SKY specialist cosmetologist Christel Henriksson explains how correct skin care can reduce the appearance of blackheads, but not eliminate them completely.
Most of us have blackheads, regardless of skin type or age. Blackheads, or open comedones, appear when dead skin cells and sebum form a corn plug in the skin pore.
– In this case, the sebum does not reach the surface of the skin, but the pore gets blocked. The color of blackheads is not caused by dirt, but by when this mass oxidizes with the air, explains Sothys, a SKY specialist cosmetologist working in Helsinki Christel Henriksson.
Blackheads are usually found in the t-zone or other sensitive areas.
The blackhead accumulates inside the skin pore. Skin pores are more clearly visible on oily skin and aging skin. Pores also tend to appear larger as the skin sags.
Mostly, blackheads are only an aesthetic nuisance.
If the blackhead gets big, it stretches the pore. The pore may not return to its original size.
– Then the skin is left with a permanently enlarged pore. The skin recovers better at a younger age and worse at an older age.
It is difficult to prevent the arrival of blackheads
Henriksson says that it is difficult to completely prevent blackheads from coming in, because the skin’s sebum production is a natural and necessary function.
– Instead, we are able to curb the filling of the pores with various facial treatments, care devices and cosmetic products, the task of which is to clean the skin and reduce the dead skin cells that clog the skin pores.
Mechanical Skin Cleansing is the most effective method for emptying pores. Often the results are visible immediately.
– Once the pores have been cleaned, it is important to maintain the results with the help of home care products. The most important part is exfoliation and moisturizing.
Blackhead treatment
There are a wide range of deep cleansing agents on the market that help keep the pores clean.
Henriksson lists the best ingredients for treating blackheads.
1. Products containing salicylic acid (BHA acid) help reduce blockages effectively, as they remove dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is an antibacterial agent.
2. Retinol (vitamin A derivative) reduces the oiliness of the skin and promotes cell renewal.
3. Glycolic acid (AHA acid) is helpful, because thanks to its small size, it can exfoliate deep in the skin pores.
4. Clay masks absorb sebum. It can be applied to the t-zone or other oily areas.
NOTE! You should proceed with caution with acids and retinol. They may not be suitable for everyone or in all seasons.
– Acids that are unsuitable for your skin and that are too strong can cause skin irritation, dry out the skin and cause hyperpigmentation, i.e. pigment spots, SKY specialist cosmetologist Christel Henriksson says.
Remember to moisturize your skin
Daily moisturizing of the skin is important. This should be taken into account, even if the skin is oily.
– Moisture increases the softness of the skin. In this case, there is less dead skin cell left to clog the pores.
Moisturized skin is also more flexible, making it easier to clean mechanically.
– The results may not be visible immediately, but it requires persistence. Moderation and regularity are the trump cards of skin care.
This is how you prevent inflammation and permanent marks
A specialist cosmetologist does not recommend removing blackheads yourself. The reason for that is clear.
– Bad asepsis and technique can cause inflammation and permanent marks on the skin, which bring new skin problems.
– Sometimes the skin pore can become inflamed. You can try local antiseptics for this problem. If infections occur frequently and in a wide area, it is worth contacting a dermatologist.
Henriksson recommends that you should also visit a dermatologist if you have large blackheads all over your face. Then it could be comedo acne.
With these products you can:
Patchology’s set includes several salicylic acid patches and hydrocolloid stickers for pimples and blackhead mask patches. The gentle but effective ingredients prevent and facilitate the treatment of already visible skin problems. 17.90 e, Sokos.
Lumene’s gentle but effective clay mask helps to blur skin pores and smooth the skin, making it look soft and smooth. 24.05 e, It’s snowing.
The natural peeling serum promises to reduce impurities, smooth and brighten the skin. The serum works gently. 19.90 e, Beauty Shaman.
Nivea’s Derma Skin Clear Toner contains salicylic acid and niacinamide. This face wash cleans the face effectively. With use, the skin looks brighter and more balanced. 7.35 e, Prism.
Skin Proud’s exfoliating face water is a super easy way to boost skin cleansing. The product promises to remove dead skin cells and moisturize the skin. Detox Tonic seems to do just that. 15.90 e, Stockmann.
Sothys Desquacrem is a very effective deep cleansing and brightening exfoliant. 44 e, Sothys.
Kocostar’s Black Happy Mask is a purifying cloth mask. The carbon in the mask promises to bind impurities and excess sebum from the skin. 3.90 e, You are beautiful.
Mario Badescu’s Drying lotion is a specific product intended for impurities. It is used by dipping a cotton swab through the liquid in the glass bottle into the pink powder at the bottom. After this, the product is pressed onto the skin in the desired area. The product made it to the test right away, because two pimples were appearing on the tester’s temple. The very next day, the pimples had reduced considerably. I used the product again the next day, after which the pimples had subsided almost completely. The product is functional and I will continue to use it. 22.90 e, Kicks.
Acropassi’s Trouble Cure patch is a specific product that is put on the pimple. The hydrocolloid patch contains small spikes. The product quickly helped with a stubborn pimple that just popped up and under the skin on the face. 13.99 e, Yup.
The niacinamide and zinc booster from the Italian natural cosmetics line Bioearth curbs sebum production and keeps skin pores clean. Apply this product, either directly to problem areas or mix a few drops into your moisturizer. A sufficient and functional product, whose affordable price pleases. 13.95 e, Grass root.
Joe Blasco’s Detox Scrub multifunctional product combines mask and exfoliation. The effective peeling mask promised to brighten and renew clogged skin. During the test use, the cloudy skin felt effectively cleaned and the impurities got a ride. Active ingredients include various clays, mud and coals, such as white and green clay and volcanic ash. Made in France, the product has a fresh scent. 29.90 e, Joe Blasco.
The Clean Spot Solution product from the Japanese V10 series is a convenient aid for the prevention and treatment of pimples and acne. The effective, unscented topical product is sprayed on problem areas and pimples. A convenient, antiseptic spray helped to clean the skin pores. Remember to take care of moisturizing the skin so that the product does not dry out too much. 32.60 e, Olo Apteekki.
Garnier’s Micellar Charcoal Jelly micellar water contains, among other things, cleansing charcoal and salicylic acid, which help blackheads. The effective, jelly-like product took away the day’s makeup, impurities and dirt. Promises to make more effective make-up and sun protection products as well. The ample supermarket putsar has an excellent price-quality ratio. 7.45 e, K-Citymarket.
Photos: manufacturers.