What Causes Clogged Pores?
When you look in the mirror, are you noticing white spots, black spots, or red, sensitive bumps? If so, you are most likely experiencing clogged pores. Pores can become clogged easily by a buildup of dirt, dead skin cells, and oil, which can lead to unwanted acne. Read on to learn more about what causes clogged pores and the best way to help prevent them for a clear complexion.
What Are Pores?
Pores are small openings around hair follicles and sweat glands. They are present anywhere on the skin where oil glands are existent, and are more concentrated in some areas such as the nose.
What Causes Clogged Pores?
Clogged pores occur when oil, dead skin cells, or dirt gets trapped in your pores. Individuals who do not wash their face regularly are more likely to have clogged pores due to a buildup of excess oil and dead skin on the skin’s surface. However, cleaning the skin too frequently can also strip the skin of its natural oils, causing the skin to produce more oil to compensate. The trick to a blemish-free complexion is to wash your skin with a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night.
How do you know if you have clogged pores?
Clogged pores are most noticeable when they lead to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts.
Whiteheads: When the opening of the pore is clogged, a raised white or flesh-colored bump can occur.
Blackheads: When the opening of the pore is widened when clogged, it is called a blackhead. They appear as a dark spot in the pore. This coloring occurs due to a chemical reaction of the pore’s content mixing with oxygen.
Pimples: When dirt and oil clog a pore, it can lead to swelling, redness, and irritation. This can lead to pimples; when they are filled with pus, they are called pustules.
Nodules: Nodules are very clogged pores that can cause pain, swelling, and deep irritation. If a nodule contains pus, it is called a cyst.
Facts About Clogged Pores
Pores do Not Get Larger
A common misconception is that pores can get larger in size. However, the size of a pore never actually changes, it just appears larger when it is clogged. Keeping your face clean will help to minimize the appearance of clogged pores.
Pores Do Not Open & Close
Another myth that is often believed is that pores can open and close. Pores are actually always open, as a pore’s main purpose is to help your body secrete sweat and other water. While steam and hot water may help loosen any buildup of dirt for a deeper cleaning, your pores are not actually “opening up”.
The Dark Part of a Blackhead is Not Trapped Dirt
When you see a blackhead, you probably assume the dark dot is dirt trapped within the skin. However, the dark tip of a blackhead is actually due to a clogged pore being exposed to oxygen.
How to Unclog Pores
Invest in The Right Facial Cleanser
While washing your face is vital to clean skin, it is also important that you are using the right cleanser. There is a large array of cleansers on the market today to cater to sensitive, oily, dry, or acne-prone skin.
Use a Weekly Facial Mask
Facial masks can be very effective in minimizing the appearance of and occurrence of clogged pores. Masks work to clean pores and dissolve impurities.
Exfoliate Regularly
Regular exfoliation is recommended to clean out and prevent clogged pores. However, the frequency of exfoliation will depend on your skin type. Most skin types can benefit from a gentle exfoliator twice a week, though people with sensitive skin should exfoliate only once a week. Exfoliators scrub away the topmost layers of dead skin cells and debris to help keep your pores clear.
Unclog Your Pores with Professional-Grade Skincare from Epicuren Discovery
At Epicuren Discovery, we carry a large selection of skincare products to help keep your skin clean and prevent the development of clogged pores. To find the skincare treatments right for your skin type, check out our Skin Quiz today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Should you squeeze clogged pores?
No, it is not advised that you touch, pick, or pop any type of clogged pore or acne bump. This is because squeezing pores can lead to scarring, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. To remove blackheads, whiteheads, or acne, seek out a professional dermatologist or aesthetician for safe results.
How do clogged pores form on the nose and chin?
Clogged pores on the nose and chin form the same way that clogged pores form on any area of the body; dead skin cells, oil, and dirt are trapped in the pores.
Why does the same pore keep getting clogged?
In cases where the same pores keep getting clogged, it may be caused by a cluster of oil glands or bacteria in the area.
Can you actually unclog pores?
Because your body produces sebum or oil, naturally, it is not possible to completely remove it from your pores. However, a proper skincare routine can help to prevent your pores from becoming clogged with dirt and oil often.