Problems on the face. Enlarged pores and “blackheads”: how to fight?

Nothing can beautify a woman more than smooth, healthy facial skin. Unfortunately, many factors lead to the fact that young girls are faced with the problem of enlarged pores, blackheads and acne. And if it is not difficult to get into such trouble, then to correct the consequences you will have to put in a lot of effort, and often money.

Today I will talk about the causes of this scourge, and also reveal the secrets of how to clean and narrow the pores on the face at home and whether it is possible to get rid of them forever.

The essence of the procedure

Skin cleansing is called deep sanitation of pores.
As a result of the procedure, internal contaminants are removed that cannot be affected by regular washing of any thoroughness. A cosmetologist achieves his goal through the use of special tools, devices, and chemical compounds. The impact injures tissue.

Violation of the integrity of the skin does not always occur, which does not indicate the possibility of ignoring the rules of behavior or violating the principles of skin care after cleansing.

There are several suitable procedures; your cosmetologist will advise you on the right one.

Reasons for enlarged pores

How to clean pores on your face

Sometimes the pores on the face are barely noticeable, and sometimes they resemble lunar craters. This happens due to the accumulation of fat and impurities in the ducts of the sebaceous glands, because pores are nothing more than their exit points to the surface of the skin. Toxins and salts are removed through the pores along with sweat, so they cannot be “closed.” But you can keep them clean and, to the best of your ability, fight the factors that provoke their expansion.

• Hormonal imbalance. During adolescence and pregnancy, changes in the endocrine system can cause excess sebum production and enlarged pores.
• Acne disease. Due to excess androgens, the keratinization process is disrupted, and dead skin flakes clog the pores.

  Acne on the face: causes of appearance

• Oily skin type. Unfortunately, increased sebum production is often genetically programmed.
• Incorrect care. To prevent sebum from clogging pores, the skin must be cleansed properly and regularly.
• Nutrition. A love of spicy and fatty foods, a passion for sweet carbonated drinks and baked goods does not have the best effect on the condition of the skin.
• Passion for the sun. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, as a natural protective measure, the stratum corneum thickens, and it becomes more difficult for the pores to free themselves from impurities.
• Age. Due to the destruction of collagen and elastin, the skin loses its elasticity, becomes loose, and the pores remain enlarged.

Formation of blackheads

Why do blackheads form on the cheeks? Comedones on the skin are symptoms of skin diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, liver diseases, and hormonal disorders.

Sebum, pollution, and desquamated epidermal cells clog pores, promoting the formation of comedones.

More often, adolescents and women with hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and menstrual cycles suffer from comedones. At a more mature age, the intensity of sebum production decreases, and comedones are less common.

The main causes of comedones:

1. Sebum accumulates at the mouth of the hair follicle . The plug that clogs the pore is formed from skin cells, dust particles, makeup residues, and toxins. Toxins are usually eliminated through the pores, but when interacting with sebum they form a thick sticky mass. A comedone can be seen when some of the sebum, combined with toxins and bacteria, comes out through the opening of the follicle and darkens when exposed to oxygen.
2. Improper skin care . The accumulation of dead cells, sebum, dust particles, salt crystals and bacteria in the pores is caused by: fat-based cosmetics, makeup, poor hygiene, and the habit of not washing off makeup before bed. With oily facial skin, one of the above factors will definitely cause the formation of sebaceous plugs.
3. Genetic predisposition . If close relatives have comedones, the incidence rate increases.
4. Increased testosterone levels can stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands.
5. Side effect after taking certain medications.
6. Stress.
7. Humid climate , air pollution.
8. Poor nutrition.

Symptoms

Coarsening of the skin, enlarged pores on the cheeks, and flaking of oily skin become the first signs of the appearance of blackheads .

The skin takes on an unhealthy grayish color. Due to increased oil content, makeup doesn’t stick well and “runs off.”

Therapy should begin at this stage . Blackheads are not yet visible, but a mass of sebum and impurities has already clogged the pores and is waiting for the mouth of the follicle to open.

Some of the sebum may come out of the follicle, but the other part is retained inside, causing small bumps to appear on the skin of the cheeks. These areas can be felt when stroking the face.

Then open and closed comedones appear. Open comedones are blackheads. The closed ones are located under the skin, their contents do not come to the surface, and they become inflamed.

Independent mechanical removal of blackheads can lead to the appearance of scars and the addition of a purulent infection.

