How to Get Rid of Clogged Pores

So what really is the root cause of clogged pores? Three words…excess oil production. When your skin produces excess oil, that oil becomes trapped between cells that block the follicles themselves, which leads to clogged pores. In addition to excess oil, the pores in your skin can also get clogged with dirt, debris, dead skin cells, and when skin is inflamed due to excess white blood cells.

The best way to prevent and minimize clogged pores is to follow a good, daily skin care regimen. When it comes to what ingredients you need to look for, you need acne-fighting acids like salicylic acid, which removes excess oil from the skin and exfoliates dead cells that block pores. Regular exfoliation of your skin is also important 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and other impurities that lead to clogged pores. What you eat can also have a huge impact on your skin. When it comes to preventing clogged pores from getting worse, try to follow a low glycemic index diet, since sugar promotes inflammation in the skin. Cow's milk, skim milk in particular, is associated with breakouts as well.

What's really going on when your pores get clogged? Here are 3 ways it can happen.

1. Sebum is the oil you naturally produce. Oily and acne-prone skin types produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores, turning into blackheads, pimples, or even cysts due to inflammation.
2. Dead skin naturally sheds off and gets trapped inside the pore. Some people with acne have a very high rate of shedding, which leads to more clogged pores.
3. Acne bacteria feeds off natural skin sebum. After eating this skin sebum, they excrete waste. That waste inflames the pore and makes it bigger. If the pore gets very big, it can break through the pore wall. This causes an inflammatory reaction, and this is how a painful acne cyst is formed.

Clogged pores can cause acne in both teens and adults. They also add to the risk of developing pustules that lead to acne scarring. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you can't completely control oil production, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of clogged pores and end up with healthier, clearer skin. Here are 4 helpful tips you can follow to help minimize and prevent clogged pores.

Keep skin clean

Washing your face is one of the most important steps in a daily routine, as it removes impurities that can irritate your skin and interfere with other skincare products. If a cleanser does what it should, it will pull impurities out of your skin, open up pores, and clean the dead skin, dirt, and bacteria away from your face. If it's a cheap wash, it will just push the junk around your skin instead of cleaning it off. Make sure to use a face wash that is suited to your skin type, preferably a foam-free cleanser.

Make sure to limit the number of times you wash your face. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, excessive washing can increase your chance of developing acne by irritating the skin and causing the pores to shut down and become clogged. Wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night to remove dirt and bacteria. Also, always remove your makeup and wash your face before going to bed. If you don't, makeup can get pushed deep into your pores while you toss and turn in your sleep, clogging pores.

Prevent blackheads

Dampen skin and then lightly rub an exfoliation facial scrub on areas prone to clogging, like the nose, cheeks, and chin, using gentle circular motions. Regular exfoliation loosens dry skin that can cause blockage and clogged pores. For oily complexions, use a scrub that contains a chemical exfoliator, such as alpha hydroxy or salicylic acid, 2-3 times a week. If you have dry or more sensitive skin, use a gentle, nonabrasive, creamy exfoliator 1-2 times a week.

Absorb excess shine

Oil reflects light and brings more attention to a pore's size. Soak up excess skin oil with paper blotting sheets or an oil-control lotion instead of reapplying a compact powder throughout the day. Over application of makeup and many touch ups throughout the day can lead to congestion and breakouts. This is also something to think about…oil residue left on your face from eating any greasy or oily foods can settle into your pores, clogging them. So always make sure to wipe your face, chin, and around your mouth when you eat oily foods. Also, clean your hands after so you don't transfer the oil to your face.

Use oil-free products

Make sure to use cosmetic and skincare products that are labeled oil-free, noncomedogenic, or non-acnegenic. Try to avoid products that contain mineral oil. Skip waterproof and stay-put makeup as well as these formulas tend to be oil-based and aren't easily washed off with a regular cleanser. Benzoyl peroxide is an excellent ingredient used to treat oily and acne-prone skin. It is one of the most effective treatments to cut down on excess oil and prevent clogged pores. Salicylic acid is another excellent ingredient used to prevent clogged pores that lead to whiteheads and blackheads as it slows down old skin shedding that tend to clog pores.

Keep in mind that acne-fighting skincare products can cause side effects such as redness and dry skin, especially on people with sensitive skin. Therefore, test any new product on a small area of your skin the first time you use it. You may need to acclimate your skin and work your way up slowly to everyday use of these products.

If you are a teen struggling with acne, click here to check out this simple yet effective 2 step acne regimen.

If you are an adult looking for an anti-acne AND anti-aging, regimen, click here for some recommendations.