How is it formed
Every person from birth has a genetically determined skin color - the so-called permanent pigment.
When exposed to external and internal factors, an additional one is produced, which can be either a temporary physiological phenomenon (natural tanning) or a pathological one, difficult to remove even with special lasers (lentigo, vitiligo, etc.). The formation mechanism itself occurs in the epidermal layer. Here are located keratinocytes - epidermal cells. Their life cycle is up to 60 days, so they are constantly updated. To protect young and vulnerable cellular structures from sun exposure, melanocytes exist. They belong to the nervous system and are called upon to produce melanin, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation.
If the body is healthy, there is no overdose of solar radiation, melanocytes will produce a sufficient amount of protection. However, if there are failures, the “protectors” begin to be distributed unevenly, which leads to the formation of hyperpigmented areas.
Reasons for the appearance and areas of localization of post-acne
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it has a complex structure. In addition to the epithelial cells that form the continuous skin, there are also hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands. It is the glands that secrete sebum and form a protective hydrolipidic mantle on the surface of the epithelium that suffer during the development of acne.
To begin with, it is important to understand why acne occurs. When the sebaceous glands malfunction, the epithelium in the area of the ducts thickens, the lumen of the gland narrows and sebum cannot be regularly and fully released through the pores to the surface. Then the fatty secretion is retained inside the gland duct itself, which provokes inflammation with the participation of microbes that are constantly present on the surface of the skin, making up its microflora.
The process of acne formation goes through certain stages:
Initially, comedones are formed - an increase in the size of the sebaceous gland. Nodules form in the skin with an irritated opening of the sebaceous gland. As the process develops, black dots form in the center, and disturbances in the outflow of sebum, microbial activity, and the work of leukocytes during inflammation lead to the formation of purulent heads (pustules).
By themselves, these elements can leave behind scars and uneven skin, and if they are further injured, if you squeeze out blackheads or purulent heads, the inflammation only intensifies, and the purulent contents can spread to neighboring areas of the skin.
To prevent inflammation from spreading, to prevent damage to more and more areas of tissue, and to prevent pus from penetrating into neighboring areas, inflammatory changes form around the damage to the sebaceous gland.
Swelling occurs in the area of the pimple, collagen production is stimulated, scar changes are formed: connective tissue elements are formed, new capillaries grow, which gives redness, the work of pigment cells is stimulated - pigment spots are formed - persistent and with uneven edges.
Especially often, problems arise on the face, mainly in the forehead, on the nose and cheeks, on the chest, they also appear in the décolleté or on the back.
Redness disappears over time, pigmentation becomes less bright, scars can atrophy, forming dimples, or, conversely, become convex and rough.
Causes of hyperpigmentation
An increase in melanin production can be associated both with physiological changes occurring in the body and as a result of pathologies. The most well-known factors influencing the occurrence of stains are:
- endocrine diseases;
- hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and adrenal glands;
- metabolic disorder;
- vitamin deficiency or hypervitaminosis;
- helminthic infestations;
- severe intoxication of the body;
- trauma or inflammatory processes;
- prolonged exposure to the sun;
- taking medications - antibiotics of the tetracycline group, gentamicins, erythromycins, as well as some NSAIDs, salicylic acid, antidepressants, diuretics, sleeping pills and sedatives, antihistamines, St. John's wort extract, etc.;
- heredity.
Changes can also appear due to prolonged stress. Since melanocytes belong to the nervous system, any fluctuations and unstable conditions lead to serious pigmentation disorders.
Localization of spots
They can have different sizes, both with clear contours and blurry ones, merge together or not grow at all. Depending on the differential diagnosis and the type of hypermelanosis, they can be located both in certain areas and without specific boundaries, covering absolutely any area of the body.
On the face
One of the most common sites of localization of many hyperpigmentations. This is due to the fact that the skin here is thin enough so that negative factors can attack them faster. Among the common phenomena are freckles, which can decorate the face all year round and also appear and disappear after exposure to the sun. They are also localized over the entire surface or located pointwise in the area of the cheeks, eyes, and forehead.
