How to get rid of comedones: the most effective methods

2024 Author: Arianna Cook | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-12 17:55

What are comedones, what are they? The main reasons for the formation. How to get rid of comedones?

Comedones are sebaceous plugs that sit deep in the skin, which are formed as a result of blockage of the mouths of hair follicles with sebum and epithelial cells. As a rule, they are not considered hazardous to health, but they bring aesthetic discomfort to the owner, as they look repulsive.

What are comedones?

In the photo there are open comedones or black dots

Comedones are a small cyst that forms as a result of a clogged pore with sebum mixed with desquamated epithelium. They do not pose a threat to life or danger to human health, but they greatly spoil the appearance, which is especially difficult for women.

Comedones on the face despair by the way they are formed and, depending on this, are of two types:

• Open … They are also called black dots. The pores are dilated and clogged with horny masses consisting of sebum and desquamated epithelial cells. The dirt that has accumulated in the pores comes into direct contact with the air. This also determines the dark color of the formation, because the secretion of the sebaceous glands, being oxidized, acquires such a color. The content comes out if you press on such a black comedone. Do not cause complications.
• Closed … They are tubercles with a diameter of 1-2 mm with a whitish or yellowish head, deeply embedded in the skin and not in contact with air. Best of all, white comedones are noticeable when the skin is stretched, and when pressing on the formation, the contents practically do not come out. In this case, a secret is produced that has a too thick consistency, most often due to problems with the stomach, intestines, thyroid gland, lack of essential fatty acids in food, and epithelial cells are not completely exfoliated, therefore they block the exit of sebum and interfere with the secretion of unhindered. Over time, the accumulated fat settles deeper, bacteria gradually develop in it, inflammation begins, complications disturb.

Open comedones are much more common than closed ones.

Note! Makes sebum a liquid substance called squalene, which is synthesized by the action of essential fatty acids.

Photo of subcutaneous closed comedones

Most often, comedones are formed on the face, since the pores here have a high density. In addition, the constant use of cosmetics containing oils contributes to their occurrence. Their favorite place is the T-zone, prone to high fat content and most of all suffering from the sun, wind and various kinds of pollution.

However, they can form on other parts of the body with the exception of the palms and feet. The back is most prone to lesions, since it is difficult to wash and is constantly exposed to friction and increased sweating, the neck due to the large number of pores, the chest and shoulders - also as a result of friction of clothing.

Comedones occur in people of all ages, but most often appear between 12-24 years of age. They are common in adolescents, pregnant women and women with menstrual irregularities, during menopause. In adulthood, the problem is not pronounced, since the amount of sebum secreted decreases.

The main reasons for the appearance of comedones

The scheme of the occurrence of comedones

Open and closed comedones on the face are the result of clogged pores over many months or even years for various reasons. Therefore, before proceeding with their removal, it is important to find out why they arise.

The most common reason is inadequate skin care or, even worse, the complete lack of such measures. When you abuse cosmetics containing fats, oils, ignore the rules of personal hygiene, make-up removal procedures before going to bed, makeup residues, dead cells, sebum, sweat, dust accumulate on the skin. As a result, comedones are formed.

Of all the causes of comedones, only the hereditary factor is fatal. If your parents suffered from such a problem, then with a high degree of probability you will also face the occurrence of skin plugs. The only recommendation in this case is to pay attention to measures to prevent comedones.

Another reason why open and closed subcutaneous comedones occur is hormonal disorders. That is why they often occur during puberty, pregnancy, menstrual irregularities and menopause. Sebum, which clogs the mouth of the hair follicles and provokes the appearance of sebaceous plugs, begins to be secreted with increasing testosterone levels.

In addition, various disorders of the endocrine glands, gastrointestinal diseases, and the intake of certain medications cause the appearance of comedones. They also occur with improper nutrition, when there is an abundance of spicy foods, fatty foods, baked goods and sweets in the diet, and there is not enough essential fatty acids.

Constant stress also causes the formation of plugs in the skin, since as a result of nervous disorders, the chemical composition of the secretion secreted by the sebaceous glands changes. Also, during stress, care procedures are reduced to zero, as a result of which the problem of comedones and acne is aggravated.