Preparatory stage

Following the cosmetologist’s recommendations regarding proper preparation for the cleaning procedure helps to set the vector of movement to obtain the desired results. At this time, maximum attention is paid to maintaining the health and integrity of the epidermis. In 7–14 days, it is impossible to carry out interventions that injure the skin and require long-term rehabilitation. It is recommended to exclude the introduction of Botox, fillers, and mesotherapy. They refuse plastic surgery, dermabrasion, and the use of scrubs.

During the preparation period, light peelings, the use of cosmetics with acids, and the use of deep cleansing masks are not excluded, even recommended. This will prepare the skin for cleaning and facilitate the process of thorough pore sanitization. Depending on the depth and intensity of the impact, manipulations can be done within 1–2 weeks.

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It is not recommended to limit yourself to cleansing the epidermis. It is important to identify the cause of inflammation and, at the same time, regulate the functioning of the body. It is useful to carry out detoxification, normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and balance the hormonal sphere.

Microdermabrasion and its effects on pores

Microdermabrasion allows you to rid your facial skin of enlarged pores, age spots, wrinkles and scars. During the procedure, the cosmetologist polishes the skin using a machine that supplies aluminum oxide or diamond chips. Already after the first procedure, the effect is noticeable.

Before starting microdermabrasion, make-up removal and superficial cleansing of the face are required. Then the main procedure is carried out. Afterwards, a mask is applied, the composition of which depends on the problems and skin type. At the end of the session, a nourishing cream with vitamins is applied.

Typically the course consists of ten procedures, but their number can be increased if necessary . One visit to a beauty salon for microdermabrasion will cost approximately 800 rubles.

Sanding skin using a jet of air and abrasives has its contraindications:

• Allergy to the composition of abrasives;
• Inflammatory processes on the skin in the active stage;
• Pregnancy.

How to tighten pores on your face at home

To make pores less noticeable, you will need a whole beauty arsenal.

• Scrubs. The abrasive particles included in them perfectly remove accumulations of fat, dirt and dead cells. The skin becomes smoother, pores become less noticeable.
• Creams with hydroxy acids (salicylic, lactic, glycolic).

  Salicylic acid

• Tightening masks.
• Care products with the effect of narrowing pores.

After care

After the cleansing has been carried out, the skin must be additionally moisturized, nourished and be sure to carry out a procedure to narrow the pores.

Moisturizing mask

A mask of 2 tablespoons of rolled oats flakes brewed in a glass of boiling water will help restore the water balance. After 15 minutes, drain the liquid and add a teaspoon of honey, lemon juice and aloe juice to the oat mixture. Apply the mask to the face for 20 minutes.

Side effects of cleaning

The possibility of side effects from cleaning is related to the type of exposure and skin reactivity. Most often, the manipulation results in the appearance of redness.

Skin color usually returns to normal within 3–12 hours. Local redness of moderate area can remain on the skin for up to 2–3 days. This usually occurs when purulent elements are opened.

Another common side effect of brushing, in addition to redness, is the formation of swelling. Most often, tissues swell after mechanical stress. The manifestation is also characteristic of the rehabilitation period after vacuum, laser, and chemical exposure.

Normally, swelling goes away in 2–3 days. You can try to relieve symptoms in a shorter period. When pimples are opened and a deep chemical peel is performed, slight swelling may be present for up to a week.

With increased skin reactivity, allergies to cosmetics used during the procedure, irritation may form. The manifestations disappear when adequate treatment is prescribed for the gestamine nature of the side effect. On sensitive skin, irritations resolve on their own when the product with the negative effect is discontinued and the tense skin is relaxed.

If there are closely located vessels or an excessively intense cleansing effect, bruising may occur. With rosacea, the formation of new “stars” is possible. It is impossible to remove them without using a laser. The risk of such side effects increases when performing mechanical instrumental, manual or vacuum cleaning.

When carrying out chemical peeling to cleanse pores together with exfoliation of the stratum corneum, the possibility of peeling is considered normal. The process of convergence of the upper layer of the epidermis has different intensities. Peeling may be uncomfortable or go unnoticed. The side effect excludes interference in the process and goes away on its own in 5–10 days.

Tightening products for oily and normal skin

To narrow the pores on the face, astringent masks for problem skin are widely used. In this case, you can remove excess fat from the surface and cleanse the dermis of old particles. For example, a soda scrub for the face works wonders, perfectly removing the top stratum corneum.

#1: Blue, white or black clay mask.

