Everyone experiences clogged pores. Depending on our skin type, some people experience them more than others. There are many factors that can lead to clogged pores and many ways to treat and prevent them.
What Causes Clogged Pores?
- Dead Skin - When dead skin accumulates over time, it traps dirt and oil, causing clogged pores. This is why exfoliation is key to clear and radiant skin.
- Excess Oil - A little deeper down, in our skin’s dermis, is where our oil glands, aka our sebaceous glands are located. Our oil glands are extremely important in the overall health and quality of our skin, but overactive oil glands can cause clogged pores when mixed with dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria.
- The Wrong Products - Always look for products that are non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested. If you have oily skin naturally, you do not need to add facial oils to your regimen. A good cleansing oil, as a first step cleanse, can help dissolve oil and makeup and while keeping your skin hydrated.
- Hormones and Diet - hormone changes can cause your skin to become more oily and prone to clogging, as well as diet choices. Avoiding sugar and dairy can help alleviate clogged pores.
How to Treat Clogged Pores
Keeping your skin clean is #1, your skin needs to be able to allow oxygen to flow and to be clean to avoid bacteria build up in the pores. Double cleansing, especially in the evening, is important if you wear makeup on a daily basis. The first cleanse removes makeup, the second cleanse actually cleanses your skin. Exfoliation is key - whether physical or chemical and keeping your skin hydrated with lightweight products is also important. Here our are favorite treatments for banishing clogged pores.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Hydropeptide Bambusa Blackhead Banisher