Small sebaceous plugs occur in humid climates and in polluted air, as a result of which an increased amount of dust and dirt accumulates on the skin, and the harmful effects of free radicals and toxic compounds increase.

Note! Before removing comedones, it is important to find out the cause of their occurrence, otherwise the undertaking will be ineffectual.

How to get rid of comedones on your face?

You can't get rid of comedones with regular cleansers and exfoliators. It is important to use specialized tools. To avoid scarring and the spread of infections, comedone removal should be entrusted to a professional. The deeper the formation is, the greater the risk of scars after it is removed.

Salon treatments for comedone removal

The photo shows how vacuum cleaning from comedones is done

It is highly discouraged to press comedones on your own. Without a certain skill, they cannot be completely removed, in addition, self-activity is fraught with an aggravation of the situation, the occurrence of scars, the risk of injury to the vessel, and expansion of the affected area. That is why it is important to trust a professional who will do everything quickly, painlessly and without health risks.

The following are the most effective salon treatments for comedones:

1. Mechanical cleaning … Not a very pleasant manipulation, even painful, but at the same time it is highly effective in eliminating comedones. Before the procedure, the skin is steamed, gloves are put on and all instruments are sterilized. Use a Uno spoon to remove. Sebaceous plugs are pressed along the excretory ducts of the sebaceous gland, which is why a qualified specialist should clean comedones. The average cost of the procedure is 1500-2500 rubles. per session.
2. Ultrasonic cleaning … Another effective salon procedure that will help get rid of blackheads and closed comedones. Completely painless. First of all, it is aimed at removing the contents of clogged pores, but it also has a significant anti-inflammatory effect, therefore it is recommended for owners of sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions. A special spatula is used to remove the sebaceous plugs. Together with the removal of comedones on the forehead, nose and cheeks, it will help get rid of acne, since ultrasound has pronounced antibacterial properties. The average cost of the procedure is 2500-3400 rubles. per session.
3. Vacuum cleaning … The skin is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner that pulls impurities out of the pores. A special drainage tube creates a vacuum. In addition to cleansing the skin from sebaceous plugs, the oxygen saturation effect is guaranteed. The procedure is not associated with severe discomfort. The average price of vacuum face cleaning is 1500-300 rubles. per session.
4. Acid peeling … It is carried out using a special agent that contains acid. Its particles remove the stratum corneum of the epidermis, which facilitates the release of sebaceous plugs. Acid peeling for comedones also improves the work of the sebaceous glands, thereby preventing the occurrence of comedones in the future. A certain type of peeling is recommended for each type of skin: for oily and combination - salicylic, for dry and normal - diamond, for sensitive - almond. Also, during the procedure, you can get rid of various rashes, as a result, the face looks fresher. The average price of acid peeling, depending on its type, is 1600-3500 rubles.
5. Electrocoagulation … This is the most effective way to get rid of comedones on the face by exposing them to alternating high-frequency current. Removes the deepest greasy plugs. The process of such cleaning consists in cleansing the contaminated pores with a special needle, through which a current pulse is supplied. After the destruction of the comedone, a small crust forms, which disappears without a trace and does not provoke scarring of the skin. The average price of electrocoagulation for comedones is 1500-200 rubles.

Cosmetics for comedones

If comedones cause inconvenience, it is not enough to clean the beauty salon once or twice, you should organize proper and high-quality daily skin care. The following cosmetics will help with this:

