Do you spend hours looking in the mirror wondering how to make your skin smooth and clear? Does every other person with flawless skin catch your eye? Are those tiny bumps on your face reducing your self-confidence?
So what Causes Clogged Pores?
Clogged pores occur due to dead skin cells, sweat, oil, dirt, and sebum in the pores getting trapped under your skin instead of being released properly. Your pores are meant to release excess oil, sweat, and toxins from your body into the environment. However, when pores are clogged it could result in a plethora of problems, from acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and even the occasional period pimple.
But there could be other factors causing clogged pores on your face. Environmental factors such as pollution, humidity, and dust are also major contributors. If your pores are clogged, there will be an uneven appearance to your skin and can be evident from whiteheads and blackheads in your T-zone.
How to Get Rid Of Clogged pores?
To get rid of clogged pores you can try some of the following methods: Always remember to consult your dermatologist before introducing something new to your skincare routine.
1. Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical Exfoliants such as Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide works wonders for getting rid of dead cells and unclog pores. Just apply a thin layer over your clogged pores and leave it on for a couple of minutes before washing it off. Remember Salicylic acid and Benzoyl Peroxide can irritate the skin if used too often, so use them alternately every 3-4 days.
Confused about which one to use? Well, that’s dependent on what you suffer from the most. While salicylic acid does a marvellousMultani job of getting rid of whiteheads and blackheads which it does by dissolving the dead cells surrounding your pores and unclogging the pores, benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria that lead to those giant, red, pus-filled pimples.
Another benefit? Salicylic acid also helps get rid of those acne scars you’ve been aching to get rid of!
2. Invest in a monthly medically approved facial
Medi-facials are facials that include a variety of treatments and are approved by dermatologists and undergo thorough scientific research before being made available to the public. Since these facials are built on a proper scientific foundation, they are truly helpful to your skin and deal with a diverse range of issues including, you guessed it right, clogged pores.
Unlike regular facials, which do more harm than good, due to harsh chemicals and strong force applied to your skin, these are gentle and leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated.
3. Start using the right face wash
Often we buy products for our skin without evaluating our skin type and tossing the first face wash we see into our shopping carts. Instead of buying just any random face wash, have a look into the ingredients and try to buy a face wash with Salicylic acid and other ingredients that are actually good for your skin instead of stripping your pores of essential oils produced by your body.
Harsh chemicals in face wash take away natural oils from your pores, which often results in your pores overcompensating for this by producing excess oils causing clogged pores.
4. Incorporate a Facial Toner into your routine
The benefits of facial toners are innumerable in combatting clogged pores. They do this by reducing the size of your enlarged pores and preventing dust and other external pollutants from entering your pores, effectively ending your dilemma with clogged pores.
5. Use Weekly Face masks
Face masks help your skin in numerous ways, one of which is getting rid of clogged pores. Face masks with clay such as Multani mitti masks, help soak up excess oils in your pores and reducing inflammation on your skin. If you’re struggling with clogged pores, this is definitely something to consider!
6. Try Natural Home Remedies
Natural home remedies to get rid of clogged pores are inexpensive and super easy. Since they’re budget-friendly, if you’re running low on money or looking to save up they’re definitely something to try. These remedies are time tested and approved by generations of people to be known as effective without any harmful side effects. Try mixing up some honey and aloe vera to soothe your skin while hydrating it at the same time.
For oily skin with visible pores try to use yogurt on your skin as a wonderful homemade face mask!
7. Stay Away from physical exfoliants
Physical exfoliants refer to store-bought scrubs with granules in them meant to slough away dead skin and unclog pores. However, these scrubs do much more harm than good for your skin since the skin on your face is extremely sensitive and these scrubs are extremely abrasive and cause micro-tears in your skin. These micro-tears can get easily infected, resulting in acne and skin infections. Avoid face scrubs especially with ingredients such as walnut husks since these are the harshest of all scrubs.
8. Follow a proper nighttime skincare routine
In this day and age, where we are constantly stressed out and looking at screens all through the day, your skin needs to be pampered and loved every night. Follow a proper nightly skin care routine, complete with toner and an appropriate moisturizer to rejuvenate your skin after a day of work and stress.
9. Steam your face
Yes, we know it sounds absurd. But steaming your face can help open up those pores and unclog them when you’re washing your face or using a chemical exfoliant by bringing the dirt and sebum in the pores out easily.
10. Don’t pick at your skin
We know you’ve probably heard this one before, but that’s because it’s the most important skincare advice! Make sure you don’t damage your skin by picking at it. Leave the pore extractions to the professionals!
11. Be Patient
Your skin won’t magically turn into porcelain. Be patient and follow the tips above to slowly change your skin and make it as healthy as possible.
If all else fails, we recommend going to a dermatologist and getting to the root of the problem. Remember, clogged pores or not, you’re still beautiful and worthy! Don’t let acne weigh you down.
Also Read; Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Your Pores
