prevent the formation of acne, stimulate the natural exfoliation of the upper layer of the dermis, and relieve inflammation, for example Differin or Zinerit;
- the use of antibiotics to stop the development of inflammatory processes on the skin and the proliferation of bacteria.
In addition, natural tonics and masks prepared at home are widely used:
- honey and calendula tincture are mixed in a 1:1 ratio and dissolved in a glass of warm water, which is used to wipe the face in the morning and evening;
- baking soda and baby soap foam are mixed and applied to the affected areas and left to act for 10 minutes, no more. Use the mask 2-3 times a month, as it has an aggressive effect on the epithelium.
Some people limit their acne treatment to using kefir as a natural tonic or frozen parsley juice.
Cosmetical tools
Today you can find many cosmetic products that are aimed at combating the problem. It is worth noting that in most cases, the preparations contain ingredients that can regulate sebum production and prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria on the skin.
Gels
Today, there are many gels for use to normalize sebum production and prevent the formation of comedones. Additionally, these remedies eliminate inflammation, make lesions less noticeable and help eliminate them completely after completing the course.
The most popular means:
- Aloe gel from the Holika Holika company is a unique product based on aloe juice, which has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Apply a thin layer to the entire face 2 times a day after cleansing the skin of decorative cosmetics. The product can be used on an ongoing basis, which will ensure maximum beneficial effects.
- Gel based on snail mucin is also actively used for patients with various rashes on the face. The product normalizes sebum production, improves skin condition, tightens pores and leads to the gradual disappearance of comedones. Used for application to the entire face 2 times a day. The product can be used as part of daily ongoing care.
Gels should not be used if you are intolerant to their components or have a tendency to such manifestations.
Lotions
Closed comedones (pharmaceuticals are not always necessary in therapy) can be eliminated at the initial stage using lotions based on natural ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
- Super Lotion is considered one of the popular products designed to dissolve closed comedones. It contains witch hazel extract as the main active ingredient. The substance helps fight closed forms of rash and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the composition contains chamomile extract. The product is applied with a cotton pad to the entire facial skin before going to bed. Before use, you should cleanse your face of decorative cosmetics.
- Clean Line lotion against blackheads is used to improve the condition of facial skin with comedones. The product tightens pores, regulates sebum production, and prevents the re-formation of lesions. The lotion is applied to previously cleansed facial skin using a cotton pad. It is better to carry out the manipulation before bedtime. The product is used as a method of daily care.
The use of lotions is not allowed if the patient’s skin is prone to severe dryness, and there is intolerance to the components of the composition.
Masks
Cosmetic face masks can be used to improve the condition of skin with comedones. Despite this, experts prefer the use of natural ingredients for making homemade masks.
Most popular recipes:
- White clay It is considered a good product for caring for oily skin prone to rashes. To obtain a mask, take 20 g of clay, add a little water until a thick mass is formed that will be easily distributed on the skin. You can add 3-4 drops of lemon essential oil to the composition. This mask is applied to the face, avoiding the area around the eyes, for 20 minutes. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a week for a month.
- A mask made from chopped parsley is considered the best tonic for the skin. It improves blood circulation, has antiseptic properties and prevents the appearance of new foci of inflammation. It is necessary to chop a small amount of parsley, apply the mixture to the face, leave for 20 minutes. Procedures are carried out at least 2 times a week for 4-6 weeks.
Homemade masks have no contraindications and have pronounced therapeutic properties. The only obstacle to their use is considered to be intolerance to the components included in the mixture.
Other means
Closed comedones (pharmaceutical products are considered effective, but are selected individually) can be eliminated by selecting the right facial skin care products. Particularly popular today are various serums that nourish the skin and prevent excessive sebum production, which leads to the elimination of lesions.
Serum based on hyaluronic acid is considered a good and effective remedy. It is used daily before bed, apply 2-3 drops to the face, and then spread with fingertips. The product can be used in courses of 2-3 weeks or on an ongoing basis.
Retinol serum also regulates sebum production. The product additionally helps improve tissue regeneration, which helps eliminate comedones and improve complexion. The product also has anti-inflammatory properties. The serum should be used for 2-4 weeks, applied to the face in the evening, and rubbed in with your fingers.
Serums are not used if allergies develop during initial application.
Remedy for closed comedones
Despite the developed pharmacological and cosmetology industry, there is no single effective remedy against closed comedones. Such a delicate problem must be approached comprehensively:
- Healthy food;
- keep facial skin clean;
- use high-quality decorative cosmetics;
- systematically resort to means and methods of cleansing pores (scrubs, lotions, salon procedures);
- use special pharmaceutical ointments and creams;
- take antibacterial medications.
To choose the optimal means for removing comedones, you need to contact a specialist and consult with him.
It is recommended to cleanse the skin once a week using special sponges that remove the upper layers of the epithelium and thus release the closed comedone.
In this case, it is necessary to disinfect the treated areas with boric acid, salicylic ointment or calendula tincture. Skin that is cared for daily acquires natural health and purity after just a few weeks, and comedones eventually cease to bother you. A forehead, chin or nose affected by acne will return to full normality with proper care.
Preventive actions
If black dots appear in the chest area, then, of course, you need to fight them. But, it is better to prevent any problem than to fight it later with all possible means.
Check out some tips to help prevent chest acne:
- try to wear underwear, and in summer outerwear, made from natural materials. The skin will breathe, and various bacteria will not have suitable conditions for reproduction;
- reconsider your diet. Every day there should be vegetables, fruits and foods containing grains on the table. Try to eliminate flour products high in sugar from your diet. Load up on fish, greens, grains and nuts;
- You need to drink water (up to two liters per day, in small sips). Do not buy sweet, carbonated drinks, concentrated juices and cocktails. For drinks, freshly brewed green tea is suitable;
- limit your intake of dairy products. If you really want milk, then buy the low-fat version;
- When purchasing cleaning products, read the labels carefully. For chest acne, you can use lotions that do not contain oil;
- Avoid touching your skin unnecessarily during the day. After each visit to the toilet, be sure to wash your hands, just as after walking outside;
- try not to get nervous over trifles. Stress is often the main cause of unhealthy skin;
- After playing sports or a simple morning warm-up, be sure to take a shower.
The listed tips for preventing blackheads are very simple. Follow the suggested recommendations, and you won’t have to mask unhealthy skin with blackheads with cosmetics. If the problem cannot be solved, then do not delay medical consultation.