In just half an hour, the skin will become noticeably lighter, and the pores will be less noticeable. It is very important not to leave the clay until it dries completely, especially for girls with sensitive skin. It is necessary to wash off immediately after the first chilling sensations. It helps some girls get rid of oily skin for a long time.

#2: Lemon-protein mass will help narrow and lighten enlarged pores on the face. Lemon whitens damaged blemishes, and protein has an astringent effect. Proportions: for 1 teaspoon of juice you will need 1 egg white, whipped into foam.

#3: Steaming your face with almond peeling. Almonds have wonderful healing properties and effectively cleanse sebaceous pores. But this method is absolutely contraindicated for young ladies with inflammation on the face.

#4: Berry whitening masks for normal skin. Most often, the water or herbal base is replaced with a milk one, and this fruit paste is rubbed over the face with a sponge. Fruits with astringent properties:

• Strawberry;
• Apricot;
• Raspberries;
• Grape;
• Currant.

Strawberry mask
#5: Kaolin. Mix a tablespoon of fennel oil with a teaspoon of kaolin, add glycerin and mineral water until a thick, dense mixture is formed. Apply the solution to especially noticeable facial pores and leave for 10 minutes (for sensitive skin) or 20 (to reduce oily combination skin).

Leather processing rules

Immediately after the deep cleansing procedure, the face does not look very aesthetically pleasing. Redness, swelling, and other typical temporary defects appear on the surface.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with a relaxing face mask at home

During the treatment, the skin is deprived of the surface stratum corneum, which acts as a kind of protective barrier. Deprived of dirt, open pore mouths also become a vulnerable spot. The epidermis becomes susceptible to various negative influences.

Regular antiseptic treatment will help protect the skin from adverse factors, which will minimize the possibility of inflammation. Use chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide or iodine locally.

Washing is carried out with a mild cosmetic product. They return to standard water procedures after 1–3 days. For at least 2–3 days, it is recommended to use not ordinary, but mineral water or liquid acidified with lemon juice.

Intense moisturizing will help you quickly get rid of red spots, peeling, and irritation. The covers will have a chance to recover faster. You can use regular aloe gel or a moisturizer approved by your cosmetologist. The product should be applied the very next day after cleaning.

To soothe the tissues at the end of the cleansing procedure, the cosmetologist applies a special mask. The effect allows you to close pores and calm your face. You can even narrow the ducts with a regular cold compress or using ice cubes. At home, during the rehabilitation period, repetition of these actions is not required: the narrowing of the pores has already been completed. After 2–3 days (after primary healing), for oily skin, you can apply a drying clay mask.

If it is necessary to visit public places or go outside, the damaged areas are treated with an antiseptic and lubricated with salicylic or zinc ointment. If the inflammatory process worsens or new rashes appear, levomekol can be used locally. It is not recommended to smear the inflamed areas with improvised means. It is better to consult a doctor for further treatment.

You can quickly get rid of bruises by treating the areas with bodyaga gel or heparin ointment. The use of Panthenol cream will help to achieve wound healing faster. It is necessary to speed up the process to shorten the rehabilitation period. Although the skin heals on its own in 3–7 days.

Any impact during the rehabilitation period must be gentle. It is necessary to care for the integument carefully, but carefully. Intensive use of aggressive agents is excluded.

How to clean pores from blackheads?

It is quite possible to get rid of this problem on your own, but you need the right approach.

Regular cleansing

In the morning, it is necessary to cleanse the skin of excess sebum that was produced during sleep. And the contact of the face with the pillow implies the accumulation of dust in the pores. Therefore, if you periodically experience blackheads, just washing with water is not enough.

Morning water procedures should begin with washing with cleansing foam or gel. I wrote in a separate article how to choose a cleanser. It is better to use boiled water to rinse off, because tap water contains a lot of impurities that can also settle in the pores and cause the appearance of blackheads. After washing, you should wipe your face with toner to further get rid of the harmful effects of water. After this, apply moisturizer and only then apply makeup.

By the way! If you have blackheads, it is better to use powder rather than foundation, since the oily base of the latter will clog the pores even more.

Evening facial cleansing means removing makeup, as well as washing away dust and dirt accumulated during the day from the skin. You need to start with makeup remover. Gently wipe off makeup with a cotton pad. Then wash your face with cleansing foam or gel. Finally, you can make one of the masks according to a folk recipe, which I’ll tell you about a little later.

Home peeling

Peeling is allowed to be done no more than 1-2 times a week, so as not to spoil the skin. This procedure will cleanse the pores and exfoliate dead particles of the epidermis. You can prepare a scrub for home peeling from ground coffee (1 tbsp), any vegetable oil (1 tbsp) and fine salt (1 tsp).

