How to remove keratotic plugs 丨 NG care & expert explains the correct way to remove it

Supervisor Profile: Masahiko Toyoda

Dr. Masahiko Toyoda　 . Dermatologist (certified by the Japanese Dermatological Association). Allergist (certified by the Japanese Society of Allergology).

Director of Uruoi Skin Clinic. After graduating from Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University (currently Toyama University), he studied abroad for two and a half years from 1994 at the Department of Medicine and Dermatology, Boston University, conducting research on skin aging and nerves. He won the 2002 and 2004 International Congress of Dermatology single best clinical and research awards respectively. He has authored over 2000 medical papers and books to date.

In addition, he holds more than 250 lectures, presentations at academic conferences, and guidance at public health centers in Japan and overseas.

What is a keratin plug?

A keratotic plug is a lump clogged in a pore (comedone), which is a mixture of sebum secreted from the sebaceous glands of the skin, keratin at the exit of the pore, and dirt such as makeup . In addition to the nose, keratotic plugs tend to form in areas where sebum secretion is high, such as the chin and between the eyebrows.

If left unattended, the keratin plug will grow larger and become the cause of clogging the pores. In addition, keratotic plugs become hard when left unattended, and when exposed to air and oxidized by active oxygen generated on the skin surface, the surface darkens, resulting in a condition called strawberry nose or dark pores.

Blackheads make keratin plugs even more noticeable, so be sure to take care of them every day to prevent them.

In addition, excess sugar is also a major cause of clogged pores in adults. Carbohydrates are directly linked to sebum secretion, so if you have many opportunities to consume carbohydrates and sweets, it is also effective to take a dietary approach, such as saving the amount.

Possibility of deterioration! How to remove keratin plugs that you should pay attention to

There are several ways to remove keratotic plugs, some of which are not recommended. Be careful, as incorrect care can cause pores to widen, making it easier for keratin plugs to clog, or it can irritate the skin and cause excessive sebum secretion.

Pull out the keratin plug with tweezers or push it out with your fingers

You may see tweezers dedicated to removing keratotic plugs, care sets, comedo pushers, etc. on the Internet.

If you use these, you will feel that you can remove the keratin plug completely, and it may be temporarily refreshing. However, physical stimulation to the skin can cause skin problems such as inflammation and acne. Also, since it is not in a clean environment, there is a risk that bacteria can enter through the pores of the removed keratin plugs and cause folliculitis (boils).

It can be said that the removal method of forcibly pushing out or pulling out is a high risk because it puts a heavy burden on the skin and may cause the pores to widen.

Pack with medicinal ointment

The method of applying a large amount of pharmaceutical ointment with antibacterial action to the nose, leaving it for about 10 minutes, washing the face, and then applying a keratin plug pack has become a hot topic mainly on the Internet and SNS.

However, the medicinal ointment used in the first place is not a cosmetic product, but a drug containing ingredients with antibacterial and bactericidal effects. There is a possibility of sterilizing even “Staphylococcus epidermidis”, which is called skin-beautifying bacteria that live in the skin, and it is not recommended to use it on your own, as it may cause side effects.

Removal with cotton swabs and oil

The care method of soaking a cotton swab in beauty oil, etc. and massaging it around the nostrils where you are concerned about keratin plugs is effective for sebum, but it cannot remove existing keratin plugs. The main component of keratotic plugs is protein, and if you try to remove it forcibly, it will irritate your skin.

Friction from cotton swabs can cause dryness and redness of the skin, and if oil remains in the pores, it can cause keratin plugs.

Skin fasting and face wash

Skin fasting is a method of skin care that stops using basic skin care products such as cleansing, face wash, lotion, beauty essence, milky lotion, cream, etc., and only cleanses the face with soap and water and moisturizes with petroleum jelly. . Water face wash is a method of washing your face with only water without using a face wash.

Since keratin plugs are made of excess sebum and old keratin, if the cleansing power is not sufficient, excess sebum and dirt cannot be removed, resulting in keratin plugs and dark pores.

In addition, it is not recommended because it may delay the turnover of the skin and cause excessive sebum due to dryness due to insufficient moisture (inner dry skin).

Excessive use of peel-off type keratin plug pack

Peel-off type keratin plug packs are known as a way to remove keratin plugs secretly, but it is necessary to be careful because overdoing it can strain the skin and cause inflammation of hair follicles.

When using, be sure to follow aftercare such as moisturizing, and follow the usage instructions and frequency of use for each product.

How to properly remove keratin plugs

Here’s how to properly remove a keratin plug.

1: How to use enzyme-type care products

Enzymes have the ability to break down proteins and dissolve them. It is a good idea to use products that contain enzymes, such as enzyme facial cleansing powder and enzyme facial cleanser.

Usage varies depending on the product. Check how to use written on the package before use. Enzymes have the property of being activated when heat is applied, so you can expect a higher effect when used in a bathroom.

We also recommend putting a hot towel (steamed towel) on your face for about 3 minutes to soften the keratin plugs before use.

2: How to use oil

Oil (fat) has the effect of softening the keratin plug. First, use a hot towel to open the pores and moderately soften the keratin plugs. After that, take an oil that can be used for skin care, such as baby oil, and lightly massage the area of ​​concern for the keratin plug to remove it.

When the keratin plug comes out, gently push it out to remove it, wipe it off with a tissue, etc., and you’re done.

You can also apply the cleansing oil to the affected area for a few minutes and gently wash it off.

3: How to remove keratin plugs at cosmetic dermatology and beauty salons

You can also receive keratotic plug removal treatment at beauty clinics such as cosmetic dermatologists and beauty salons.

