Skin imperfections are not all the same. Different blemishes can appear on our skin and the most common are blackheads, whiteheads, sebaceous filaments and dilated pores.
In this article I will explain how to distinguish them and how to treat them to minimize imperfections and have healthier skin.
In this article I will explain what they are:
The white dots
Whiteheads , also known as closed comedones , are a type of non-inflammatory acne that tends to form on the face, neck, back, and arms. Except in some cases, where there may be pain or itching, whiteheads are simply unsightly. One could imagine them as the precursors of acne. In fact, it happens that a whitehead, passing from the intermediate stage of blackhead, tends to pour the secretion inside and thus cause acne, an inflammation characterized by pustules or papules filled with pus.
Causes, Symptoms and Remedies for Whiteheads
Whiteheads, like blackheads, are directly linked to the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands and to hormonal production , most frequently affecting young people during puberty and women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome.
There are many other causes associated with whiteheads, among which the most common are:
• Poor cleansing of the skin
• Aggressive detergents or cosmetics
• Stress
• Inheritance
• Hormonal changes (e.g. menstruation or pregnancy)
• Prolonged exposure to UV rays
• Incorrect nutrition
Whiteheads can become infected or scarred. Even if left untreated, they often regress spontaneously with simple precautions in daily life such as:
- change conventional cosmetics by avoiding silicone and comedogenic ones
- choose only natural and eco-friendly cosmetic products for your skin
- clean your face better
- check the power supply
Be careful not to confuse the white dots with millet grains!
Milia are microcysts caused by accumulations of sebum and keratin and should only be removed by a professional!
A white dot on the left, grains of millet on the right
The blackheads
Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are very common skin blemishes among young people. They are typical of areas with more sebaceous glands such as the back or face.
Over time, a blackhead may regress or degenerate into bacterial inflammation. This is why they are also considered the predecessors of acne, especially juvenile acne.
Causes, Symptoms and Remedies for Blackheads
Blackheads are formed following the opening of whiteheads: lipid oxidation and the migration of melanin-rich cells determine the typical formation of the dark cap, from which the name “blackhead” derives.
There are many factors that can influence their appearance and they often concur with each other. Improper skin cleansing can facilitate the appearance of blackheads, for example.
They are also typical of puberty, and this is due to the increase in sexual hormones (the main one being testosterone). Even some particularly greasy cosmetics can favor their presence.
Removing blackheads by squeezing them between your fingers is the most common and riskiest remedy. It could in fact promote infections and scars!
You can remove them without incurring these risks with other systems:
• Natural cosmetic products with exfoliating action , capable of controlling and reducing excess sebum.
• Dermo-aesthetic treatments
• Deep cleansing of the skin with skin gritting
• Medicines, recommended when blackheads are persistent or tend to show inflammation. However, it is not conceivable to start a pharmacological treatment without a dermatological visit.
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The sebaceous filaments
It is easy to confuse sebaceous filaments with whiteheads or blackheads.
Sebaceous filaments are normal functions of the skin that direct the flow of sebum along the pores. They may protrude, revealing part of the filamentous structure. They tend to appear clustered on the nose, cheeks, or chin and may be gray, flesh-colored, or whitish.
Blackheads on the left, sebaceous filaments on the right
Sebum, sebaceous filaments and treatments
Sebum is composed of squalene, glycerides, waxes, cholesterol and fatty acids. Its main task is to protect and moisturize the skin by forming part of the hydrolipidic film.
It is important to understand, however, that there is no system to permanently eliminate sebaceous filaments. You can only try to contain them.
To contain its release, it is necessary to work on the quantity of sebum present in the pores, cleaning them with charcoal , kaolin or enzyme-based masks. Enzyme peels are also excellent for controlling the production of sebum and, consequently, the appearance of sebaceous filaments.
Dilated pores
Enlarged pores are one of the most common skin blemishes.
Pores are actual openings in the skin of almost invisible dimensions that tend to coincide with the outlet of the sebaceous glands. Pores are essential for the transpiration of the skin and to make it elastic and hydrated.
When they become too dilated due to an obstruction, they become noticeable and unsightly.
Causes and remedies for enlarged pores
The main cause of dilated pores is oily skin due to overproduction of sebum ; the pores themselves tend to dilate when they are unable to contain the excess waste substances and dead cells.
Other causes may be:
• Chronic acne
• Seborrhea
• Sex hormones
• Genetic predisposition
• UV rays
• Poor skin care
• Aging
Treating enlarged pores can be complex, but sometimes it is enough to correct the diet and establish a regular facial cleansing, even with scrubs 2-3 times a week.
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Discover all the secrets to taking care of your skin naturally, with our skincare guides .
Do you want to know how to fight blackheads? I talk about it in the Beauty Magazine Yumibio, in the article onhow to eliminate blackheads.
