Published: December 23, 2021
Pores are located at the top of each hair follicle and occur all over the body, including on the face. They release sweat and oil, depending on the type of pore it is. Both types of pores are essential for bodily and skin functions, including temperature regulation, detoxification, and lubrication.
When these pores get clogged, they can give way to breakouts ranging from unsightly blemishes, blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads. Sometimes, if an individual is suffering from acne, pores can become so backed up with sebum and dead skin that painful cysts develop under the surface of the epidermis. So many things can contribute to clogged pores but the most common offenders are listed below:
Using poor quality makeup and skipping an evening cleansing routine can easily cause make-up to build up and block pores.
Comedogenic sunscreen can mix and mingle with sweat and easily trap pores if not washed off.
Without proper skin care techniques and practices, dead skin cells easily become one of the major offenders.
As our hormones fluctuate monthly or as we age, oil production can rise and fall, leading to more sebum or less.
As skin begins to sag, pores can become larger, leaving them more susceptible to clogging
Smog, smoke, and other pollutants in the air can introduce minute particulates that can enter the pores.
Cleansers, toners, and moisturizers made with ineffective and toxic ingredients can actually do more harm than good.
While it’s a natural and necessary bodily function, sweat can mix with dirt and grime, falling into open pores and making them appear larger.
Conditioners and other styling creams or gels can get into the pores on your shoulders, back, neck, and hairline, creating breakouts in any area that your hair touches. Pull your hair back when conditioning it in the shower and be wary of breakout-prone zones along the forehead, temples, and jawline.
This can vary depending on the size of your pores. For those with larger pores, you may be able to actually see dark dirt or sediment in your pores. Others with smaller pores may experience white heads, pimples, or skin-colored raised bumps. Consult with a dermatologist to determine how your specific skin type functions.
Clogged pores are a fact of life and anyone in the skincare game knows that helping them get unclogged is basically what your skincare regimen is all about. It’s the most common issue and the majority of cleansers on the market today work to lift dirt and grime up and out of pores, preventing breakouts.
Salicylic acid cleanser helps remove dead skin cells through chemical exfoliation tactics. Depending on your dermatologist’s recommendation, using a glycolic acid wash can be equally helpful at quelling dead cell buildup and excess oil.
Lactic acid is a gentler yet effective ingredient in cleansers that tout moisturizing and exfoliating solutions. If salicylic acid or glycolic acid was too hard for your skin, a lactic acid cleanser may be a better solution. Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids can be better for certain skin types, like those prone to irritation or who have certain skin sensitivities.
An experienced esthetician can utilize his or her skills to create a comprehensive skincare plan and offer services like microdermabrasion or an oxygen facial, that help slough off excess sebum and dead skin, revealing a clean, new layer underneath. Use our spa locator to find an experienced professional near you.
Using glycolic, lactic, and citric acids, these exfoliating peel pads gently remove the top layer of dead skin while lifting dirt out of clogged pores, leaving a free and clear complexion underneath.
The Active Pureness Corrector was designed to assist trouble areas that are breaking out because of clogged pores. This targeting spot corrector acts fast, banishing blemishes and preventing infections from clogged pores.
Our Sacred Nature Exfoliating Mask offers both nourishment and gentle exfoliation. DIY an at-home treatment like a charcoal facemask that purifies the skin’s surface and leaves behind smaller-looking skin pores and glowing skin. If you need more power in the skin renewal game, add the /skin regimen/ Glyco Lacto Peel mask into a weekly skin care regimen.
Our Essential Scrub uses natural and soothing exfoliants to help remove the top dead layer of skin and prevent clogged pores. For those who hit the gym extra hard or spend time playing in the sun, exfoliate your body with Body Strategist Peel Scrub to remove excess sweat, sunscreen, and build up.
Curate a skin care routine that takes into account your skin’s sensitivities. [ comfort zone ] designed an entire lineup of sensitive skincare products that don’t compromise on efficacy. Our Remedy collection cleaners, toners, and moisturizers calm and soothe irritated, stressed out, or frazzled skin, allowing it to work its way back to health.
Having a healthy skin foundation can be the best line of defense against clogged pores. It’s crucial to stick to an established skin care routine morning and night.
Non-comedogenic products mean products that don’t use poor quality oils or creams that can easily clog pores. If you know that your skin is especially reactive to certain ingredients, be sure to steer clear.
We sweat in our sleep, meaning that many of us - especially those with oily skin - can wake up with a sheen. Washing in the morning sets your skin up to receive products like a daily moisturizer and sunscreen. It’s equally important to cleanse at night to remove make-up, sunscreen, and whatever else the day dealt you.
Using a high quality toner doesn’t actually dry out the skin contrary to popular belief. It adds hydration while packing an extra punch in the pore-cleaning category.
Retinol has been proven to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of aging. Additionally, it can slow the sagging of skin and increase elasticity. When paired with a moisturizer, retinol and other retinoids are effective, over-the-counter skin care ingredients that help acne-prone skin.
Consistency is key in achieving any goal, like maintaining clear pores. Try out our products by opting for a skincare set and you’ll get to sample our cleansers, toners, and moisturizers before landing on one that works with your skin.
Plenty of antioxidant and vitamin rich food can help overall skin health and wellness.
Even though sweat can clog pores, it’s no reason not to get your heart rate up. Blood flow allows oxygen to spread more easily throughout the body.
Our cells are mostly water, hence, staying hydrated can help skin cells maintain elasticity.
Choosing high quality products is essential to creating a healthy, glowing complexion and your best bet when maintaining clear pores. [ comfort zone ] products opt for non-comedogenic ingredients that harness the power of mother nature so that your skin’s health and wellbeing are front and center.
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