All ingredients must be mixed and applied to problem areas with your fingers. Then massage the skin a little, feeling how small particles roll over it. Wash off with foam cleanser, since the oil cannot be washed off with regular water.

If you don’t want to prepare the peeling yourself, you can buy it in the store.

Mechanical cleaning

You can cleanse your face yourself only if you follow these rules:

• Pre-disinfect your face (an aqueous solution of Chlorhexidine is suitable).
• Hands must be clean. Or you can wear sterile medical gloves.
• Do not use improvised means (needles, toothpicks).
• Have sterile cotton wool soaked in the same Chlorhexidine on hand to wipe the treated areas.

It is optimal to use a Uno spoon for squeezing out blackheads - a special device that allows minimal trauma to the skin during mechanical cleansing of the face.

Tools Overview

where to find?

Two-phase toner tightens pores and reduces shine thanks to Amazonian white clay.

where to find?

Gel with a ceramide complex and delicate foam intensively cleanses and refreshes the skin, removing excess sebum, impurities and makeup residues. Visibly tightens pores.

Limitations - what not to do

The cosmetologist stipulates in detail not only the care regimen, but also the rules of conduct during the recovery period. The doctor draws attention to the existence of restrictions. These include:

1. Elimination of additional influences that can injure irritated tissues. For 1–2 days, it is recommended to avoid standard washing, excessive touching, using cosmetics, and performing simple procedures (masks, rinsing, compresses). It is advisable not to carry out complex treatments (biorevitalization, massage) for 2–4 weeks. You can apply makeup after 2-5 days, but it is better to maintain an interval of at least a week.
2. Refusal of aggressive means. Alcohol-containing substances are used pointwise. It is better to discuss the possibility of using a separate product with a cosmetologist.
3. Exclusion of an active lifestyle. In the first 2-3 days you should not sweat. It is advisable to postpone visiting the gym, swimming pool, solarium for 1–2 weeks. It is also recommended to exclude the bath, as well as the use of hot water for washing. It is better to actively sunbathe no earlier than after a month.

During the recovery period, it is advisable to avoid visiting public places with large crowds of people. It is recommended not to drink alcohol or “harmful” foods: sweet, salty, smoked, fried. During the rehabilitation period after the cleaning procedure, it is advisable not to be stressed.

The cosmetologist will tell you how long the restrictions apply in a particular case. Usually they return to normal life after 2 weeks. When complications appear, the period of restrictions increases.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the TOP 8 toners for dry skin

Folk recipes

In folk medicine you can also find many recipes that can be used at home to get rid of blackheads. They will be more effective as a complementary method.

Clay

Clay masks dry the skin well and draw out toxins, additionally nourishing the skin with minerals. For blackheads, black, blue and green clay are good. It is sold in powder form, which must be diluted with water, and the resulting mixture applied to the face or problem areas according to the instructions.

Egg white

The effect of the egg white mask can be noticed after the first use. It will pull out blackheads right before your eyes. You need to take 1 egg white and grind it with 1 tsp. granulated sugar until the latter is completely dissolved. Then apply the mixture onto your face with your fingers and wait 10 minutes.

The protein will begin to dry out, a feeling of tightening of the skin will appear and the mask can be removed. As you do this, you will see streaks of sebum remaining on the egg film.

Charcoal and gelatin

There are videos all over the Internet about the amazing effect of this mask against acne and blackheads. You need to take 0.5 tablets of activated carbon, mix with 1 tsp. dry gelatin. Then pour in 1 tbsp. hot (not boiling) milk and grind until the dry ingredients dissolve.

Apply the resulting black mixture to problem areas with your fingers or a brush and wait until the mask tightens (10-15 minutes). Then carefully remove the film; black dots will also remain on it. They will be visible against a dark background because the body of the black dot is light.

Attention! Before applying all masks, it is recommended to pre-steam the skin. This will open the pores and make it easier to clean them. After the procedure, use cream.

Salt and soda

This is no longer a mask, but simply a cleanser that can be used in the evening to remove dust accumulated during the day from the pores. You need to mix salt and soda in equal proportions. Then dip a cotton pad soaked in warm boiled water into the mixture. Gently wipe areas with blackheads. The cotton pad can be changed as it gets dirty.

After the procedure, wash with cool boiled water and apply cream. You can use the soda-salt solution no more than once a week. Instead of salt, you can also use oatmeal, ground into crumbs.