How to Get Rid of Clogged Pores for Clearer Skin
Your pores play a very important part in your overall health. They allow you to stay cool in hot weather or while exercising by releasing sweat so your skin feels cool. They also allow you to get rid of toxins in your body. Without them, you’d be in trouble, but of course none of us want them to be seen as we seek that smooth porcelain-like complexion.
Your pores are a natural part of a healthy complexion, but become a cause for concern only when they get clogged with sebum and dirt, which leads to unsightly blackheads and whiteheads. You’ll recognise your pores are clogged when they start to appear darker and larger than normal. They may feel slightly raised if the blackheads get hard as your body naturally tries to work them out of your skin.
In warm, humid climates like in Singapore, clogged pores can be a common pain point in your beauty routine. In this article, we’ll look at the four most common causes of clogged pores and how to get rid of them. We’ll provide some useful tips on how to prevent clogged pores from happening in the first place for clearer skin and how to treat clogged pores should they dare to rear their ugly heads!
4 Common Causes for Clogged Pores and How to Treat & Prevent Them
1. Oily Skin with Excess Sebum Production
Excess sebum can be really annoying as it clogs and enlarges pores, and causes that unwanted shiny T zone. However, like your pores, sebum is critical to the health of your skin. It helps to protect your skin and keep it moisturised.
Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands and helps to form a protective barrier against water evaporation on your skin. So, it’s naturally good for your skin when it’s produced in the right balance. But too little of it causes dry skin and possibly eczema and too of it much causes blocked pores and possible acne.
The level of sebum that your body produces fluctuates throughout your life. It would have been high when you were born then declined until you hit puberty when hormones called androgens wreaked havoc on your skin, causing teen spots or acne if you were unlucky. Blackheads on the nose would surely have been a bane.
From there, sebum levels settled once again, reducing over the years so that your skin will become drier and drier. Since sebum production is linked to hormones, any hormonal medications such as birth control pills will affect sebum levels. Birth control pills, antiandrogens, and isotretinoin typically decrease sebum production, which is why they are often helpful in treating or managing acne.
Oily skin tends to run in the family, so if you have a family member with overactive sebaceous glands, you may have inherited the same. While there is not much you can do to control the internal production of sebum, you can control external factors like using face products likely to increase sebum production.
How to unclog pores:
- Exfoliating regularly clears the dead skin cells from your pores and brightens your complexion. Be sure to avoid harsh scrubs and stick to gentle exfoliants you can use daily such as a gentle exfoliating facial wash. Look for ingredients like glycolic and lactic acid when choosing your exfoliant.
- Switch to products that are made for oily skin to help regulate sebum production and tone your skin to keep it balanced.
How to prevent clogged pores:
- A common mistake is to overcompensate by over-washing or over-exfoliating your skin. This can dry out your skin, which will trigger excess sebum production.
- Drink more water as this helps to keep your skin clear and hydrated.
- Avoid oily and greasy food in your diet.
2. Using the Wrong Skincare Products
As we’ve mentioned, there are external factors that can affect the production of sebum, one of which is using the wrong kind of skincare products for your skin. If you have a tendency for dry skin and don’t use a product that is moisturising enough, this will trigger your skin to produce sebum which could clog your pores. If you choose a product that is too rich for your skin, you could also end up clogging your pores. So be sure to choose products meant for your skin type.
How to unclog pores:
- Determine your skin type - dry, combination, oily, sensitive – and select the products you use accordingly.
- Look for products that are labelled with “non-comedogenic” (won’t clog pores) and oil-free formulas.
- Simplify your skincare routine to just the products you really need. As long as you are using a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, you should be good. Start off with the cleanser to remove the dirt, grime, oil and sebum that has accumulated in the day. Follow up with toner to further remove irritants and bacteria and prep your skin for the final stage – moisturiser, which helps regulate the production of sebum throughout the day.
How to prevent clogged pores:
- Your skin needs will change with age and hormone fluctuations so check on your skin type regularly and adapt your skincare routine accordingly.
- When using new products, introduce them progressively one at a time so that you can identify any offending culprit, should you develop clogged pores.
3. Not removing your makeup or sunscreen properly
It can be tempting to skip removing your makeup or any applied sunscreen before you sleep, especially if you’ve had a long day, or before you work out. But know that this tiny transgression can lead to clogged pores. Taking that extra step is a small price to pay for flawless skin!
How to unclog pores:
- Use makeup removers such as micellar water or makeup remover wipes to remove makeup and sunscreen. Ensure that the cotton pads or wipes you use come out clear at the end of your cleansing routine. Don’t forget the area around your hairline too.
- Exfoliate your skin with gentle exfoliators regularly.
- Apply a clay mask up to three times a week or as stated on the package.
How to prevent clogged pores:
- Always remove makeup and sunscreen with makeup removers, and not normal facial cleansers.
- Never sleep with makeup or sunscreen on.
4. Dirt and Impurities Build-Up
Before you can combat any problem, you have to identify where it exists first. Take note of where you tend to get clogged pores and identify where your pores pick up dirt or impurities. There are some causes like environmental pollution that you can’t do much about other than cleansing regularly, but other factors will be in your control. Having this information puts you in a stronger position of defence and attack!
Some common areas where clogged pores tend to happen are the:
- forehead: could be due to a fringe or improper cleansing
- cheeks: could be due to a dirty pillow cases/mobile phone screen/face masks or from a habit of touching your face with your hands
- nose and chin: these areas are typically oilier, so clogged pores tend to appear more often
How to unclog pores:
- Cleanse your face to remove all dirt and excess sebum at least twice a day using products meant for the job such as foaming facial washes. Micro foams are smaller than pores so can easily enter and clean each pore. Don’t be tempted to substitute this with other types of washes
- Cleanse your skin with micellar water when needed throughout the day too. Factors such as hot weather making you perspire, wearing of masks and working out all create the need for you to cleanse more often. Using makeup remover wipes can make this process quicker and easier.
- Exfoliate your skin gently two to three times a week.
How to prevent clogged pores:
- Avoid touching your face.
- Keep your hair out of your face.
- Change pillow cases and face masks often.
- Clean phone screens regularly.
- Repeat your cleansing routine morning and night.
Conclusion
Pores are not the enemy. They are important for your skin and body health and it’s normal for them to be seen. It’s when they become clogged that they become a problem. However, as we have covered, there are ways to tackle their arrival as long as you are consistent and patient. It will take some time for the desired effects to be seen but in the meantime, avoid the temptation to squeeze your pores or pick at any problem areas on your skin. With some TLC, the right products and consistent care and attention, you should soon be back to radiant, unclogged skin. We wish you well on your journey towards clear and beautiful skin.