1. Effaclar La Roche-Posay Cleansing Foaming Gel for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin … The product is designed to cleanse the skin, normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and eliminate blackheads. A capacity of 400 ml costs about 1,500 rubles.
2. Lancome Absolue Gel for Makeup Removal & Skin Cleansing … A luxurious premium skin care product that delicately cares for it when removing makeup. The price is quite high - 4402-5870 rubles.
3. Vichy Normaderm "24 Hours Moisturizing" Corrective Treatment Against Imperfections … The product reduces the oily shine of the face, normalizes the process of sebum production, which prevents the occurrence of comedones. Price - 1 255 rubles.
4. Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion with Herbs … It is intended for problem skin with a tendency to high fat content, normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands, therefore, its use is indicated as a prevention of comedones. The price of the lotion is about 1200 rubles.
5. L'Oreal Paris scrub mask “The magic of clay. Exfoliate and shrink pores " … The product contains 3 types of natural clay at once. The formula also includes another beneficial component for the skin - red algae extract. The product not only cleanses the skin and exfoliates epithelial cells, but also noticeably narrows the pores, thereby reducing the problem of comedones to naught. The price of the mask is 590-650 rubles.
6. Helena Rubinstein Black Peeling Cream Pure Ritual Care in Peel … Combines mechanical and chemical action, as it contains glycolic acid. Thanks to the high-quality cleansing of dead cells, it prevents the problem of clogged pores. There is a cream peeling for comedones - about 3,500 rubles.
7. Multifunctional product Garnier "Pure skin Active 3-in-1" … Mattifies, reduces blackheads and prevents their appearance. Contains salicylic acid and charcoal for antibacterial properties. The price of the product is about 300 rubles.
8. Korean Ciracle Steaming Wipes Pore Control Blackhead Off Sheet for Comedone Removal … The product cleanses the skin, tightens the pores, which prevents the problem of sebaceous plugs. The composition contains plant extracts of witch hazel, mint, juniper, sage, which have disinfecting properties. To remove comedones, it is necessary to apply a tissue disc to the skin, place the film on top to create a greenhouse effect, and after 15 minutes remove it and remove the sebum. The price is about 1050 rubles.
9. Holy Land Lactolan Peeling cream … The product is intended for cleansing, moisturizing and restoring the skin, removing blackheads, belongs to professional cosmetics. The composition includes albumin, hydrolyzed milk proteins, casein, smells like a cheese-creamy dessert. Its uniqueness lies in its versatility and the possibility of using it in different ways: as gommage, enzymatic peeling or cleanser for washing. The price of a cream mask is about 2200 rubles.
10. KORA cream mask with fruit acids … This is a chemical peeling that is suitable for all skin types, cleanses the face and tightens pores, fights blackheads, and reduces acne marks thanks to the content of AHA acids (tartaric, citric, glycolic, lactic). The mask is applied for 5-7 minutes, it is delicate, but tingles a little. The price of the tool is about 500 rubles.
11. Grapefruit peeling roll G9skin Grapefruit Vita Peeling Gel … Evens out the skin microrelief, exfoliates dead cells, cleanses pores, removes black plugs, and removes redness. In addition to grapefruit extract, it contains AHA and BHA acids and 30 more plant extracts, but does not irritate the skin. The peeling roll is recommended to be used 1-2 times a week. The price of the tool is about 850 rubles.
12. Salicylic peeling Medic Control Peel 15% … The product is suitable for oily and combination skin. Cleans the skin, tightens pores, normalizes the sebaceous glands, removes blackheads. It also has keratolytic and antibacterial properties. Peeling is applied once a week, the course consists of 5-6 procedures. Apply with gloves and stand for 3 minutes, applying up to 3 times per procedure. During the procedure, there is a strong burning sensation, the skin peels off for several days. The price of the tool is about 2,000 rubles.
13. Holy Land Super Lotion Alcohol Free … A professional cosmetic product that is suitable for all skin types, but is best suited for dry and combination skin. Dissolves open and closed comedones, when mechanically cleaned with a Uno spoon, facilitates the procedure. It is recommended to use it once a day, as it has a rather sticky consistency. In the early days, it can provoke a rash. The cost of the funds is about 1840 rubles.
14. Alcohol tonic Christina Fresh Purifying Toner for oily skin … The product is intended for oily and combination skin and belongs to the category of professional cosmetics. Additionally cleans the face after washing, dries, normalizes the sebaceous glands, tightens pores, removes closed comedones and prevents the formation of blackheads. The price of the tool is 1330 rubles.
15. Lanbena Nose Plants pore strips mask for nose … Suitable for the care of oily and combination skin, it draws out blackheads well, but does not remove deep ones. It is recommended to steam the skin before use. The set, in addition to the jar with the mask, includes paper napkins with which you need to cover the product after applying it to the face. Remove after 5 minutes. It is best not to use on sensitive skin and do not apply in a thick layer. The price of the tool is 220 rubles.
16. Clay mask Holy Land Special Mask, shrinking pores … Designed for oily, porous skin, to eliminate post-acne, stagnant spots, rosacea. Normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands, absorbs excess sebum, removes blackheads and prevents the development of new ones. The tool is recommended to be used 1-2 times a week. The price is 1140 rubles.