Anti-age drugs
Bb Laboratories – Delicate oil for deep cleansing
Laennec – solution for injection
Bb Laboratories – Two-phase serum concentrate
Two-phase placental serum concentrate
On the body
Namely on the arms, shoulders, chest, back, groin area. For each individual disease, there are areas where pigment accumulation is observed. For example, senile hyperpigmentation is typically located on the hands, forearms, and upper back.
Ways to get rid of post-acne
The intensity of post-acne is directly related to the severity of acne. Therefore, it is important to work not only to eliminate the consequences, but also to prevent the appearance of new elements on the skin. It is necessary to fight acne itself, eliminating its main causes. If pimples appear again and again, the prognosis for post-acne treatment is questionable; inflammation will give rise to new scars. Therefore, work with an experienced dermatologist-cosmetologist is required.
Most of the work on restoring, smoothing the skin and eliminating scars is carried out by a cosmetologist, but certain activities can also be performed at home. Moreover, only an integrated approach will give the most maximum results.
What can you do at home?
At home, you need to help the skin recover; it needs building elements and proper nutrition. To regenerate the skin and form its structure, it is necessary to supply vitamins and minerals, protein as a source of amino acids for the construction of collagen fibers and the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, which moisturizes and gives the skin tone and smoothness.
In addition, omega acids are important, which are involved in cell renewal and form cell membranes. It is important to adjust your diet, eliminate as much processed foods as possible, food chemicals (dyes, preservatives, E-additives) and give up bad habits.
To prevent new acne and improve tone, nourish the skin, heal inflammation and small scars, pharmaceutical products will help. You can use 1% salicylic alcohol or boric acid and wipe the skin with it twice a day. Levomekol ointment works quite well in treating acne, suppressing inflammation and eliminating scars. Many people use bodyaga powder, which is diluted in water to a paste and applied to the affected area. But before using all these remedies, it is important to first consult with your doctor to prevent side effects and complications.
Skin care is complemented by serums, care creams (day and night) selected by a cosmetologist, as well as homemade peelings with fruit acids. They delicately exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells, and cleanse its surface.
Folk remedies are often used, for example, infusions of St. John's wort and chamomile, which have an anti-inflammatory, soothing, cleansing effect. You can freeze them and wipe the skin with the resulting ice cubes, further increasing blood circulation and capillary tone.
You can also use masks with blue clay. The recipe for making a mask is very simple: three tablespoons of powder are diluted in water to a paste, applied to the problem area for 20 minutes and then thoroughly washed off with water.
What treatment methods are used in a cosmetology clinic?
Although homemade recipes help in the fight against post-acne, you should not think that only through them you can eliminate all problems. Home methods act on the very top layers of the skin and reduce only minor defects.
Modern cosmetic procedures will help get rid of deep scars, pigmentation and unevenness. But don't expect instant results.
Treatment methods are selected individually and comprehensively. The more severe the initial problem and the wider the affected area, the longer the treatment will be.
To achieve maximum smoothness of the skin and an even complexion or eliminate blemishes on the body, you need a whole series of procedures, supplemented by home care and carefully selected cosmetics. On average, the first noticeable results will be visible after 1-2 months with regular implementation of all necessary treatment measures.
If there is unevenness, decreased skin tone, pigmented or stagnant spots, peelings . There are a lot of treatment options: these can be mechanical peels (compositions with herbs, small dense particles) and chemical peels (with retinol, glycolic, resorcinol or other compounds).
With mechanical peeling, the effect of cleansing and exfoliation is achieved due to the mechanical scraping of the particles included in the composition of the upper layer of skin with outdated epithelial cells.
With chemical peeling, a similar effect is achieved through chemical cauterization of the upper layer of the epidermis, which leads to its subsequent rejection with peeling.
