Blackheads are skin lesions caused by excessive sebum production, often seen in individuals with oily or combination skin. This excess sebum can clog pores, trapping impurities and dead skin cells. We categorize blackheads into two types: open and closed.
Open comedones typically appear on the nose and surrounding areas. They form when sebaceous glands become blocked, leading to an accumulation of dead skin. When these blockages reach the surface, they darken due to the oxidation of the proteins.
Black dot appearance and smooth surface characterizes open pimples. The black color results from a chemical reaction involving the oxidation of sebum components, specifically fatty acids and keratin.
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Closed comedones are primarily caused by excessive sebum production from the sebaceous glands. Not proper pore structure and disrupted exfoliation of epidermal cells also falicitates them. Blackheads on the face can often result from inadequate skincare and poorly chosen cosmetics, particularly those with comedogenic properties that clog pores.
Both open and closed blackheads are benign skin lesions; however, closed pimples can lead to local inflammation and may develop into purulent lumps or pustules. It happens as a result of bacterial superinfections because lipids present in sebum are an excellent breeding ground for these microorganisms.
Do some skin care. Specialist reccomend to perform skin cleaning should twice a day, in the morning and the evening, using selected preparation. If we are struggling with blackheads on the face, their consistency must be light and oil-free. If the cleanser requires rinsing, use lukewarm water. Afterward, apply an alcohol-free toner to restore the skin’s proper pH, which is crucial for maintaining the skin’s natural bacterial flora.
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Enlarged pores are a dermatological issue that occurs due to excessive activity of the sebaceous glands. Pores in the skin are the openings of hair follicles, which contain sebum. They are physiologically necessary for the proper functioning of the epidermis, and they play a thermoregulatory and drainage role. Enlarged pores are not normal condition. It is caused by a combination of many factors, including excessive activity of the sebaceous glands, dust, dirt, cosmetic residues on the skin, and lack of proper hygiene.
Facial pores enlarge due to sweat, dust, and makeup residues accumulating. Their excessive accumulation also causes the formation of blakcheads. Imperfections usually appear in places where the greatest activity of the sebaceous glands is observed, i.e., on the forehead, nose, chin, and upper cheeks. Specialist recommend to also supplement proper skin care with a healthy and balanced diet.
One key principle in addressing cosmetic defects is to avoid substances that can clog the sebaceous glands. These include all oils, such as coconut oil, fatty acids, and algae extracts, which are comedogenic substances (those that promote the formation of comedones).
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Inflammation is characterized by local redness, accompanied by itching, burning, and excessive dryness of the skin. Rash, hives, and flaking of the epidermis also occur. It may be with blackheads. Inflammation of the skin can occur as a result of many factors, most often contact with an allergen to which the person is allergic or as a result of contact with an irritant, i.e. laundry detergents, some cosmetics, or cleaning agents. Microorganisms that are responsible for the appearance of imperfections also harm the skin.
The appearance of skin inflammation can affect anyone, although people with sensitive and previously irritated skin are most likely to have it. Inflammation on the face often accompanies acne, it is intensified by the use of inappropriate cosmetics, which cause the intensification of acne lesions and the appearance of pimples, lumps, and other skin eruptions. Lack of sun protection can also intensify inflammation on the skin.
Psoriasis and inflammation can occur together, so introducing appropriate care will help calm the skin, and reduce the flaking and itching that accompanies the disease. It is important to note that the appearance of inflammatory changes does not always indicate a severe skin disorder. It may be a temporary condition triggered by external factors or an allergy to a specific substance.
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Inflammation is a structured process in vascularized tissue in response to a pro-inflammatory (damaging) factor. This factor can be either external or internal. While inflammation is not desirable – after all, it indicates that something is attacking our body- this inflammatory response is a protective mechanism of our immune system.
Inflammation can be accompanied by several very characteristic symptoms:
To reduce redness caused by blackheads, it is significant to use anti-inflammatory compounds while being gentle on the skin. The first step is to ensure that any redness is properly healed; this means focusing on skin regeneration. Using exfoliating products is not advisable at this stage. Instead, it is beneficial to moisturize the irritated skin. You can use a good moisturizing serum, hydrocolloid gel, tea tree oil, or a homemade cucumber tonic. Attempting to smooth out redness immediately after removing blackheads can worsen the situation. Prioritize skin regeneration first, and only then should you focus on treating any remaining discoloration.
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Oily skin is associated with excessive sebum production by the sweat glands. It can cause skin diseases such as dandruff or inflammation. Excessive sebum secretion can also be associated with an unsightly appearance, causing the complexion to shine or causing the hair to quickly become oily.
Oily skin is the result of excessive sebum production by the sweat ducts located in the skin. There can be several causes of this disorder and they affect whether it is a permanent problem or only appears periodically. The main causes of oily skin are considered to be:
Adhering to a suitable diet can lead to positive results. Regular cleaning is crucial for oily skin (especially with blackheads), along with the consistent removal of dead skin cells.
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Subcutaneous blackheads, as the name implies, are located beneath the outer layer of the epidermis. They appear as bulges that can vary in shape and often differ in color. Most often, they have a reddish hue or a red border. Unfortunately, all of them hurt, although the pain level may vary.
