Clean, luminous and blemish-free skin is what we are looking for with our skincare routine. Blackheads are usually one of the biggest concerns and to eliminate them we can use techniques that are not so healthy for our skin nor do they attack the root problem.
Although we may think that those impurities that appear in the nose are comedones or acne, dermatologist Alex Docampo clarifies that “they are not blackheads, they are called sebaceous filaments.”
Sebaceous filaments are composed of sebum and dead cells, and when they come into contact with air they oxidize and end up having that grayish appearance. They can be confused with blackheads but they are not the same. While the sebaceous filament is a natural channel for lubricating the skin and does not clog the pore, blackheads do clog the pore.
This is why you shouldn't use cleaning strips
According to Docampo, if you are using adhesive strips to remove impurities from your nose, you are not doing it right. “Most people put a strip on their nose, tear it off and think they've solved the problem, but in a few days the stitches are back there.”
But not only will we not have put an end to the sebaceous filaments forever, but when we remove the strip we will take with it the natural oils of the skin that make up the hydrolipid barrier, which means that we will be taking away the natural shield that the skin has to protect itself.
What we should do to keep pores clean
It is clear that to achieve good results without damaging the skin, we cannot go on the fast track, but rather we must focus on a daily care approach. And to keep pores completely clean there are three key steps.
The first step that the expert recommends is to perform a gentle exfoliation morning and night. This “helps remove dead cells and keep the surface of the skin clean without irritating it.” With this gesture we will bring many benefits to the skin and subsequent treatments will be more effective.
The second step is the use of exfoliating acids, and the best known to leave pores very clean is the famous salicylic acid. This active ingredient “has a great affinity for fat, penetrates deeper into the pore and helps dissolve the sebum that fills it,” emphasizes Docampo.
The third step is retinoids and for the expert here we have the key step. “Start with a mild retinol, like 0.3%, about two or three nights a week, and when your skin adapts to it, increase the number of nights of application, until you can use them every night,” advises the dermatologist. This process until the skin adapts to the retinol is known as retinization and it is normal that at first we have to go little by little. What is sought here is to accelerate cell renewal and prevent the pore from filling with sebum.
Products for visible results
Although the process is not immediate, the dermatologist assures that these three steps are effective if maintained over time. “The result is cleaner, less visible pores and, above all, healthier skin,” he concludes.
The Rice Polish Tatcha. Enzymatic exfoliant for daily use that acts gently and is activated with water. Contains Japanese rice powder and papaya enzymes. Price 76 euros.
The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid Serum. It is a serum formulated for congested skin and skin with imperfections. Provides an exfoliating effect that contributes to the clogging of pores. Price 7.49 euros.
Clinical Treatment 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Paula's Choice. This cream helps reduce wrinkles, spots and loss of firmness in the skin. Bakuchiol complements the action of retinol with anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Price 51.75 euros.