The cosmetologist selects peelings to suit your needs and strictly follows all the rules for their implementation in order to achieve maximum effect and avoid side effects. On average, the first results are visible after 5-6 procedures.
A more effective analogue of peeling is laser skin resurfacing . The doctor performs the procedure with a special laser unit with a strictly specified wavelength in order to influence the skin at the required depth without damaging neighboring tissues. The laser beam cauterizes the skin, the treated areas are actively exfoliated, which allows stimulating the regeneration of new tissues, more even and smooth.
Check out our patient's review of laser facial resurfacing:
Photothermolysis is a more advanced method of laser skin treatment. The rays do not act as a continuous field, but as individual points - creating a mesh on the treated area. This is a fairly effective, but less traumatic effect; the rehabilitation period after such procedures is reduced.
dermabrasion is used to combat skin imperfections . This is the use of aluminum oxide powder under pressure or a special rotating abrasive disc for mechanical grinding of the skin, removing the upper layers of the epidermis from it.
Filler injections can help eliminate atrophic scars and dimples and smooth out the skin . They are inserted under the defect area, create additional volume, and lift depressed skin. The effect lasts up to 6-10 months (depending on the drug), then the injections are repeated.
Mesotherapy with drugs that stimulate collagen synthesis and epidermal renewal gives good results A series of microinjections are made into the surface layers of the skin with the introduction of hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and vitamin components. The cosmetologist selects a specific drug depending on the tasks and the severity of skin defects.
Another method is ozone therapy . This is a technique of introducing a special oxygen mixture into a problem area through a series of microinjections. The composition helps saturate tissues with oxygen, stimulates blood circulation or lymph drainage, and epithelial regeneration.
If no other methods have produced a significant effect, surgical removal of scars can be used. The affected scar tissue is excised within the boundaries of healthy skin. The rehabilitation process is long, and the intervention itself can also leave scars in the future.
Post-acne treatment at Dr. Gruzdev’s clinic:
Chemical peeling The clinic offers gentle superficial peels: almond and glycolic.
More details
Laser resurfacing Impact of a laser beam on problem areas of the surface layer of the dermis.
More details
Biorevitalization A non-surgical technique for facial rejuvenation using preparations based on hyaluronic acid.
More details
Mesotherapy An injection technique for introducing “cocktails” into the skin based on vitamins, microelements, and amino acids.
More details
Types and symptoms of age spots
Let's consider the most characteristic signs of hypermelanosis, as well as control methods that are relevant for each specific type of pathology.
Freckles
The most common type of melanin accumulation. They are mainly located on the face, in the cheek area. In advanced cases, they can completely cover the entire surface of the skin with small distances between the spots. And also have a round or oval shape, small diameter, clear contours.
Genetic predisposition plays a major role, so freckles can appear in childhood. People with red and blond hair are most susceptible to them. This is due to the need for high melanin production to protect the skin.
Freckles can be easily distinguished from other types of spots by the complete disappearance of pigmentation in cold weather, and the appearance of a whole scattering on the face with the arrival of warmth. Therefore, to combat them, creams with maximum sun filters are used throughout the year, as well as lightening cosmetics.
Melasma
Spots without clear boundaries and endings, varying in shade from bronze to dark brown. They have the ability to stretch, grow, and merge with each other into huge pigmented areas that occupy a large surface of the body. The main provoking factor is considered to be hormonal disorders caused by menopause, pregnancy, and the use of oral contraceptives. Treatments include peeling methods and procedures that promote cell renewal. When the root causes are eliminated, the stains quickly disappear.
Melasma
The second name is melanosis. It can be acquired or hereditary, manifests itself in the form of an accumulation of melanin with uneven but clear boundaries and localization in open areas of the body. May occur as a result of Addison's disease, hemochromatosis, due to sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, anthracene or acridine substances, diseases of the pituitary gland, ovaries, adrenal glands, syphilis, tuberculosis, malaria, treatment with hormones. Pigmentation is accompanied by redness, itching, peeling, and roughening of the skin.
