The skin has numerous pores that secrete water, sebum, and other vital substances that help it stay healthy and radiant, but these pores can get clogged easily and give room for different skin conditions like pustules, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Since keeping your pores clean can be tricky; this article discusses how to keep pores unclogged, helping you maintain a smooth, healthy and clear complexion.

What are clogged pores?

What are clogged pores? According to dermatologists, your skin pore become clogged when it's filled with sebum, dirt, and even makeup residue. A clogged pore can cause acne as the infected hair follicle becomes inflamed with pus deposits. Hence, it is essential to know how to unclog pores if you desire a flawless complexion.

What do clogged pores look like?

Clogged pores bumps can appear anywhere on the face; you can see clogged pores on cheeks, clogged pores on forehead, and on other parts of the body. To identify them, you can take a close look at the mirror and examine your skin pores. If you notice any kind of bump, be it white or dark, or freckle-like covering, then you have clogged pores. For better clarification, search for “What do clogged pores look like?” — the results show a better perspective if you fail to notice it on your skin.

What causes clogged pores?

If you constantly suffer from extremely clogged pores, you may want to know what causes clogged pores. Clogged pores can be a result of many factors, and they include:

Habits

If you have the habit of touching your face regularly with your hands, you can worsen your clogged pores on chin. The average human hand contains billions of microbes that can cause diseases and acne. When you consistently touch your face with dirty hands, you introduce microorganisms to your skin. These microbes clog your pores and cause pustules or pimples.

Clothes or pillowcases

Your pillowcase is also a haven for microorganisms that once lived in your hair or in your mouth. Pillowcases that have not been washed regularly contain sweat residues and toxins, which are components of acne-causing bacteria. When you place your head on the pillow, these bacteria get introduced to your face, causing clogged pores on the cheeks and other parts of the body.

Stress

Stressing without rest affects your internal and external body systems. When the body undergoes stress, the brain triggers the release of cortisol, which contributes to the overproduction of sebum. Without proper removal, the sebum gets infected with bacteria and external pollutants to clog the skin and cause pimples.

Junks

Food and drinks containing artificial sweeteners and colorings, as well as foods with processed fats and oils, can clog your arteries and pores. When you eat junk food regularly, the artificial ingredients can make you stressed, expose you to health risks, and also cause excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands.

Environment

As the quality of air we breathe reduces annually, our skin is another indicator of the poor quality we are exposed to. From dust to smoke and pathogens, our environment introduces different contaminants that can cause acne daily, and this can inadvertently cause clogged pores on face.

Top pore-clogging ingredients to avoid

There are new pore clogging ingredients on the market. These ingredients can be found in our favorite moisturizers, lotions, and even hair products. Pore-clogging ingredients are also called comedogenic products because they clog the comedones or skin pores. However, it can be difficult to boycott products with these ingredients, as there is an exhaustive list of both natural and chemical comedogenic skin products, and some of them include:

• Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol
• Cocoa Butter
• Coconut Butter
• Ethylhexyl Palmitate
• Isopropyl Isostearate
• Wheat Germ Oil
• Xylene
• Coal Tar
• Coconut Alkanes
• Cotton Seed Oil

A good way to avoid comedogenic products is to choose odorless products or skin products for people with sensitive skin. If you are concerned about the comedogenic status of a skin compound you are about to purchase, you can make a quick check about the compound for extra accuracy.

How to clean clogged pores

If you have small clogged pores all over your face and you want to know how to clean clogged pores, even at home, here's all you need to know:

Baking Soda

Using a thick paste made of baking soda and water, apply the mixture to the clogged pore and let it dry for at least five to ten minutes to serve as a mild exfoliator. After rinsing with clean water, use a moisturizing product that isn't comedogenic, Dermaclara Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer. Ensure you conduct a patch test before using baking soda if you have sensitive skin.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a clogged pores treatment for deep clogged pores. This chemical exfoliant unclogs your pores by reducing sebum production and tightening the skin's pores to remove impurities. Many over-the-counter products contain salicylic acid, making them a good pore-cleansing treatment.

Medications

For people with severe skin conditions relating to clogged spores, there are different prescriptive medications that can unclog your pores. These medications often contain high concentrations of hydroxyl acids or exfoliants and must be used with caution. For severe cases, visit a dermatologist for a custom skincare treatment.

How to unclog pores

It's critical to evaluate your skin type before you select the appropriate products. To unclog your pores, you need to exfoliate the dead skin as well as hydrate and protect your skin from the sun:

• Get rid of comedogenic residue that clogs your pores.
• Cleanse your face properly in the morning and at night with Dermaclara Claraprep Cleanser to prevent plaque buildup.
• Moisturize your face to maintain skin moisture and hydration.
• Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sensitivity that occurs after exfoliating.

How to get rid of clogged pores overnight

Many skin enthusiasts are in search of quick clogged pores treatments. While some of these treatments produce instant results, others may take some hours or days. Here's how to get rid of clogged pores overnight using the following treatments:

• Pore strips
• Steaming
• Pore vacuum equipment
• Steaming
• Bentonite clay masks
• Peel-off black masks

How to prevent clogged pores

If you've once battled clogged pores and you want to know how to prevent clogged pores, stick to these skincare tips.

Ensure you cleanse your skin properly with the right facial cleanser. Facial cleansing goes beyond soap and water; it requires certain skincare products with special components. Make sure you include exfoliation in your skin regime to get rid of dead skin and product buildup. You can choose to use chemical or physical exfoliants to unclog your pores.

In addition, avoid products with harsh components that can dry out your skin and cause excess oil production. Use your sunscreen religiously after your regimen to protect your skin against UV radiation that can cause sun-induced pore clogging.