When you imagine a pimple, you immediately think of a white or black-tipped bump, or a huge and seemingly painful pustule. However, some pimples form deep, not on the surface of the epidermis, creating a blunt reddish bump. In this case, these are closed comedones, or nodules or pockets full of sebum and dead cells. They can be painful and appear in the usual places where impurities form, such as the nose, forehead, neck, chin, cheeks and even behind the ears. To make them pass immediately, thoroughly cleanse the epidermis with targeted products and fumigations.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Steam Cleaning
Step 1. Fill a one-liter pot with water and let it boil for one minute
Add a drop or two of an essential oil of your choice (you can also use half a teaspoon of dried herbs for every quart of water), which can help the skin quickly reabsorb closed comedones or pull them out, speeding up healing. Some oils can even prevent impurities. Add the oil and let the water boil for another minute. Choose one of the following essences:
- Spearmint or Peppermint: These contain menthol, an antiseptic that can strengthen the immune system. Since peppermint can irritate your skin, start using one drop for every liter of water.
- Calendula: This plant accelerates healing and has antifungal properties.
- Lavender: is a soothing and calming herb that can help fight anxiety and depression. It also has antibacterial properties.
Step 2. Test the oil on your skin
Essential oils are extracted from plants, so you should have a skin test before using them for steam cleaning. Pour a drop on your wrist and wait for 10-15 minutes. If you are sensitive or allergic to the oil, a slight rash will likely develop, which may also cause itching. If you don't notice any allergic reactions, go ahead and cleanse. In case of sensitivity, give it a try with another oil.
Remember that allergy or sensitivity to a product can manifest over time. This is why it is important to always take a skin test, even if you have used it in the past
Step 3. Do the steam cleaning
Turn off the heat and remove the pot. Tie your hair up to keep it from getting in your way and place a cotton shower towel over your head. Bend over the pot, letting the towel fall to the sides of your head to prevent the steam from escaping. Close your eyes, breathe normally and relax for 10 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Keep your face at least 30 to 40 centimeters from the water to avoid burning yourself.
- To repeat the treatment throughout the day, just heat the water and wait for it to generate steam. The steam opens the pores, in order to clean them thoroughly to eliminate dead cells and sebum. This can help you get the blackhead out closed.
Step 4. To complete the treatment, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer
It won't clog pores and won't cause acne. Preserving a correct hydrolipidic balance also helps protect the skin, keeping it soft and supple.
If your skin is sensitive to the products you use, look for a moisturizer that is free from fragrances or essences
Part 2 of 3: Herbal Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply a warm compress
Since the closed blackhead forms deep down, it takes longer for it to surface and heal. To speed up the process, pull it to the surface with a warm compress. Soak a cotton ball or cloth in warm water, then apply it to the affected area for a few minutes. Repeat 3 times a day, until the tip of the blackhead emerges.
You can also use a herbal tea made from peppermint, lavender, calendula, or thyme
Step 2. Make an ice pack
If the closed blackhead causes redness, inflammation, or pain, make an ice pack and let it sit for 10 minutes. It can reduce swelling and make it easier to apply the concealer when you need to get ready to go out. In addition, it will fight the pain caused by the blackhead.
The compress should always be wrapped with a thin cloth. Do not apply it directly on the skin: being delicate, you risk damaging it
Step 3. To fight acne, use a cream containing 2% green tea extract
You can also wet a green tea bag with warm water and apply it directly to the closed blackhead, letting it sit for a few minutes. Tea has astringent properties that can promote the reabsorption of the blackhead or make it come to the surface. At this point the bacteria can be eliminated using antibacterial herbs.
Studies have shown that green tea is effective for treating various skin conditions
Step 4. Soak a cotton ball or Q-tip in undiluted tea tree oil and apply it directly to the closed blackhead, without rinsing
The oil can fight the inflammation caused by the pimple, speeding up healing. According to some studies, this product also has antifungal properties.
More research is needed to establish the true efficacy of tea tree oil in treating bacterial or viral infections by topical administration
Step 5. Make a herbal mask
It will allow you to make a completely natural treatment with antibacterial, astringent and therapeutic properties for the skin. Mix one tablespoon (15 milliliters) of honey, one egg white (which acts as a binder) and one teaspoon of lemon juice (which has a whitening action). If you don't need a bleaching agent, replace lemon with witch hazel water, which can fight inflammation. Add half a teaspoon of one of the following essential oils and mix well:
- Peppermint.
- Roman mint.
- Lavender.
- Calendula.
- Thyme.
Step 6. Apply the mask to the face, neck and any other area affected by closed comedones
Let it dry for 15 minutes, then gently rinse it off with warm water. Do not rub while removing the mask. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
If you want to use the mask on a specific area, so not all over the face, soak a cotton swab and apply it directly on the closed comedones
Part 3 of 3: Wash the Face
Step 1. Choose a mild cleanser
Look for a non-aggressive product based on vegetable oils, but not comedogenic. This way it won't clog your pores, a major cause of acne. Many dermatologists recommend using glycerin, grapeseed or sunflower oil. Also avoid cleansers containing alcohol, which dries, irritates and damages the skin, as it drains the sebum.
- Don't be afraid to wash your face with an oil. Non-comedogenic ones can be used to dissolve sebum.
- Wet your face with warm water and gently apply the cleanser with your fingers: sponges or cloths can be too aggressive. Resist the urge to scrub your skin. Pat it dry with a clean towel and apply a moisturizer. The face should be washed twice a day and always after sweating.
Step 2. Wash your face
Apply the cleanser with your fingers. Do not use cloths or sponges; otherwise you could irritate the skin and make acne worse. Gently massage the product in a circular motion, but be careful not to rub. Rubbing or exfoliating the skin can cause small tears or scars. The face should be washed twice a day. Pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
Never tease, squeeze, squeeze or touch the pimples, otherwise you could cause inflammation and scarring, not to mention that healing is likely to slow down
Step 3. Avoid harsh products
There are many cosmetics and skin care treatments on the market, but not all of them are delicate. Avoid irritating products such as astringents, tonics, and exfoliants. You shouldn't use salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids, which dry out the skin. Be wary of over-the-counter treatments, such as dermabrasion kits. Only a qualified dermatologist can perform certain procedures, otherwise you risk damaging the skin.
Makeup can sharpen closed blackheads and acne because it can clog pores or cause irritation due to the chemicals it contains
Step 4. Get used to showering (or bathing) every day
If you sweat a lot, wash more often. After a workout you should shower or at least rinse your skin.
Excessive sweating can accentuate closed comedones and acne, especially if you don't wash right away, as sweat gets trapped in the pores
Advice
- The cause of acne is not known, but some factors are thought to play a very important role. Here they are: testosterone, reduction of fatty acids in the skin, inflammation, bacterial infections, reaction to chemicals, smoking and nutrition.
- Avoid the sun and don't use sun beds. UVB radiation can damage skin cells.
- If you take certain medications (especially for acne), your skin can become photosensitive. Here are some of the medications that carry this risk: antibiotics, antihistamines, cancer treatments, heart medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acne medications, such as isotretinoin and acitretin.
Warnings
- If you have mild acne and don't notice any improvement within a few days, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
- If you suffer from moderate to acute acne, consult a dermatologist before treating impurities at home.