To prevent progress, sunscreens are used, drug therapy is prescribed with steroid groups, retinoids, hydroacids, and vitamins B (1.6) and C are additionally used.
Becker's nevus
A characteristic defect in men, it is much less common in women. The first manifestations can be as early as 10 years of age. It is a hyperpigmented area protruding above the surface of the skin, on which dark long hairs grow. It occurs both as a result of genetic factors and can appear after sun exposure, changes in hormonal levels, in particular androgens. The location most often is the upper back and chest; it is not often found on the legs, groin, or head. It has a warty surface on which acne or comedones can be seen. Does not respond well to any cosmetic procedures or medications. An argon laser is used to minimize the aesthetic defect.
Secondary
Occurs at the site of mechanical damage. They can be either deep cuts, scratches, or acne, comedones, ulcers and other superficial causes that trigger the inflammatory process in the skin cells. There is an excess of melanin, resulting in staining. They are localized where the damage was and go away after the area returns to normal and the inflammation disappears. To speed up the lightening process, you can use special lightening creams or cosmetic procedures aimed at renewing the epidermal layer.
Age
As we age, the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation lead to increased melanin production in certain areas of the body. These are usually open areas that have been exposed to a lot of sunlight during their lifetime. With age, spots appear with a diameter of 1 to 5 cm, which are darker in color than the entire surface of the skin.
Berlocc's dermatitis
Refers to contact types of immune response to irritants. Usually due to contact with perfumes, colognes, and deodorants. It is located where the skin came into contact with the substance. Symptoms may include not only a change in the color of the dermal layer, but also itching, peeling, and swelling. It disappears quickly, just stop using perfume and in a few days everything will return to normal.
Chloasma
Large spots can merge into one large skin defect. They do not have a clear contour or boundaries and can grow and increase in size throughout life. Among the provoking factors are pregnancy and lactation, menopause, changes in hormonal levels due to diseases, stress, taking oral contraceptives, steroids, the use of hormone-containing ointments and some cosmetics.
Chemical peeling
As mentioned above, light peelings can be carried out at home, however, more intense and, of course, effective chemical peels can only be carried out within the walls of a cosmetology clinic under the strict supervision of a cosmetologist to avoid skin burns. Chemical peeling exfoliates dead skin cells, tightens pores, and has an antiseptic and brightening effect.
Let's look at the most popular types of chemical peels.
Milk peeling is suitable for very sensitive skin. It can be done at any time of the year. Lactic acid is found in pickles and lactic acid fermentation products. In addition to it, the composition includes urea and a complex of amino acids. This peeling gently exfoliates and at the same time moisturizes the skin, and also stimulates the growth of new cells,
Almond can be on a gel or water-alcohol basis, and can also contain not only the main component (mandelic acid), but also other types of acids. Used to improve skin quality, regulate sebum production, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Azelaine peeling normalizes keratinization in the follicle ducts and sebum production, has an exfoliating, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. It contains nonandioic, 1.7-heptanedicarboxylic acid, which is found in wheat, barley, lilac and other plants.
Glycolic and salicylic peels (AHA and BHA) are often performed simultaneously. In tandem, they have the maximum therapeutic effect: they not only cause the death of old cells, cause their desquamation, but also stimulate the production of natural collagen, as well as skin regeneration. They also discolor pigment spots and post-acne, improve metabolic processes.
What causes pigment spots to appear on the face after sunbathing?
Most manifestations of hyperpigmentation occur after the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. Among those that immediately appear are freckles, various melasma and chloasma. There are also those that have a cumulative effect, for example, lentigo.
Also, if during the summer vacation there were inflammatory processes in open areas of the body, most likely after they heal, a change in shade can be clearly observed.
Prolonged exposure to the hot sun with the presence of existing tumors and increased pigmentation can be fraught with the degeneration of harmless spots into aggressive cancer - melanoma. Therefore, you should limit your tanning time and use special cosmetics for protection.
