"Black dots": Where did they come from and whether to fight them
margarita virova
today the world is too carried away by the pursuit of smooth skin - it seems that there is always a reason to worry. We more or less imagine what to do with acne, unsystematic inflammations or dryness - but it definitely makes sense to talk about mysterious "black points" separately. We understand what phenomena are hidden under this general name and what skin condition is considered healthy.
As a rule, "black dots" refer to two related types of formations: open comedones ("blackheads", non-inflammatory elements of acne) and the so-called sebaceous filaments, for which it is difficult to choose a sane synonym in Russian (unless the inconsistent "greasy threads"). And with that, and with another, the owners of oily skin, which often have enlarged pores, are faced - this is an absolutely natural feature of the structure, which is hardly worth a “fight”.
Comedones, both closed whites, and those very open "black dots", are formed due to improper functioning of the skin, and although they are not dangerous in themselves - but the reasons for their appearance should be monitored. The main problem is that the skin begins to produce too much sebum: this can occur due to improper diet, insufficient or, conversely, excessive cleansing, as well as due to the use of comedogenic cosmetics. In any case, in order to bring the production of sebum to a stable mode, you will have to consult a beautician who will appoint a suitable type of cleansing and will tell you how often and how you need to carry out household procedures. By the way, black dots are not dirt in the literal sense of the word, but visible accumulation of melanin in a traffic jam.
Information about the notorious sebaceous filaments will have to look separately. The difference is fundamental: they do not belong to skin diseases, but they are found in many cases. Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness, they are often referred to as features that require special care, although the best solution in this case is to calm down and not touch. In normal conditions, our skin secretes sebum permanently, and therefore in the hair follicles of the delicate skin of the face almost always a certain amount is mixed with dead cells and bacteria. It is easy to distinguish these normal formations from comedones for fatty skin areas with the naked eye: these are not black points, but gray or light colors, slightly darker than the natural skin tone. In the enlarged pores, they are simply better seen, and it is completely not worth the experience and waste of time and energy.
If you have good reasons for which you want to make your skin perfectly smooth, you will be briefly assisted with deep cleansing - mechanical or with salicylic acid. From one to several weeks, the pores will indeed remain empty, but gradually return to their normal state. To carry out cleaning very often not worth it. In addition, the appearance of clean, but nevertheless enlarged pores is not always enjoyed by everyone. The choice of aggressive cleansers for home care will do more harm, because a small surplus of sebum gives a positive effect - the skin thus provides protection for itself. Regular overdrying provokes an even more intense secretion of sebum, which already lies in the field of health, not beauty. Instead of products that are labeled as "seboregulating", it is better to choose cosmetics with acids and apply its courses, or, if it is more comfortable, choose lotions and masks with a less high content of active substances for regular use.
After the “enlarged” and “blocked” pores gradually turned into the category of illicit skin features, a huge number of products appeared on the beauty market to solve these “problems”. Divide all the promises of manufacturers by two: yes, some of them really work, but the effect disappears without a trace as soon as you stop using them. In most cases, these are all the same ordinary cleansers without special effects, but with a complaint. Quick solutions can be found in the ranks of decorative cosmetics: a variety of "pore-in-paste" and leveling primers today are not only available to Korean manufacturers. Their main ingredients are cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone silicones, whose tasks are to "fill" the pores and matte the skin. It is difficult to wait for the wow effect from such means, but if you do decide, choose an Asian tube Etude House or TonyMoly. In the end, if they don’t do the miracle (which is most likely), then they will work fine as a makeup base.
Translucent "black dots" on the nose and chin, if desired, are easily masked by tonal means: neither oily, nor dry, nor normal skin is recommended to constantly use dense creams, so do not take quantity, but quality. Moisturizing fluids are optimal for oily skin, and evenly laid and closely matching skin color will add to the “perfect” face a lot more than masked pores. For a more serious coverage, your favorite product should not be spread over the skin, but rather be driven in with the help of a sponge - this is how you will get the desired “filling” effect. But the main advice that can be given when it comes to “flaws” is the following: the only option for perfect skin is healthy skin. Turning yourself into a photo version of yourself is an unreasonably long and difficult journey. To understand this is much more useful than to get involved in a dubious struggle with imaginary imperfections.
Photo: Sashalab, guruXOX - stock.adobe.com