IN THIS ARTICLE
Pores are tiny openings on your skin that work tirelessly around the clock, controlling what your skin absorbs and releases. They play a key role in keeping your skin healthy by regulating the natural oils and absorbing topical treatments
These millions of tiny outlets are situated at the base of your hair follicles just like your sebaceous glands.
However, due to the daily exposure to dust, dirt, and impurities, these pores tend to get clogged, developing into something known as ‘comedones’ (clogged hair follicles).
‘Clogged pores’ is a common skincare issue millions face due to the rising environmental pollution levels, climate change, and stressful lifestyles. To prevent them from turning into painful acne, it's crucial to treat them timely.
Here is all you need to know about clogged pores. Let’s explore the meaning of clogged pores, what clogged pores look like, and their treatment.
What are clogged pores?
Dermatologically called ‘comedones’, clogged pores are hair follicles located on the surface of your skin that have been blocked by oil, impurities like dirt, and pore-clogging skincare/makeup. Clogged pores eventually develop into acne, if left untreated.
Primary causes of clogged pores:
-
Excess sebum production on your face can form a layer on your skin, clogging your pores
-
Skin type - Oily skin produces excessive oil and sebum that attract impurities to your face and lead to clogged pores.
-
Poor lifestyle - Processed food, an unbalanced diet, and sleep deprivation decrease your skin’s resilience to external aggressors. For instance, high sugar intake spikes your insulin levels, which disbalance hormones and leads to clogged pores
-
Excessive scrubbing causes friction against the surface of your skin, damaging your skin barrier
-
Sun-induced skin damage by the formation of free radicals in your skin cells.
-
Makeup residue - When you sleep with your makeup on, the product debris can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
-
Hormonal imbalance can cause irregular oil production, leading to clogged pores
-
Stress can lead to hormonal imbalance that promotes clogged pores.
-
Allergens can increase your skin’s sensitivity and imbalance the oil production on your face.
-
Side effects of certain medicines
Difference between clogged pores and enlarged pores
Medically, a pore is an opening in the skin not larger than 0.2 square millimeters. Clogged or enlarged pores can be up to three times wider.
Often related, enlarged pores are different from clogged pores in their origin.
Clogged pores are caused by the entrapment of oil and dirt in your pores, whereas enlarged pores can be caused by sun damage, loss of collagen due to aging, unsuitable skincare products, etc.
Enlarged pores have a high chance of getting clogged, but they are not synonymous with each other.
How to prevent clogged pores?
Clogged pores can make your skin dull and cause frequent breakouts, leading to hyperpigmented and blemished skin.
Thankfully, it is easy to prevent and treat clogged pores with a few easy steps and tips.
-
Cleanse your skin effectively
Since clogged pores are caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells and impurities, regular cleansing can significantly help.
Ensure to wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser.
It's recommended to follow double cleansing with a cleansing balm or micellar water at night to remove all impurities, product residue and makeup before you sleep. Product residue hinders your skin’s natural nighttime repair and can clog your pores.
For those with oily acne-prone skin, opt for gentle cleansing formulas like green tea face wash, salicylic acid face wash and more which are infused with ingredients like green tea, salicylic acid, niacinamide and glycolic acid to regulate oil and prevent acne.
If you have sensitive skin, opt for products with ceramide face wash or cica, that help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and soothe skin.
For dry skin, you can opt for nourishing cleansers like niacinamide face wash, ceramide face wash, hyaluronic acid, etc.
-
Hydrate your skin adequately
Hydration helps accelerate your skin’s natural repair system while strengthening its barrier, which makes it more resilient to external aggressors.
Adequately nourish your skin with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that moisturizes without clogging pores. Prefer using non-comedogenic products for best results.
Additionally, drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain the moisturized level of your skin
-
Incorporate active ingredients in your skincare:
Active ingredients like green tea, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinol, can effectively help treat clogged pores and acne.
You can opt for face serums infused with these ingredients or use a moisturizer or toner to effectively control oil and prevent clogged pores.
-
Exfoliate with chemical exfoliators
Exfoliation is one of the easy steps to unclog pores effectively. However, while physical scrubs have been used for exfoliation in the past, it is not recommended any more.