The surface of subcutaneous blackheads is covered with skin, so it is significant to use appropriate dermocosmetics for cleaning procedures. These pimples can occur as individuals or in larger clusters, typically scattered across the face. They usually present as cysts or hard nodules. Because cysts are located more shallowly than nodules, they can be swollen with pus, which is visible under the skin and significantly affects the look of the skin.
It is forbidden to squeeze this type of subcutaneous blackheads because poorly performed cleaning procedures result in discoloration and unsightly dark scars.
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Dry skin can lead to increased flaking of the epidermis, which in turn can clog pores and cause new blackheads. What’s more, a weakened hydrolipid barrier allows harmful substances or microorganisms to penetrate the epidermis, which increases the risk of infection and worsening blackheads. In such conditions, post-acne discoloration can also occur more easily.
One of the main reasons why acne skin becomes dry is dermatological treatment. Many patients use treatments based on ingredients such as retinoids, acids, e.g., AHA/BHA, or benzoyl peroxide. These substances are effective in fighting acne, but at the same time, they can lead to severe skin dryness because they interfere with its natural hydrolipid barrier. In such a case, the care of dry skin with blackheads should look completely different than oily skin with imperfections. A moisturizing cream for acne skin should then be the basis. Acne skin is often also dried out by extremely aggressive skin cleansing products. Paradoxically, dry skin often begins to produce even more sebum, which can exacerbate the symptoms of acne.
Dry acne skin can also be caused by environmental factors, such as cold air, low humidity, frequent stay in air-conditioned rooms, or excessive sunbathing. All of this can weaken the skin’s natural protective barrier, leading to its dehydration and, as a consequence, acne exacerbation. Then moisturizing skin with blackheads becomes crucial. Sometimes an unhealthy lifestyle can also contribute to skin dryness. These include, for example: an not proper diet, insufficient hydration, lack of regenerative sleep, smoking cigarettes, or drinking a lot of alcohol. These are not the main factors of dry acne-prone skin, but they can contribute.
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Flaky skin changes can indicate the presence of a chronic skin condition that should not be overlooked. In such cases, it is significant to remember the rule: the sooner you seek help, the better. Contacting a dermatologist promptly is essential. Dry skin requires proper care and may need pharmacological treatment, which, when used consistently, can lead to the desired results of beautiful, smooth skin.
There are many potential causes of flaky skin changes. The list includes atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and common psoriasis. Allergies to detergents and irritating cosmetics can also contribute to this skin defect. Additionally, excessive exposure to UV rays may lead to dry skin or blackheads. Other factors that can contribute to flaky skin changes include stress, hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and reactions to certain medications – known as drug-induced acne.
Effective treatment is tailored to the specific type of skin condition. For rosacea, treatment typically involves antibiotics, both topically and orally. In cases of psoriasis vulgaris or similar conditions, oral antibiotics and glucocorticosteroids are often used. If atopic dermatitis is the underlying issue, dermatologists recommend antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive medications.
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The fragility of blood vessels is linked to their increased permeability, which allows various inflammatory factors to penetrate the skin. This results in a diffuse redness often accompanied by a burning sensation. Vascular skin refers to facial skin that tends to redden easily and is highly reactive to external and internal stimuli.
Couperose skin is considered extremely sensitive. Redness frequently appears around the cheeks, nose, and chin, and can be aggravated by triggers, e.g., coffee, strong tea, alcohol, hot spices, and even hot meals. Redness can also appear when the ambient temperature changes, or when you are emotional or nervous.
Dilated capillaries can occur in any skin type, but the most susceptible to this condition is delicate, thin, and sensitive skin. The depth of the skin’s vascularization is also important.
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Post-acne hyperpigmentation appears as spots of varying sizes that can be pink or brown. These colorful spots are most commonly on the face. However, they can also occur in other areas, e.g., the neckline or back.
The primary factor contributing to post-acne hyperpigmentation is UV radiation. It is this radiation that is responsible for increased melanin production. Combined with the inflammation in the skin, it leads to unsightly discoloration.
In the fight against acne discoloration, specialist suggest to focus on active ingredients that have a regenerative and epidermal rebuilding effect. Instead of strong acids, it is worth focusing on gentle exfoliation that will not irritate the skin.
12.The causes of “real” scars following blackheads breakouts and skin inflammations stem from damage to the dermis and the deeper layers of the epidermis. During the tissue-rebuilding process, the body first replaces damaged tissue with fibrous connective tissue, and then it initiates healing by stimulating collagen production in that area. If the amount of collagen synthesized is too small and the rebuilding process is ultimately insufficient, then an atrophic scar will appear in the place of the healed acne.
Atrophic scars are the most common changes caused by acne, apart from discoloration. They are irregular or sunken areas in the skin tissue. Scars can be of different depths and sizes. They do not disappear with age, what’s more, they can become more pronounced as a result of aging processes and the gradual loss of collagen. Sometimes, after acne, we can also observe convex scars, taking the shape of small nodules. They are called hypertrophic scars. They are formed as a result of not controlled cell growth after inflammation.
Unlike discolorations, which spontaneously reduce their pigmentation over time and disappear, acne scars do not decrease with age. The depressions and bulges may even become more pronounced over time. This is due to a decrease in collagen production in the skin and a decrease in its elasticity.
