Black dots on the nose: how to remove them – ELLE

In medical jargon they are also called ‘open comedones’ and “they are formed by an excess of fat, produced by the sebaceous glands, together with the remains of dead cells. The pore dilates, the sebum oxidizes on contact with the air and, together with the melanin that reaches the surface, they acquire that dark tone that gives them their name”, describes Leonor Prieto, pharmacist and scientific director of L’Oréal Cosmetics. Active. Although they are called blackheads, their color is not always the same: “they start white, then turn yellowish, turn grayish and, finally, black. These chromatic changes are due to contact with the environment and the oxidation of fat”, says the beautician Cristina Galmiche. In general, they do not hurt, “although there may be a micro-inflammation that we do not feel,” says Leonor Prieto. And they can leave sequels and marks: “the blocked fat breaks the tissue and the pore opens, which can end up leading to a microscar,” according to Galmiche. To whom and where do they go? Black dots are male and female heritage. What does influence is the type of fat you have. “They tend to appear more frequently and in greater quantity in oily skin and those with acne. Sometimes we also see them on mixed or normal skin,” according to Prieto. In general, they are more frequent in men during adolescence “which is the time when their skin generates more oil and, in addition, there are few who clean themselves properly,” says Galmiche. And in women it appears more frequently in those who suffer from adult acne. Regardless of sex, they appear more frequently in the nose because it is one of the areas that contains the most sebaceous glands. Why do they occur? “In addition to the hormonal influence that occurs in acne, the presence of blackheads can increase due to other factors, such as pollution and ultraviolet radiation, which produce a rapid oxidation of this sebum and stimulate its overproduction. Also due to a lack of adequate cleaning, and the taking of some medications or cosmetics, which can stimulate excessive production of fat”, points out the scientific director of L’Oreal Cosmética Activa. What can we do to avoid them? Do not touch them: Although it seems that nothing is happening, they can be infected if we manipulate them and press them with dirty hands. “Well, due to the action of bacteria, including acne (cutis bacterium) when the fat becomes infected; well, for subjecting the area to long hours of masking by creating a humid microclimate that encourages the proliferation of bacteria”, comments Cristina Galmiche. In addition, the more we manipulate the area, the greater the production of fat. Triple cleansing: One of the ways to prevent its formation is to carry out a triple cleansing morning and night: cleansing milk, balancing lotion and soothing lotion. “Which, in addition to eliminating all waste, helps to balance the pH and keep it healthy,” says Galmiche. Not only cleanser and lotion, weekly scrubs and masks also come into play. “The ideal is the combined use of masks and scrubs, such as periodic cleaning. In this way, we manage to gradually reduce the size of the pores and prevent their reappearance,” advises Prieto. Cleansers: it is recommended to choose cleansers that contain sebum-regulating products, such as zinc salts, and mild cleansing agents. Exfoliants: you should opt for micro-exfoliating lotions or cleansers with salicylic acid or derivatives, when blackheads are more evident or more embedded. Masks: and once or twice a week, depending on the condition of the skin, clay masks can be alternated with descaling scrubs. Hydration: you already know that oily skin (with excess sebum) should never give up hydration (water). Specific serum: when blackheads appear on adult skin, treatment should begin with a specific serum for oily skin. “It is important that the serum contains a combination of exfoliating active ingredients, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, as well as niacinamide. Another good option is to use a retinol serum at night, due to its exfoliating and regenerating action,” Prieto advises. Moisturizing treatment: “As a moisturizing product, I would choose one that contains zinc salts to regulate sebum; salicylic acid or derivatives to exfoliate and regulate sebum; and niacinamide to prevent micro-inflammation. And it is better if the cream contains sunscreens and ‘anti-adhesion’ textures that prevent polluting particles from sticking to the skin and irritating it”, advises the pharmacist. Cristina Galmiche Cleansing Milk (€18.90), by Cristina Galmiche. With vegetable oil of wheat germ, perhydrosqualene, minerals and vitamin E. Cristina Galmiche Soothing Lotion (€18.25), by Cristina Galmiche. With witch hazel, rose water, vitamins B and C, and vegetable glycerin. Cristina Galmiche Balancing Lotion (€29.50), by Cristina Galmiche. With vitamin PP, quassia vinegar, chamomile and burdock extracts and fruit hydroxy acids. MG Collection The Cult Foam (€39.70), by MG Collection. With mandelic and salicylic acid, and anti-inflammatory fruit extracts. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ (€23.65), from La Roche-Posay. With niacinamide to repair and soothe, zinc to reduce sebum secretion and thermal water with a soothing and antioxidant action. Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Facial Scrub with Purifying Salicylic Acid (€15.40), by Neutrogena. Daily facial scrub with cellulose particles. Unclogs pores, removes fat and prevents blackheads. Olivier Moritz Hyséac 3 REGUL(€16.90), by Uriage. With liquorice extract, it reduces pimples, blackheads and shine, and limits excess sebum. jovifotografos SOS Spot Powder(€17.31), from USU. With salicylic acid, zinc oxide and tea tree essential oil. It has a liquid phase and a powder phase. Dorian Huet Pure Active Anti-pimple Solid Soap (€5.50), by Garnier. Solid anti-pimple soap with charcoal, salicylic acid and mineral exfoliants. Garnier Tissu Mask Charcoal fabric mask (€2.50), by Garnier. With charcoal, black algae extract and hyaluronic acid, it acts in 15 minutes. And how to treat them? “If with the daily cosmetic routines we are not able to completely eliminate and/or keep blackheads under control, my recommendation is to go to the dermatologist to make a proper diagnosis and adapt the treatments in a personalized way”, says Leonor Prieto . Oxygenation by Cristina Galmiche They are based on the deep cleaning of the tissue, in which a pore-by-pore drainage of the accumulated fat in the excretory duct is carried out, with exquisite thoroughness and smoothness. The protocol is subsequently accompanied by a personalized cosmetic ritual. There are five possible variants: “all of them last 90 minutes. The number of sessions varies according to each skin. And the results can be seen from the first session, since the cleaning is deep and lasting”, says Cristina Galmiche. Handmade: a basic cleaning for all skins that should be repeated once a month and is an essential starting point for any subsequent protocol. Balance +: active treatment against acne and skin sensitivity with visible results in the first session. Expert: cleaning combined with microcurrents, which regenerates in depth and gives the skin a ‘porcelain skin’ appearance. Oceanic: made with biological marine principles. Models and repositions the architecture of the face, and is perfect for sensitive skin. Dermowhite: with an eraser effect, attenuates and blurs blemishes, scars and minimizes pores, as well as providing luminosity. Price: between €90 and €120. Where: Cristina Galmiche (Madrid, Alcalá de Henares, Málaga). Mosaic Hygiene This is a deep facial hygiene with extraction, drainage, oxygenation and treatment. “It is the correct treatment for when the first blackheads begin to appear; to cleanse the skin in depth and prevent them from sticking,” says beautician Marta García. Sessions: a monthly session or one every 2 months until balance and then maintain with one at each change of season. Price: €130. Where: Marta García Estheticians (Oviedo, tel. 985 277 300). Hydrafacial cleaningThis is a dermabrasion performed on damp skin, so it does not suffer. It incorporates Vortex-Fusion technology: a new system of patented heads that, in reality, what they do is blow air or vacuum-suction the skin, depending on the treatment phase, to drain, cleanse and exfoliate, perform a peeling and extract impurities , and facilitate the penetration of powerful antioxidant, regenerating and moisturizing serums. The first phase is drainage, detoxification and elimination of toxins. And lactic acid and Activ-4 Glucosamine are made to penetrate into it, leaving the skin ready for peeling. The second phase is peeling and it uses acids such as glycolic and salicylic, as well as honey extract. The third phase is hydration and regeneration, in which powerful antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid are applied. Sessions: 3 are recommended, at a rate of one per month. Price: from €150. Where: On the phone 910 57 99 08 and on the hydrafacial website you can find your nearest clinic. Deep 2One of its protocols is specific for refining thickened skin, balancing sebaceous glands, cleaning and unifying dilated pores, it also acts as a powerful antioxidant. It works with a system and technology of vacuum and controlled hydro-dermabrasion with Tips, which adapt to the different sensitivities of the tissue. It also uses PHAS, AHAS and powerful antioxidants. And it ends with a lymphatic drainage cupping to detoxify the skin and optimize skin health. “It treats the problem of blackheads at the root, working on the cause that makes them appear and on the effect (on the same point)”, assures the beautician Marta García. Sessions: 3 to 6 sessions are recommended, one weekly for shock treatment. And keep the skin clean and oxygenated by repeating a session every quarter, to prevent them from reappearing. Price: from €120. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io