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Clogged pores occur from dead skin cells and oils trapped in your skin. It is essential to understand why and how clogged pores happen and how to treat and prevent them in the future. When pores become blocked, the oil glands receive pressure. The pressure may cause them to rupture, releasing extra oils, which leads to acne. Below is a guide on what clogged pores are, what products are best for treating them, and how to minimize them in the future:
- What are clogged pores?
- Why clogged pores occur
- Best products for clogged pores
- How to minimize them
- Wrong ways to unclog your pores
- Importance of face steaming
- Final thoughts
What are clogged pores?
Clogged pores are built up of sebum or oil, and dead skin cells. Pores are tiny openings around hair follicles in the skin that release oil and sweat from the glands. There are two types of clogged pores. Whiteheads are oil glands in the skin that form a closed bump when a hair follicle becomes inflamed with increased sebum production and dead skin cells.
Blackheads are open bumps in the skin that are filled with excess oil and dead skin. Blackheads become inflamed when the hair follicle oxidizes with air, making them appear darker and more noticeable.
Why clogged pores occur
Clogged pores can happen due to excess oil production, dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt on the skin and gets trapped in the openings of pores. Sometimes, genetics or the environmental factors can also be a cause of clogged pores.
The body releases oil or sweat to keep you cool and the skin moisturized. Leaving excess oil on the skin can be a factor of clogged pores and breakouts.
Additionally, many people believe pores can become bigger or smaller, but that is not the case. Clogged pores just appear to be bigger or more noticeable, especially with blackheads. So, it is important to establish a routine to keep pores clear of oil and debris.
Best products for smooth skin texture
Retinols and Retinoids help minimize the appearance of clogged pores. Retinol encourages skin cell turnover, therefore promoting collagen production by bringing new skin cells to the surface. This will shrink the appearance of pores by helping to clean them out and give the image of smooth skin.
Plant Mother’s Retinol serum is an all-natural, vegan product that promotes skin cell regrowth and turnover. It prevents oils and dead skin cells from sitting on the surface of the skin. The serum improves skin texture and the appearance of dull skin and clogged pores.
In addition to containing only natural and vegan botanical Vitamin A, Plant Mother’s Retinol serum also is gentle for the skin. It allows users to use retinol without worrying about irritation or redness if exposed to the sun. Therefore, it’s especially beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin.
Plant Mother’s Vitamin C serum works similarly to retinol by improving the appearance of scars and acne wounds by promoting collagen production. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works to unclog pores by clearing out dead skin and reducing sebum production.
Plant Mother’s Vitamin C serum contains natural ingredients like Kakadu plum and maracuja oil, making it rich in nutrients like vitamin E, niacinamide (plant-based vitamin B) and antioxidants to nourish your skin.
No matter the methods you choose to clear up clogged pores, clean skincare and organic products are the best choice for health-conscious individuals. Plant Mother’s face serums are completely organic and plant-based. Moreover, they’re packed with over 20 botanical ingredients, skin-feeding vitamins, and antioxidants.
Additional products for clogged pores
Hydroxy acids also help with keeping pores clear. The common hydroxy acids are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Acids and retinol work similarly, by promoting cell turnover and loosening gunk from pores.
Active ingredients like hydroxy acids may cause skin purging if you are introducing new products to your skincare routine. Not to worry! A skin purge can last 2-6 weeks, targeting usual break-out areas to get the bacteria out of the area and produce unblemished skin.
The last product to get rid of and prevent clogged pores is to use bentonite clay. Bentonite clay is a paste made from water and powder from volcanic ash. The clay absorbs excess oil and draws clogged pores from the skin. If used too much, it can make the skin excessively dry, thus tricking the skin into producing more oil than before – the opposite of what we want to do. It is best to limit using bentonite clay 1-3 times a week.
Most dermatologists agree that by using different methods of exfoliation, you’ll reduce the thickness of the outermost layer of the skin and smooth out the texture. Retinols, hydroxy acids, or bentonite clay all help new skin cells come to the surface of the skin, making skin appear clearer, glowing, and healthy.
How to Clean and minimize Your Pores
- Cleanse your face twice a day. The first tip to minimize clogged pores is to cleanse the face morning and night to reduce oiliness, therefore preventing and unclogging clogged pores. Using a mild cleanser is recommended because using harsh ingredients multiple times on the skin may cause irritation. Inflamed and irritated skin can make pores more noticeable.
- Always take your makeup off. Neglecting to take off your makeup thoroughly before bed can clog up pores with old makeup and debris. It is important to double cleanse to make sure there is no residue left on the skin that can get stuck in your pores.
- Use retinol and vitamin C. As stated above, retinol encourages cell turnover and collagen production. Retinols aid the skin by keeping it looking fresh and pores free of debris. Vitamin C aids collagen production and helps clear pores as well.
- The third tip is to exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating may make pores appear less noticeable and keep dead skin cells from building up on the top layer of skin. It may be gentler on the skin to use chemical exfoliates like hydroxy acids depending on your skin type.
- Apply sunscreen. Skin that starts to lose firmness and has sun damage may have more noticeable, bigger looking pores. Opt for using a biodegradable sunscreen that protects your skin while also helping the environment. Using non-toxic, natural, and mineral-based sunscreen is better for coral reefs and your skin. To protect your skin all year-round, apply sunscreen everyday even when it is raining or cold outside. This is because the sun’s UV rays can penetrate even though clouds and damage the skin.
Importance Of Face Steaming
Don’t forget to use face steaming. By steaming your face at least once a month, your skin and pores will become softer and the dirt and blemish from your pores will come out easier. Many times, if you swipe your face with a dry towel right after steaming, the dirt will come out on its own. This is because your skin got very soft and the pores opened up from the steam. You can easily do steaming at home.
Alternatively, you can do a deep cleaning facial every three to four weeks at a medical spa. These spa facials include steaming, extractions, and face massage. Regular extractions work wonders and are very effective in cleaning and maintaining your cleared pores.
Another great remedy for clogged pores is hydrodermabrasion, popularly called HydroFacial MD. You can get these treatments at your local medical spa. HydroFacial uses water under pressure to clean the debris from your skin. After flushing your pores with water, esthetician applies glycolic acid and nourishing serums to give your skin additional brightness.Â
Wrong ways to unclog your pores
Some wrong ways to unclog pores include picking at your face and using ingredients or remedies that are not usually found in skincare.
Picking at your face with just your fingers or not sterilized tools can result in skin irritation, infections, and scarring. Using your nails to pick at clogged pores or acne can put new bacteria into the skin, causing more breakouts and clogged pores to occur.
Some ingredients not found in skincare include lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. Lemon juice applied directly to the skin is not safe. It can lead to skin irritation and rashes if exposed to sunlight. Apple cider vinegar is not safe if applied without diluting first with water.
It is always recommended and better for your skin to use products intended for targeting skin concerns. Clean skincare that contains organic, natural ingredients are the best for healthy skin and for sustainability.
Final thoughts
Clogged pores are not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. The size of a person’s pores often depends on environmental factors or genetics. You can minimize the appearance of pores and prevent more from occurring by using products that directly target skin cell turnover and remove debris from your pores.
Using clean products and natural ingredients is so important to healthy and effective skincare regimen. Plant Mother’s zero waste skincare products are great options to clear up clogged pores and overall work into an essential skincare routine.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. The publisher of this content does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, skincare product, or lifestyle program.
