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Clogged Pores: What they Are, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
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From visibly dull skin, bumps on the skin’s surface, to a rough skin texture, there are many signs of clogged pores. This is precisely why pore congestion is a common cause behind skin blemishes and other concerns. At Results Laser Clinic, we know that clear pores play a key role in the skin’s health. By maintaining the right steps, this can prevent your skin from being congested.
What are Clogged Pores?
There are two kinds of pores that are present in the skin, including both the oil pores and the sweat pores. The sweat pores are the kinds that help to regulate the sweat glands. On the other hand, the oil pores are the kind identified as the clogged pores. These tiny openings are home to the hair follicle, and have a relationship with the sebaceous glands.
The sebum glands produce the body’s oils and work to create a barrier for protection in the skin. By doing so, it can act as a barrier against external factors such as the climate conditions. This is why the t-zone is much more oily, as these parts of the face have a higher concentration of oil pores.
What’s the Difference Between Clogged Pores and Enlarged Pores?
A common misconception about enlarged and clogged pores is that these are the same skin condition. As stated by a PubMed review, enlarged skin pores “present with visible topographic changes of skin surfaces”. This means that it alters the visible appearance of the skin’s surface. However, clogged pores refer to skin congestion that appears in various ways.
When it comes to pore congestion, there’s no “one size fits all” behind this skin concern. This is because it comes down to many kinds of factors, including environmental, lifestyle, biological and skincare factors.
- Excess sebum production: Whether related to a person’s hormones, or genetics, oil glands overproduce on sebum. This, combined with dead skin cells, can cause pore congestion.
- A build-up of dead skin: When your skin is in its renewal process, these linger on the surface when they don’t shed properly. These can then combine with sebum, which causes pores to clog.
- Environmental factors: Combined factors of pollution, dirt, sweat and left over makeup all build on the skin, causing congestion. Your skin can also create free radicals that compromise your skin barrier.
- Non-Comedogenic products: By definition, this term means that the product will not clog pores. Check if your existing skincare or makeup doesn’t have the label “non-comedogenic”, as this may be causing clogs.
- Poor lifestyle habits: Lifestyle factors, such as stress, sleep and even diet can have a correlation with skin congestion.
How Do Clogged Pores Appear On the Skin?
Given that the cause behind clogged pores vary, so does the outcome of it on your skin. To understand your skin better, it’s important to know the different types of clogged pores.
See how clogged pores can appear:
Blackheads & Whiteheads
These types of blemishes commonly occur when the sebum and hair follicles get caught within the pores. However, the ways in which these appear on the skin depend on the waste’s exposure to the air.
| Type of pore | Appearance attribute | Texture and feel | |
| Blackheads | Open clogged pore | Dark as the air exposure causes it to oxidise, becoming black | Usually flat or slightly raised, sitting flush with the surface |
| Whiteheads | Closed clogged pore | The blockage is sealed beneath the surface, creating a small white bump | A small raised bump you can feel |
Rough and Dull Skin
When there’s a buildup of skin cells, debris or other waste causing clogs, it can cause the skin to look and feel different. These can be worsened through other factors, such as a poor skin care routine and lifestyle habits over time.
- Rough, bumpy texture:Individuals may experience a rough, sandpaper like skin texture to the touch. This occurs as a result of a significant accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. This can also come alongside skin symptoms, such as tightness and flaking.
- A dull skin complexion: When the pores are completely blocked, light no longer reflects off of the skin evenly. This is why, many may note a skin appearance that’s more dull, or without colour when compared to unclogged skin types.
When it comes to decongesting skin, it can be tricky to know the right steps to take. From exploring different skin care routines, to skin treatment options that are available. By opting for certain skin treatments, this can be a promising means of targeting skin congestion. This is because at its core, the right treatments can decrease the excess sebum behind clogged pores.
Explore clogged pore treatments below:
Chemical Peels
This skin treatment involves the application of a chemical facial peel to the skin. It’s a process designed to target the causes behind skin concerns such as sudden breakouts. This then, can prove to be promising in the regulation of sebum production in the skin.
In a journal article on PubMed, it’s stated that chemical peels “target most pathophysiological factors of acne”. Which includes decreasing sebum production, which later prevents the pore congestion responsible for acne breakouts.
Microdermabrasion
Since clogged pores are often due to a build-up of dead skin, microdermabrasions can be an effective skin treatment. This works through the application of an exfoliating wand to the skin, which operates to gently exfoliate the surface. Which can then remove the build-up of any waste, debris or other forms of congestion in the skin.
In a Wiley assessment, 8 individuals underwent a single microdermabrasion treatment. As a result, 7 out of the 8 patients reported satisfaction through a noticeable improvement in skin texture. Skin imaging technology was also used to assess skin and it found a “clinical visual improvement”.
*Looking for a treatment to decongest your skin? Explore our range of skin treatments that can be used to complement your microdermabrasion, or chemical peel treatment.
When it comes to your skin, consistency is key. This is precisely why the right skincare routine, coupled with lifestyle and dietary factors can help with skin health. By avoiding any factors that can cause, or worsen this skin condition, it can reduce signs of skin congestion.
See how to prevent clogged pores:
De-clog your skincare
The right skincare routine is important to prevent a build-up of debris, or other congestion in the skin which could then clog pores. It’s important to incorporate non-comedogenic products in a structured skin care routine.
Daily Skin Routine
Twice daily, use a gentle cleanser to remove pollutants, oil and other grime that’s built up throughout the day. Our Active Clean is formulated for daily use without stripping the skin of its oils. Afterwards, use a moisturiser to keep the skin barrier hydrated and balanced. The Active Moist is non-greasy upon application, making it suitable to prevent pore congestion.
To protect skin from sun damage, use an SPF 50+ every two hours. Our Active Protect SPF50+ is formulated with oil-free ingredients, preventing pore clogging.
Few Times Weekly
Incorporate active ingredients like retinol, and increase its use when the skin builds up tolerance over-time. This ingredient promotes cell turnover, preventing dead skin cells from staying on the skin. Also, once or twice a week use a gentle skin exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, helping smooth the skin surface. Formulated with bamboo extract, our Active Smooth contains anti bacterial properties to remove dead skin.
Note Down Your Diet
You may have heard of how important diet is for skin, and this can be true. This is not only important to prevent pore congestion, this also plays a key role in your skins health. In a PubMed article, it notes “diets rich in whole foods, antioxidants and fibre” are promising. This can look like incorporating more unprocessed foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables into your diet.
*In our article Top 7 collagen-rich foods to eat, as you age, we note that collagen rich diets can enhance skin appearance. Providing healthy whole food, and recipe refinement recommendations.
Be Aware of Daily Habits
While diet and skincare is important for your skin, chances are there can be other contributing habits. Whether it’s neglecting personal hygiene, or overlooking any bacteria on surfaces.
See some pore-clogging habits:
- No showers after activities which induce sweat, such as recreational sports
- Frequent contact with a phone that has a build-up of germs and bacteria
- Replacing your pillowcase rarely, or not when unclean
- Poor makeup removal or residue from products such as hair pomades from skin
Next steps?
Results Laser Clinics is one of Australia’s most trusted providers of Laser Hair Removal, Skin treatments & Cosmetic Aesthetics Treatments. We are committed to delivering results that make you look & feel your best.
Book your free skin analysis and complimentary consultation with our experts today! You can also save time and buy treatments from the comfort of your own home via a Results Online account! Our full-price list can be found here.