“Ultrasonic cleaning” that blows away old keratin with fine vibrations, “keratotic plug removal” that uses a suction tube to suck up the keratin plugs that clog pores after applying a special agent that softens the keratin plugs, and chemicals that remove the keratin plugs. “Chemical peeling” that dissolves clogged dirt, “Hydrogen water peeling” that applies the powerful antioxidant action of hydrogen to prevent keratotic plugs, improve dark pores, remove keratotic plugs, and cleanse the inside of hair follicles. There are many types of treatments such as “Hydra Facial” that cleanses pores with power.

In addition, there are treatments such as “light facial” to improve the opening of pores and prevent the formation of keratin plugs in pores. If you want to remove keratotic plugs effectively, you may want to consult a clinic.

4: How to use a pore cleaning brush to clean square plugs

Mail order and drugstores sell pore cleaning brushes and facial cleansing brushes, and you can use these to remove keratin plugs.

First, lightly cleanse the nostrils where the keratin plugs are a concern, and then soften the keratin plugs with a hot towel. After that, use a pore cleaning brush to remove the keratin plugs by moving it in a circular motion.

After you’re done, apply aftercare, such as cooling the pores with a wet cotton pad or tightening the pores with an astringent lotion. Make a habit of moisturizing enough after keratin plug care.

In addition, even though it is a special brush that cleans the pores, it is NG to rub it roughly. Be careful not to burden your skin when using it.

Care that you want to make a habit to clean stubborn keratin plugs

Rather than removing stubborn keratin plugs after they have formed, it is more important to take preventive care to prevent them from forming. From here, we will introduce the care method.

Hot towel before face wash/cleansing

It’s easy to do, so I’d like to make a habit of using a hot towel (steamed towel). Heat it in a microwave oven at 500-600W for 30-60 seconds, make sure it’s warm enough to not burn you, then put it on your face.

Using a hot towel before washing your face or cleansing softens the keratin plugs and makes them easier to remove. If you do it excessively, the keratin plug will be too soft and it will be difficult to remove it, so please do it in moderation.

morning and evening face wash

If you don’t wash your face with a facial cleanser, you won’t be able to get rid of the square plugs. Some people may only wash with lukewarm water in the morning, but if you are concerned about keratin plugs, it is recommended to wash thoroughly with a cleanser in the morning and at night.

UV protection

UV rays are the cause of dry skin. Dry skin can lead to various skin problems, such as clogging of keratin plugs and worsening of sagging pores. In addition, UV rays oxidize sebum, and the generated active oxygen causes the formation of new keratin plugs and dark pores. Since UV rays are pouring down all year round, the secret to beautiful skin is to take perfect measures against UV rays at any time of the year.

Suppress sebum secretion

Excessive secretion of sebum is also one of the causes of keratotic plugs. It is also said that sebum secretion tends to increase when the balance of female hormones is disturbed and estrogen decreases.

In addition, stress, lipid and sugar-rich meals, irregular lifestyles, lack of sleep, a decrease in elastin due to aging, and dryness are factors that cause excessive secretion of sebum.

In addition to washing away excess sebum with face wash, it is also recommended to switch to basic cosmetics containing ingredients such as vitamin C derivatives that suppress sebum secretion. Since vitamins B2 and B6 suppress sebum secretion, it is also effective to use supplements as needed.

Use an oil-type cleanser that dissolves keratotic plugs

If dirt from daily make-up remains on your face, you are more likely to get keratotic plugs. In order to thoroughly remove dirt and remove dirt clogged deep in the pores, it is a good idea to choose an oil-type cleanser that can be expected to dissolve keratin plugs.

It is important to remove keratin plugs in the correct way to prevent skin damage

If you use the wrong method to remove keratotic plugs, it may lead to excessive sebum secretion, widening of pores, and conversely worsening of keratotic plugs.

Be careful not to use tweezers or comedo pushers, or to overdo the peel-off type of keratin plug pack. Approach-based care for pores has the risk of causing inflammation, so the principle is “appropriately, gently, and not to give too much stimulation.”

Keratin plugs are clumps of sebum and keratin, and even if they are removed once, they will become clogged again. It is important to continue preventive care that does not create keratotic plugs while removing it in a way that is less burdensome.

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Editorial department recommendation! keratotic plug removal item

From here, we will introduce the keratin plug removal items recommended by the Halmek WEB editorial department.

FANCL Deep Clear Face Wash Powder

” FANCL Deep Clear Face Wash Powder ” is an enzymatic face wash that contains charcoal and clay to turn off pore dirt such as keratin plugs and blackheads. Amino acid-based cleansing ingredients and hyaluronic acid protect the skin’s moisture while trapping dirt.

It washes away without feeling tight, and the more you use it, the less conspicuous your pores become. No preservatives, synthetic colors, petroleum-based surfactants, UV absorbers, or fragrances are used, so you can continue to use it with confidence.

Sim’s Cleansing Brush

” Sim’s Facial Cleansing Brush ” is a facial cleansing brush that uses ultra-fine soft synthetic hair that can be used to care for keratin plugs, blackheads on the nose, and open pores. Dense bristles blend into the skin, and you can approach dirt with a light and fluffy massage. The point is to wash gently without rubbing.

DHC Medicated Deep Cleansing Oil 70mL

” DHC Medicated Deep Cleansing Oil 70mL ” is a medicated deep cleansing oil that removes makeup and pore dirt with overwhelming cleansing power.

Formulated with conditioning ingredients such as the finest olive virgin oil, it cleanses thoroughly without stripping the skin of its moisture, leaving the skin moist after washing. It doesn’t feel oily or sticky, so it’s recommended for people who don’t like oil cleansing.