Pore-clogging elements like dirt, oil, and dead skin cells are constantly hanging around your skin just to end up trapped in your pores and cause blackheads, breakouts, and sebaceous filaments (like blackheads but off-white in color).
That’s part of the reason why a good cleanser is an absolute must in your skincare routine. Cleansers help clear away all the gunk that accumulates on the skin throughout the day, including dirt, oil, and makeup.
But, if you’re looking to get all the gunk out of your pores a simple cleanser alone is not going to cut it (as much as we wish it would). And if you’re thinking pore strips or squeezing out the gunk is that way to go, bad news is that you’re likely just causing more damage.
Squeezing out blackheads or popping pimples doesn’t really do anything to address the underlying problem, as satisfying as popping a pimple may be. And, you may end up causing some acne scars and inflammation.
Instead, a good, dedicated skincare routine can help clear out pore gunk and keep pores from clogging up in the future.
What causes clogged pores?
To tackle clogged pores head on, you need to first know what causes them to get plugged up to begin with. As mentioned above, clogged pores occur when dead skin cells, excess sebum, and other debris get trapped in the pore.
There are also lots of factors that can lead to pores clogging up. For example, having oily skin can make you susceptible to constantly dealing with clogged pores since there is a lot of excess oil sitting on the skin.
Some skin and makeup products may also lead to clogged pores. If they contain ingredients that are comedogenic, aka pore-clogging, then they could trigger blackheads and breakouts. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients in your products and to slowly test out new products to ensure they don’t break you out.
Unfortunately, there are also some factors that you can’t exactly control that may trigger clogged pores. Hormones and genetics are also contributing factors. So if oily, breakout-prone skin runs in your family or if you’re going through that time of the month then you may just have to deal with a couple breakouts here and there.
Pore-friendly ingredients
Salicylic Acid
As an exfoliant, Salicylic Acid reaches deep into pores to help loosen up the trapped gunk and clear up the pore. Consistently using a product with Salicylic Acid in it can help clear out pores and keep them clear, but you also shouldn’t over do it. Using an exfoliant depends on your skin’s tolerance but for the most part using one three times a week should help.
Our Extra Strength Blemish Patch is infused with Salicylic Acid to help minimize the size of stubborn pimples and curb that urge to pick at the spot.
AHAs
Similar to Salicylic Acid, AHAs help exfoliate the skin. AHAs like Glycolic Acid help remove the top layer of dead skin cells. So, by using a product with Glycolic Acid you can keep dead skin from getting trapped in your pores.
Niacinamide
While Niacinamide may not be an exfoliant, it has been proven to help improve the look of pores. Constantly dealing with clogged pores can cause the pore to stretch and become way more noticeable. Niacinamide helps tighten stretched pores so they don’t appear as noticeable..
Our newest Pore Cleanser and Pore Serum are both made with Niacinamide with some supporting help from Salicylic Acid to help keep pores clear and improve the look of clogged pores. Using both in your routine can help cleanse away pore gunk and keeps impurities out of your pores in the long run.
Green Tea
On top of being a soothing ingredient, Green Tea also helps balance sebum production. So if you deal with oily skin, Green Tea can help regulate sebum to keep that excess oil from getting trapped in your pores.
Our Dermafix Blemish Toner and Moisturizer are made with Green Tea to help reduce the amount of sebum on the skin and balance the oil to help prevent excess oil from clogging up pores. Apply the toner to suck up that excess oil and follow it up with the moisturizer for a hydrating but not greasy boost to the skin.