How to prevent acne and post-acne
To prevent acne and the development of post-acne, you must follow the rules of face and body care. It is important to use cleansing and skin care products selected for your age and skin type, and use them only for their intended purpose and according to the instructions.
Do not squeeze blackheads or white pimples.
To speed up their healing, you can use special creams, serums or other targeted products. If acne does not go away or its number increases, a visit to a dermatologist is necessary.
To protect your skin from inflammation, try not to touch your face or rub it with your hands during the day; if you talk on the phone a lot, treat your gadget, as there are always a lot of bacteria on it that get on the skin.
Change your towels more often or ditch them in favor of disposable paper towels. Be sure to wash your face twice a day and take a shower. For washing, you need to choose mild cleansers. If you are prone to acne, you need a soft, delicate and well-cleansing cosmetic product. Regular soap or shower gel may be too harsh.
Age spots and peeling
Melanin accumulation occurs in the upper layers of the epidermis. In order to remove unaesthetic problems, products that stimulate the renewal of the dermis are used. The most effective peelings are: chemical, mechanical, laser. They promote the regeneration of epidermal cells, forcing keratinocytes to produce new ones as quickly as possible, which will not have a large accumulation of coloring pigment. When eliminating the root causes of hyperpigmentation, there is a chance that you will forget about various spots for a long time.
Causeless manifestations
It happens that people try to protect their skin, use special sunscreens, but hyperpigmented areas still appear. It's like it happens for no apparent reason. However, for melanocytes to malfunction, even a small but prolonged stress or temporary hormonal imbalance is enough.
It is also worth noting the cumulative negative effect of ultraviolet radiation, which can manifest itself over the years on areas of the body that received sunburn in early childhood. Therefore, only at first glance it seems that hypermelanosis arose without provoking factors. In fact, he has hidden reasons.
Why do the sebaceous glands become overactive?
The skin can be affected by cleansers that contain a lot of alcohol, sulfates, silicones, and parabens. Pores can also expand due to the use of hydrophilic oils and frequent scrubbing of the stratum corneum.
If you regularly use such products, you can, of course, cleanse the skin, but there is also a risk of destroying the lipid barrier. It becomes thinner and integrity is compromised. The sebaceous glands want to help the skin, which is why they produce secretions. But as a result, the pores begin to actively expand. The more sebum, the wider the pores will become.
Pore enlargement also occurs in case of hormonal imbalance. When there are disturbances in the female body, testosterone begins to manifest itself more actively, as a result of which the production of sebum increases. That is, testosterone irritates the glands, and sebum promotes the expansion of pores.
Enlarged pores under the eyes can also occur as a result of loss of elasticity of the skin. The collagen framework sags after some time, because the body produces less elastin and collagen. The skin becomes flabby. Due to the fact that the condition and density of the skin changes, the pores change their shape.
Liver pigment spots
Deterioration in the functionality of internal organs can also lead to the formation of aesthetic defects. The liver plays the role of a filter, retaining and processing all dangerous substances, and then removing them from the body. In cases where she fails to cope with her duties, slow but sure intoxication occurs, which is manifested not only by internal, but also by external pathologies.
Metabolic processes in tissues are disrupted, including the normal distribution of melanin; it accumulates in certain areas. Most often it appears on the face. The contours of such spots are not uniform, they do not have a clear boundary. The color can also vary from light to dark brown.
Symptoms
Many patients mistake the first signs of lip cancer for a rash characteristic of an exacerbation of herpes: a small seal forms on the lip, in which a slight itching is felt. At the same time or even a little earlier, the lymph nodes of the chin enlarge. As the tumor develops, the following appear:
- small painless ulcers, covered with a crust, with a bleeding, tuberous base;
- cracks and crusts along the red border of the lip;
- a compaction that grows in size over time and becomes crusty;
- pain in affected soft tissues;
- increased secretion of saliva;
- difficulty eating, deterioration of diction.