Important! When choosing a cosmetic product to combat comedones, focus on your skin type.

Folk recipes for comedones

Photo of an activated carbon mask from comedones

Before you start removing comedones from your cheeks or forehead, it is important to open your pores. If time permits, it is better to make a steam bath, using a decoction of chamomile, sage and enriching the liquid with essential oils for its preparation. You can also just take a hot shower.

The most effective recipes for folk remedies for comedones:

• Soda scrub … To prepare it, mix equal amounts of baking soda and salt and dilute with water to make a thick paste. Apply the product to the steamed face with a cotton swab, performing circular massage movements. After you wash off the scrub, be sure to apply a moisturizer.
• Activated carbon mask … Another very effective product that cleans pores well, as it has an absorbent effect. To prepare a mask for comedones, grind 2-3 tablets of activated carbon into powder, add 1 tbsp. blue clay and dilute with water until thick. Apply the product to steamed skin and keep it for no more than half an hour. Removing the mask, you will notice that all the sebaceous plugs contained in the pores remain on it.
• Peeling with oatmeal … Grind the oatmeal into crumbs, you need 1 tbsp. Add 1 tsp. soda and dilute with fatty kefir until a thick gruel is obtained. The finished product is applied with a cotton swab, rubbing in for 3-4 minutes. After washing off the mass, apply a nourishing cream.
• Coffee scrub … It will help you to easily remove blackheads. To prepare the product, mix coffee with cocoa butter previously melted in a water bath. Apply to skin and massage in in a circular motion. You can use a coffee scrub no more than once every 2 weeks.
• Chocolate scrub … To prepare a remedy for comedones, mix 2 tbsp. l. cocoa powder with brown sugar. Next, the ingredients are diluted with olive oil to obtain a thick consistency. Apply it on pre-steamed skin, rubbing in with light massage movements. After the procedure, a moisturizer is applied.
• Egg mask … An effective remedy, the principle of which resembles store-bought plasters. Not only removes comedones, but also improves complexion. To prepare the product, separate the egg white from the yolk and beat until lather. Next, grind an ordinary napkin into pieces and glue them to your face: the whipped protein should be applied to them. Next, they glue another layer of napkins and wait for it to dry. They do everything 2 more times and wait until the mass is completely dry, then it should be torn off abruptly and washed well. At the second stage of the procedure, the face is smeared with whipped yolk, which is washed off after another 10 minutes.
• Gelatin mask … For its preparation 1 tbsp. dilute edible gelatin with the same amount of warm milk. This mixture must be heated in a water bath, and then add powder of 1 tablet of activated carbon into it and stir until a thick paste is obtained. The tool is applied to problem areas and wait until it dries. After 10 minutes, apply another layer of the gelatin mask and wait until it dries completely. The formed film should be removed with a sharp movement, and a moisturizer should be applied to the skin.
• Acid peeling with strawberries … Due to the presence of a large amount of vitamin C in the composition, this berry is excellent for a procedure to remove sebaceous plugs. It is better to use fresh strawberries, it retains all the nutrients in full. Mash 2-3 berries in mashed potatoes, add 2 tsp. lighter salt or other scrubbing agent such as semolina or ground coffee. Make sure that the gruel is thick and that the exfoliating component does not have time to dissolve. The product is applied to problem areas, rubbed in easily with massage movements and left for 5-10 minutes. Then the areas are massaged again and again the composition is left for 5 minutes. After the specified time, wash off and apply a soothing cream.
• Lotion with cucumber water … Cleans the skin from sebaceous plugs, normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands. Mix cucumber water and lemon juice, the ingredients are taken in equal amounts. Add 1-2 tsp. honey and dilute with mineral water to make a non-sticky liquid. It is recommended to use comedone lotion 2-3 times a day for 1 week.
• Lotion with aloe juice … You can buy ready-made aloe vera juice or squeeze it out of a houseplant leaf. Dilute 1 to 1 with mineral water and add a little honey to enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of the product. Use lotion against sebaceous plugs in the morning and evening.

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