Physical scrubs can irritate your skin, causing sensitivity and redness. Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants that mildly remove the top layers of your skin, without being harsh.
Exfoliate once or twice a wee,k depending on your skin type and severity, to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin.
-
Prevent cross-contamination
Cross-contamination is way more real and serious than you might realize.
Sharing makeup, brushes, towels, or touching your face constantly? You’re basically inviting a party for bacteria and fungus on your face!
Avoid sharing your items with others.
Germs can also breed on dirty makeup brushes and towels. Thus, clean them regularly to keep the germs off your face.
-
Do not skip sunscreen
The harmful UV rays aggravate multiple skin issues, including clogged pores, while causing sun damage. Therefore, always opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, with 30 SPF or above, every day in your morning skincare routine, even when indoors.
-
Opt for the right formula for skincare products
Not all products are suitable for clogged pores. Therefore, carefully read the labels while shopping for your skincare products.
Choose non-comedogenic, fragrance-free products with IFRA certification, and hypoallergenic products to prevent any adverse reactions.
Oily skin is especially prone to clogging due to excess oil and sebum production. Hence, avoid oil-based products, and opt for water or gel-based products for your routine.
How to treat clogged pores?
Early to intermediate stages of clogged pores can be easily treated at home. Here are simple steps to unclog your pores.
1. Steam
Face steaming can be an effective home remedy to unclog pores. A regulated steam bath can help reduce clogged pores, softening the dirt and impurities trapped within them.
However, it is recommended to restrict face steaming to once a week to avoid dryness, irritation, redness, and skin sensitivity as it can exacerbate melasma, rosacea, and eczema.
2. Face masks
Face masks with white clay and charcoal are extremely effective in unclogging pores. Using a face mask with such actives, once a week will not only deeply cleanse your skin by unclogging the pores, but fight infections and excess oil on your face.
3. Anti-acne skincare
Following a skincare routine that regulates oil production and prevents clogged pores is like investing in your skin’s future.
If you have sensitive or oily acne-prone skin, always opt for non-comedogenic and oil-free products that minimize all risks of clogged pores without compromising on the benefits. Avoid using any skincare products that feel heavy or greasy on your skin.
Opt for a dedicated skincare range with active ingredients like green tea, niacinamide, and salicylic acid that clear out your pores, regulate oil, and soothe your skin.
4. Exfoliate twice a week
Exfoliate twice a week to keep your skin clean. For aggravated signs of clogged pores like blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples, incorporate chemical exfoliators with actives like salicylic acid or glycolic acid that clear out your pores.
Always do a patch test to prevent irritation.
5. Do not pop pimples
Although extremely tempting, popping pimples is more harmful to your skin than you think.
When you pop a pimple, you open a wound and leave it exposed to germs and external aggressors.
Sometimes, the pus inside a cyst (a more severe form of acne) can infect the healthy areas of your skin. Finally, a popped pimple usually leaves behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scars. Thus, the risk is worth nothing.
6. Dermat consultation
If you are facing severe cases of stubborn clogged pores, consult a dermatologist. Medical procedures like chemical peels and microdermabrasion can significantly help treat them effectively.
Clogged pores can easily turn into painful acne if ignored. But thankfully, with the right skincare routine and lifestyle habits, treating clogged pores is possible.
FAQs:
How do I remove a clogged pore?
You can remove clogged pores with a dedicated skincare inclusive of cleansing, and exfoliating infused with active ingredients glycolic acid.
What do clogged pores look like?
Clogged pores look like bumps on your skin and if left untreated, can quickly develop into pimples.
Which treatment is best for clogged pores?
A dedicated skincare routine, twice a day, with active ingredients like salicylic acid, retinol, glycolic acid, and green tea is extremely effective in treating clogged pores. These actives are oil-regulatory, anti-inflammatory, and active exfoliators.
What is the difference between large pores and clogged pores?
Clogged pores and large pores are different but often related. Clogged pores are pores of your skin blocked by oil and dirt whereas enlarged pores are caused by excess oily skin, sun damage, loss of collagen, and aging. This means enlarged pores may or may not lead to clogged pores.