If left untreated, the tumor penetrates the tissues of the jaw and begins to destroy them. Simultaneously with the local symptoms of lip cancer, manifestations common to all types of cancer develop: general weakness, decreased performance, decreased appetite, unmotivated weight loss.
Lentigo
The phenomenon is popularly known as “senile ripples.” Appears in older people in areas of the body that have been exposed to intense ultraviolet rays throughout their lives. The pigment usually appears on the arms from the hands to the top of the shoulders, upper back, décolleté, and face. It is distinguished by its small size, different diameters and chaotic arrangement of spots.
The first manifestations can be noticed after 40 years; they noticeably age the appearance, so many people at this stage turn to cosmetologists to eliminate the defect. During menopause, hormonal changes lead to an increase in the amount of pigment. Chemical, mechanical and laser peels are used for treatment. Cosmetics and whitening creams will not cope with the problem.
What to do if there are pimples on your lips?
Unlike other areas, white pimples on the lips are usually smaller, about 2 mm in diameter, and less prominent. In some cases, they may itch, but you should scratch them as they can become infected. You cannot squeeze them out, as this can cause microtraumas and scars.
It is necessary to consult a doctor who will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. It may turn out that the rash on the lips is a completely different disease, for example, herpes or acne.
Solarium - is it harmful?
It is also a mistake to think that sun tanning is harmful, and nothing will happen in specialized salons in a few minutes. On the beach, the skin gets a lot of heat, but this happens gradually. In the booths, a loading dose of ultraviolet radiation is given in a few minutes, which is difficult to obtain outdoors even in a whole day.
People with a fair skin type, with the presence of moles and nevi, freckles, existing aesthetic defects in the form of increased melanin production, need to get rid of the habit of visiting a solarium. The consequences can be expressed both in the progression of unsightly changes in the epidermal layer, and in their degeneration into malignant neoplasms.
Facial rashes: how to control them
If you have ever suffered from acne, you will no longer be careless in choosing cosmetics. One word “comedogenic” and the cream is forgotten forever. Regular struggle with blackheads - closed comedones, but before dates or important meetings, as luck would have it, an unpleasant surprise always pops up, and on critical days, pimples are generally a common thing.
There are a lot of remedies in your arsenal: pharmacy, cosmetic, folk remedies, but none of them eliminates the symptoms once and for all. Your friends advise you to take nutritional supplements and go to the solarium; you are frantically looking for a sane cosmetologist who can prolong the unstable remission. Is acne really never going to be cured?
This is wrong. Acne can be treated quite successfully. If you have a severe or moderate form of the disease (“moderate” acne), consult a cosmetologist, preferably a cosmetologist-dermatologist. Now there are many professional anti-acne lines. Be prepared for long-term treatment with uneven dynamics: after 2-3 sessions, temporary deterioration is possible, but this does not mean that the therapy was chosen incorrectly. You may be offered a combination of external therapy and tablets.
Dermatologists' methods will be stricter. There is a protocol (systematically developed recommendations) for treatment - this is a combination therapy: external agents and tetracycline antibiotics for several months. In my opinion, this option should be chosen only in severe cases, when there are multiple inflamed pustules, cystic formations, nodes, etc.
If you are past this stage and just want to control your breakouts, read on.
On store shelves there are a lot of products for home care for acne-prone skin. Every cosmetic company – no matter whether it is large, professional or “organic” – produces natural, organic products and has a special line for problem skin. Let's figure out how not to get lost in the variety of anti-acne products.
The four most common myths about the composition of cosmetic products:
Myth No. 1: Cosmetics are safe if they are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.”
The label “non-comedogenic” means that the product does not provoke the appearance of non-inflammatory open or closed comedones, known as blackheads and bumps/irregularities of the skin.
The term “comedogenicity” is not confirmed by law; it was invented by marketers to make cosmetic lines for minimizing and controlling acne seem reasonable, that is, to increase sales. But still, if a developer makes statements about the “non-comedogenicity” of his product, he is obliged to somehow confirm them.
