Clogged pores are everyone’s nightmare. But before discussing clogged pores, we will first understand what pores are and how they transition into clogged ones.
Essentially, pores are the tiny openings in the skin that release sweat and oil. They are connected to the hair follicles. At times, these pores clog with dead skin and oil since our skin is constantly at war with something. For example, sweat, pollution, makeup, residue, bacteria, etc. Therefore, it is pretty normal to have the dilemma of clogged pores surfacing from time to time. No matter what skin type you have, it is safe to say that you must have dealt with clogged pores a few times. Even if you don’t suffer from skin problems like acne, clogged pores can pretty much cause stubborn blackheads/whiteheads and blemishes on your skin.
From causes, tips/techniques to prevention, this article will cover all the aspects in great detail. Consider this as the ultimate guide to clogged pores and how you can get rid of them.
Causes of Clogged Pores
To understand the tips and tricks, you must comprehend the origin of clogged pores.
Excessive Dirt
The most typical cause of clogged or blocked pores is the heavy amount of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells present on your skin. These aspects eventually lead to the existence of blackheads/whiteheads, which are also known as comedones. Washing your face after exercising or any activity that causes you to sweat will keep the pores clean.
Excessive Makeup
Apart from the small percentage of men who use makeup, this factor usually goes for almost all women across the globe. If you are using an alerting amount of makeup or the wrong products on your face, you can expect the annoying appearance of blocked pores. Avoid sleeping with your makeup on as that can affect your skin too.
Unhealthy Choices
Adapting unhealthy choices overall can lead to clogged or blocked pores too. If you don’t stick to a proper routine, eat junk food, don’t have a skincare regime, and have a disturbed sleep cycle, then you can easily fall prey to not just clogged pores but other health problems as well. On top of that, using products that aren’t of your skin type can also cause clogged pores as a side effect.
Constant Picking
If you are someone who touches their face all the time and has a constant urge to pick on your pimples, then you’ll experience clogged pores for sure. You must make sure that you don’t give in to the temptation of popping your pimples or touching your face. Touching the face can invite the germs or bacteria from your fingers to transfer to your face.
Say Goodbye to Clogged Pores!
Many solutions have been given for this problem when it boils down to knowing the tips and tricks that keep clogged pores at bay. Therefore, we will look into the most basic ones and bid farewell to these unwanted clogged pores for good.
1. Retinol
People with aging skin, oily skin or too large pores will notice that their skin has lost elasticity. This can highly contribute to clogged pores.
Retinol is a skincare ingredient recommended by dermatologists for people of age or with quite oily skin. It helps fight the dead skin cells on the surface and decreases oil production. However, retinol has some factors one needs to look out for.
Retinol can cause your skin to go dry and make it highly sensitive. That is why wearing sunscreen and adequately moisturising your face becomes essential. Thus, discussing retinol usage with your dermatologist would be a safe move.
2. Gentle Cleansers
In-cooperate, the use of gentle cleansers and face washes as they can treat clogged pores without harming your skin. If you aren’t sure which one to get, then you must talk to your dermatologist.
Right ingredients such as salicylic acid are quite popular when it comes to skincare. Using salicylic acid is the perfect option for those who have oily skin and have a frequent buildup of pores. It’s a magic ingredient that aids in avoiding breakouts and boosts the removal process of clogged pores simultaneously.
And the good thing is that it is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate your skin and work deeper within your pores. However, don’t try any products before a patch test or talking to your dermatologist.
3. Pore Strips
Using pore strips to unclog your pores is an excellent method. Instead of picking blackheads with your hands, these strips are way more effective as they instantly remove all impurities, minimize the pore appearance when used regularly, and are quite easy to apply.
The application of this method is simple. For using it on your nose, all you have to do is wash your face clean and keep the area wet. Then, apply the strip, ensuring zero folds and wrinkles, and then let the strip sit for a good 10 to 15 minutes.
Aside from using it on your nose, you can also use these strips on any area of your body where you have clogged pores.
4. Extractions and Exfoliation
If you happen to have extremely clogged pores, which results in outbreaks of blackheads and pimples, you’ll have to reach out for medical help.
A professional might use a metal extractor or manually use hands to apply firm pressure around the clogged pore. This helps in extracting the buildup from the pore. After this procedure, they might apply an antibacterial or antiseptic to regain the skin’s pH balance and resist breakouts from occurring again. They will recommend some face masks and treatments too. As mentioned before, you must leave this job for the professional. Don’t initiate anything by yourself.
On the other hand, exfoliation is a treatment that cleanses the skin deeply and washes away all dirt. Generally, there are two types of exfoliation processes. One is the mechanical one, where a cloth or brush is used, and one is the chemical one, where safe acids like Salicylic acid are used to finish the debris.
Conclusion
Clogged pores may never appear if one uses the right products and moisturizers, has a good skincare routine, and avoids touching their face. However, it would help if you talked to your dermatologist first before using anything for your face.
You can use the steps mentioned in the article at home. However, remember that you must carry out your skincare faithfully and carefully. If you do so, the results will be worth all the hard work you have put in.
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