We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Sometimes, pores become clogged with oil and dead cells that the skin sheds every day. Through proper skin care and skin treatments, a person can manage or clear clogged pores. In this article, we explain what causes clogged pores and how to treat and prevent them. We also discuss when a person may wish to visit a dermatologist. Glands on the face produce a substance called sebum. Sebum is a natural oil that coats the skin to seal in moisture. Sometimes, though, sebum, dead skin cells, and other substances become trapped inside a pore. A clogged pore may look larger than normal or feel bumpy.
But because the information online surrounding congested skin is a little, um, congested itself , I turned to board-certified dermatologists Shereene Idriss , MD, and Joshua Zeichner , MD, to help clear some things up for both your skin and your brain. As a refresher, sebum is the oily liquid made from our sebaceous glands. When your pores are clogged, they can appear larger and maybe even darker, or as Idriss describes it, they can create the appearance of black dots on your face. Which leads us to what you really came here for…. Idriss says. Through exfoliation.
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One of the biggest detriments to achieving brighter, smoother skin is clogged pores. Pore buildup in your pores can leave you with a dull complexion. Use this guide for tips on why your pores are clogged and expert tips for deep cleaning congested skin. Clogged pores are a combination of excess oil, dead skin, makeup residue, bacteria, pollutants, and other environmental debris. Your pores are actually part of your hair follicles and are officially referred to as sebaceous glands. The main function of these glands is to secrete sebum, which is an oily substance that provides moisture and protection for your skin. While sebum production is vital for maintaining your skin's health and suppleness, having too much of a good thing can lead to clogged pores. The overproduction of sebum can cause excess oil to mix with dead skin cells and other pore-clogging material. This can lead to clogged pores on your cheeks, nose, or other areas of your face.
Are you using the most effective method? Pores are the tiny openings through which the oil, or sebum, produced by your body is transmitted to the surface of your skin. Your pores can become clogged for a number of reasons — excess oil resulting from hormonal changes , dry skin, a buildup of dead skin cells, or dirt and oil becoming stuck beneath the surface. When the skin closes over the top of a clogged pore, you get a pimple — aka a closed comedone. There is a specific set of rules for popping pimples , but there are many ways to unclog pores and get rid of blackheads. But their effectiveness holds far less satisfaction. Pore strips contain water-activated ingredients that adhere to the top layers of dirt, oil and dead skin cells. Where sheet masks lock moisture in, clay masks soak up excess oil in the hopes of cleaning out pores. Unfortunately, this method can strip your skin of necessary moisture, so stick to proven formulas that contain ingredients like sulfur, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, and only use once a week.