In the best case scenario, the manufacturer tests its composition on the backs of volunteers whose skin is prone to clogged pores. If a cosmetic product does not increase the number of comedones, it is labeled as “non-comedogenic.”
For me, this is a very questionable study, primarily because the sebaceous glands of different locations have an unequal number of receptors that increase the production of sebum, which leads to comedones. Nevertheless, even such tests are still a plus, since an attempt is made to at least somehow substantiate the result. Basically, manufacturers simply quote the List of Non-Comedogenic Substances created by Dr. Kligman (who discovered cosmeceuticals for us) back in 1979, that is, there are no tests, just a naked theory.
The situation with tests for “acnegenicity” is approximately the same - they are very conditional.
Therefore, labels should not be trusted 100%. Myth No. 2. Mineral oil is comedogenic.
Many people believe that blackheads appear on them precisely because of the mineral oil included in the cosmetic product.
It is found in every second product, especially often in decorative cosmetics. Such statements are based on research from many years ago. Today there are many mineral oils: industrial - for lubricating mechanisms, cosmetic - the purest, without any impurities for cosmetics. And if the first can be comedogenic, then the second is not. Myth No. 3. Sunscreens - sunscreens - provoke acne.
This is almost true. Almost, because if inflammation appears 24–48 hours after applying the product, it is not acne, but irritation caused by sunscreen elements, mainly UV filters.
Acne is an immune response. And it takes weeks to trigger a response from the immune system.
Myth #4: Large pores associated with acne can be erased with makeup.
Only if you use so-called grouts - silicone-based products, which, when applied to enlarged pores, fill and smooth out all unevenness. The effect of the grout is purely visual and lasts until the first wash.
The size of the pores depends on the development and activity of the sebaceous glands: children do not have them, because the glands are not yet developed, but then what grows, grows. As you age, the activity of the glands decreases; after 60 years, your pores will be smaller.
Retinoids (substances analogues of vitamin A), which reduce sebum regulation, and regular cleansing, which pushes out sebaceous plugs, will help bring the pores to a natural state, but hoping to reduce their size is foolish.
Principles of self-diagnosis
We often tend to dramatize the situation and be too critical of our skin. A couple of pimples after fatty/sweet/salty foods or menstruation cannot even be called acne by any stretch of the imagination, especially with oily or combination skin types.
If you have fewer than 20 white-headed blackheads, fewer than 15 pustules, and fewer than 30 lesions in total, you have “mild” acne. Treatment usually takes up to 8 weeks with external remedies.
If you have 20 to 100 whiteheads, 15 to 50 inflamed bumps, and 30 to 125 breakouts in total, you have “moderate” acne. Treatment also takes several weeks and may briefly worsen during the process.
Moderate acne and more severe situations require consultation and professional treatment.
The dangers of self-medication
There is a misconception that as soon as a pimple appears, it is necessary to immediately bring down all the power of modern medicine and cosmetology on it: dry it, squeeze it, cauterize it, etc. In this case, it should go away immediately. Meanwhile, the inflammation that has been quietly smoldering inside the hair follicles or sebaceous glands for several weeks, until the increased sulfur content provoked it to come out, simply cannot take and go away in minutes.
Mechanical damage to the skin, rubbing with chlohexidine, lotions with dimexide, essential oils can lead to ulcers, burns, secondary infection and further aggravate the situation.
Just remember that to fight inflammation, it's better to underdo it than overdo it. When interfering with the body today, you need to think about what will happen to it tomorrow and in 20 years. For example, overuse of drying agents will lead to early wrinkles. It is important to accept that a 100% positive result is not possible if you are predisposed to acne due to genetic or other reasons. Your skin has already been repeatedly damaged at the level of the dermis and hypodermis and, most likely, inflammation will appear in these places. Just control it.
What else is worth paying attention to
There are three common additional causes of inflammation in acne-prone people. In order to level or minimize them, experts advise following certain recommendations.
