What Causes Clogged Pores & What do They Look Like?
Clogged pores can be difficult to treat since they are often confused with acne. Although acne can be caused by clogged pores, these are two different things, so it is important to know the signs of your clogged pores to effectively help them and prevent future skin problems.
What are Pores?
Pores are tiny indentations in the skin that allow liquids and gases, to flow in and out of the surface. For example, skincare products are absorbed onto the skin through your pores and sweat is released from them.
What are Clogged Pores?
Clogged pores are pores that have been blocked by oily liquids called sebum and substances like dead skin, bacteria, makeup residue, and dirt. When your pores are blocked up, they can appear larger or look like small black dots on your face. Although clogged pores lead to acne, these black dots are not the same thing as blackheads.
What Causes Clogged Pores?
Inside your pores are hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. If those glands are producing too much sebum or if you have accumulated dead skin cells or other debris like makeup in your pores, this blocks up your pores.
How to Unclog Pores
Although there are many home remedies and videos on social media showing the newest home remedies, not all of these are recommended by a dermatologist. One of the worst things to do is squeeze your pores or acne built up around them. Instead, try these techniques to both improve clogged pores and maintain the health of your skin.
Invest in the Right Facial Cleanser
You want to find a quality facial cleanser made for your skin type and skin concerns. To clear your clogged pores, look for products with ingredients like retinoids, glycerin, aloe vera, and zinc. Stay away from products with sulfate since these can irritate and inflame the skin. One great product to try is the Clarify Starter Kit which contains a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer.
Use a Weekly Facial Cleanser
Using a weekly facial mask gives your skin a thorough clean and not only dissolves the oil and product clogging your pores, but also helps prevent blemishes from forming. Try the Clarify Polishing Mask; this is a great product that is suitable for almost any skin type.
Exfoliate Regularly
Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid help dissolve the excess oil and dead skin cells that are clogging your pores. Exfoliate your face with gentle exfoliators like the Micro-Derm Ultra-Refining Scrub to improve the appearance of your texture and tone of your skin.
Professional Facial Cleansers from Epicuren Discovery
If you want to learn more about your skin and how to keep it looking radiant, Epicuren Discovery has all the answers. Take our Skin Quiz and let us help guide you to the right products that will help your skin type and specific skin concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if you have clogged pores?
If your skin appears dull or congested, this could be a sign that you have clogged pores. Acne is also a common sign of clogged pores.
Should you squeeze clogged pores?
Do not squeeze your clogged pores. This puts more stress on the skin and can make your pores even bigger over time.
How do you unclog your pores?
Use a chemical exfoliants to dissolve the built up gunk in your pores. Use gentle exfoliators like salicylic acid instead of harsh products that burn the skin.
What gets rid of clogged pores?
Exfoliators, face masks, and night creams with products like retinol can help get rid of clogged pores.
How do clogged pores form on the nose and chin?
Your nose and chin are the oilier places on your face so dirt and other debris is more likely to get trapped in those areas.
Why does the same pore keep getting clogged?
Heavy foundation or makeup formulas and application of Vaseline can keep your clogged pores coming back. Make sure to thoroughly cleanse your face and avoid Vaseline, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.