How to clear and prevent clogged pores

Pores are small holes in the skin through which fat penetrates the surface of the skin. Sometimes the pores become clogged with sebum and dead cells that the skin sheds on a daily basis. With proper skincare and skincare, people can manage or clear clogged pores.

In this article I will explain the causes of acne and how to treat and prevent it. We also talk about when someone wants to see a dermatologist.

What is clogged pores?

Facial glands produce a substance called sebum, a natural oil that coats the skin and locks in moisture. The job of the pores is to bring these oils to the surface of the skin where they can protect and moisturize the skin.

However, sometimes sebum, dead skin cells and other substances get into the pores. Filled pores may appear larger or coarser than usual.

Sometimes clogged pores lead to acne, especially if they are inflamed. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million people each year.

Pimples can cause a variety of scars, including:

• Blackheads: Oil-killed skin cells remain in the pores, while the pores remain open.
• White heads: This spot appears when the pores are blocked and filled with a small amount of white pus.
• Acne: This type of acne occurs when bacteria, dead skin and oil get into the pores causing inflammation and irritation.
• Cystic Acne: Cystic acne is severe acne when cysts form under the skin.

Although not a major health risk, clogged pores and acne can cause hyperpigmentation, blemishes and emotional stress in some people.

Causes

Clogged pores are mainly caused by dead skin cells and sebum, but other factors can also cause clogged pores. For this purpose:

Comeogenic products: Dermatologists refer to products that can clog pores as comedogenic. Some skin products such as cosmetics, sunscreen and lotions can cause irritation.

Skin elasticity: In a 2016 review, the authors concluded that pores appear larger and more visible as skin elasticity decreases. Large holes plug easily.

Mucus production: Some people produce more mucus than others. A small study from 2006 from reliable sources showed that the more sebum a person makes, the more pores they have on their face. Some factors that affect sebum production include hormones, genetics and age.

Origin: A 2015 study found that people of certain races are more likely to develop the condition than others. Scientists have found that people of different races have differences in their pores, a factor that seems to matter more than age.

Products and services can be experienced. According to the AAD, acne peaks between the ages of 12 and 24, but some people develop acne between the ages of 30 and 40 years.

How to clean clogged pores |

There are many ways people can clear clogged drains in their homes. AAD recommends the following skin care treatments to eliminate or reduce pore size.

Use non-comedogenic products.

Non-comedogenic means this product does not clog pores. People can find cosmetics, skin care products, and even sunscreen labeled as non-comedogenic or oil-free.

Do not scratch or pick.

Some people like to scratch, pick or tear clogged pores and pimples. The AAD claims not to treat skin problems. In fact, it can damage and aggravate the skin.

Gentle cleaning

Using a mild pH-balanced cleanser with warm (but not hot) water twice a day is a non-irritating way to remove excess sebum and dead skin cells.

It is important to wash your face thoroughly, as vigorous scrubbing can cause redness and highlight clogged pores.

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Exfoliation involves removing dead cells from the upper layer of the skin. This can help loosen the texture of clogged pores and in some cases open them up.

There are two types of exfoliation: mechanical exfoliation, where the dead skin is physically removed with a cloth or brush, and chemical exfoliation, where you dissolve the dirt with a safe acid product.

Trusted Source Salicylic acid is a popular chemical exfoliant that helps unclog pores. Use sunscreen with chemical peels, as these products make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Retinol

Whether it’s oily or aging skin, pores or enlarged skin, the skin is less elastic, which can help reduce clogged pores by increasing the elasticity of pore-clogging skin.

Retinol is a skin care ingredient recommended by dermatologists for those with mature, oily or acne-prone skin. A person can try products that have retinol or retinyl palmitate on the label.

Start with a low-potency product and use it before bed, as retinol can sometimes irritate the skin at first. Retinol should not be used by pregnant and lactating women.

Some people use carbon fiber facials and pore pads to treat clogged pores, but there isn’t much evidence that these methods work.

Therapy

A dermatologist can help if home remedies don’t work. The following methods can be used to treat clogged pores.

Extraction: Using special tools, dermatologists can safely remove oil plugs that can cause blackheads or whiteheads and pores.

Flakes: A dermatologist may use chemical peels to treat dull or rough skin.

Microdermal Abrasion: This treatment consists of physical peeling with a diamond- or crystal-tipped tool. Dermatologists use microtanning to improve uneven skin texture.

Hyaluronic acid treatment: A small 2017 study found that hyaluronic acid injections can reduce pore size with few side effects.

Protection

Clogged pores affect certain groups of people more than others, but people can take steps to treat them and prevent clogged pores from developing again

AAD recommends the following:

• It keeps the skin clean and hydrated
• Using non-smile generating products
• Remove all makeup before going to bed
• Do not touch your face
• Slipping of areas of the skin prone to hyperemia
• Use an oil-free sunscreen

When you ask for help

If clogged pores cause discomfort and home remedies don’t work, see a dermatologist.

During the appointment, a dermatologist will examine the skin. They can then recommend a treatment that suits the individual’s skin type and needs.

In some cases, the dermatologist may prescribe medication. They may recommend one or more skin care products.

Outlook

Clogged pores become enlarged, empty or blackened in black dots. The oilier the skin becomes, the greater the chance of clogged pores.

Skin care products can be used by anyone to treat or clear clogged pores.

If someone is concerned about clogged pores or unsure of what approach to take, a dermatologist can recommend the best treatment.