Progesterone
If inflammation occurs in the second phase of the cycle, calm down, the condition of the skin worsens during this period, as the hormone progesterone works. Wait for the calm phase and carry out treatment. Don’t panic that your products don’t work; don’t rush to urgently buy something “more effective.”
Errors in diet
“Overdose of spices” or carbohydrates. Over the past few years, doctors and scientists have been inclined to believe that there is a connection between diet and acne, although this was previously denied. An imbalance of intestinal microflora increases the permeability of the intestinal walls; the amount of bacterial endotoxins (toxic substances) inhabiting the intestinal lumen increases in the blood, which leads to acne.
Drink tomato juice - it contains lycopene (affects sebum production), eat carrots - they are rich in carotenoids (prevent oxidative stress), pumpkin seeds - contain tryptophan (affects melatonin), sea fish - rich in omega acids (acne sufferers lack such acids), fermented milk products are a source of probiotic cultures that normalize intestinal microflora.
Diagnostics
To accurately determine the type of hypermelanosis, as well as to identify effective means of control, you need to contact a dermatologist. At the initial visit, the doctor will collect the patient's medical history to determine the most likely internal and external factors that will indicate a certain type of disorder. He will examine the skin and also prescribe a number of tests:
- AOK and OAM;
- blood biochemistry;
- Wood's lamp tests;
- scraping;
- biopsy.
If a malignant neoplasm or fungal infection is suspected, referrals will be given for the last two procedures on the list. As a result, the specialist will be able to accurately determine the type of illness and prescribe therapeutic or cosmetic procedures.
Anti-age drugs
Bb Laboratories – Hyaluron-elastin-collagen extract
Laennec – solution for injection
Curacen Essence (20 fl x 2 ml)
Two-phase placental serum concentrate
How to fight
Among the modern and effective methods of struggle, it is worth highlighting:
- cosmetic preparations;
- laser peeling;
- phototherapy.
Depending on the variety, medications may be prescribed to address the underlying causes. However, to remove an aesthetic defect, it will be necessary to wait for the cell surface to renew itself, or to help it renew itself faster with the help of additional deep peeling and cosmetic photorejuvenation procedures.
Cosmetic preparations
Among the popular drugs that give noticeable results in the fight against hyperpigmentation are placental products with a high content of natural peptides, amino acids and hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamins, micro- and macroelements. Injection product Curacen (Curasen) and non-injection drug Curacen Essence (Curasen Essence) are the ideal choice of cosmetologists for triple action: brightening, moisturizing and eliminating wrinkles. You can also use specialized cosmetics from the Laennec Skincare brand - LNC. This line offers to transform the skin at the cellular level, eliminating and preventing hyperpigmentation.
Now you know about the main causes of pigmentation, as well as what causes the appearance of age spots on the face, and you can easily answer the question - what to do when pigments have already appeared. Dermatologists recommend not only limiting time spent on the beach and using sunscreen in summer, but also year-round use of skin protection from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. It is this that becomes the main catalyst, and in combination with internal disorders of the body can lead to serious changes in the epidermal layer.
Preventing blackheads
When a person wants to get rid of a cosmetic defect for a long time, it is necessary to take measures to ensure that they do not appear again.
You need to know that mechanical removal of comedones is part of the problem. Blackheads cannot appear on their own. It is necessary to determine the main cause of their occurrence and eliminate it.
- If a person has oily facial skin, then you should not buy masks, glosses and oil-based creams.
- You need to drink enough clean water and minimize the consumption of fatty foods.
- Daily removal of decorative cosmetics before bed is required with a special product, and then with salicylic acid-based lotion. It removes the head of the comedone.
- Under no circumstances should you use cosmetics that have already expired.
- Do not eat hot foods or drink cold liquids. Their use leads to mini-burns of the skin above and around the lip, resulting in the appearance of blackheads.
By adjusting your diet and making adjustments to your daily menu, you can achieve a significant improvement in your appearance and overall well-being. After all, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and grains cleanse the intestines and contribute to its normal functioning.
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