One of the most frequent concerns I hear from my dermatology patients is how to manage clogged pores. It seems that even washing your face more often doesn’t fix the problem. However, there are some easy ways to clear up these unsightly skin blemishes and slow their return. That’s how.
Clogged Pores: What Can You Do About It?
It’s quite simple: what clogs your pores is a buildup of oily, waxy sebum that contains dead skin cells, dirt, and skin germs. Sometimes this debris can be removed with just a good scrub with a tougher terry cloth and other times with a White Point form, which is a milky, pus-like collection within the pore that eventually comes out. Sometimes blackheads form, which are hardened, darkened plugs of this material, which usually have to be removed manually. The more pores get clogged with whiteheads or blackheads, the more the pores are stretched, so even after removing the clog, these pores are likely to get clogged again. So let’s talk about reducing and/or preventing this waxy sebum and dead skin cells from building up on your skin in the first place.
Diet: Recent research from Australia has shown that diet and acne are closely related. However, it is not the fat in our diet that is to blame. In the past, greasy foods were thought to cause whiteheads, blackheads, and angry red acne. Rather, it appears that the level of sugar in our diet is the main contributing factor. Researchers found that diets high in sugar and high-glycemic carbohydrates are what really play a role in acne development.
They also found that a diet low in sugar, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and more protein helped clear skin with 50% of the subjects studied having a significant reduction in their acne. It is likely that if your diet is high in sugar and carbohydrates, you are missing out on crucial skin-nourishing vitamins such as vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamin C. It is also highly likely that you are not eating enough protein to maintain the integrity of your skin. the skin. So eat low-glycemic carbs, skip/reduce refined sugar (count sugar-sweetened sodas too), eat at least 0.3 grams of protein per pound of your body weight.
Water: I always stress the importance of drinking enough water for full body health, but it couldn’t be more important for keeping your skin clean. Adequate water helps flush out toxins and waste from the intestinal tract that can show up on the skin. Be sure to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, more if you are sweating a lot and/or taking prescription medications.
Hygiene: As I mentioned earlier, simply washing your face more often, while a good start, may not be all it takes to clear clogged pores from blackheads and whiteheads. A good battery-operated sonic facial cleansing brush system, whose bristles can penetrate into the pores and clean them, is a good choice. Also, a face sponge available at cosmetic counters, under different brand names, may also work. Moisten your face and apply the cleanser to the pad, or to your face if using the brush, working in circular motions all over the face. Be sure to rinse well with cold water which helps to close the pores.
1. Normal/sensitive skin: If your skin occasionally accumulates whiteheads and blackheads, use a mild cleanser to avoid irritating the skin. A good old-fashioned, mild, natural soap to try is glycerin, or even a Castile soap. They are usually available in the cosmetics or soap aisle of your drug store and can also be purchased at most health food stores that carry skin care products.
2. Oilier skin: this skin tends to accumulate blackheads and whiteheads more easily; a cleanser with some exfoliating ingredients can help clear clogged pores. Look for a finer grained scrub/cleanser, or you can make your own with regular sugar. Follow the same procedure as above, except take about a quarter size of the exfoliating cleanser or sugar, and apply it to your face with your fingertips before using the brush or pad.
3. Acne Prone: This skin type can have a variety of pore-clogged whiteheads or blackheads, as well as red, pustule-like formations. Requires a mild cleanser with a mixture of keratin, agents that break down dead material in pores and include glycolic acid, Retin-A, salicylic acids, and/or benzoyl peroxide to soothe acne and clear clogged pores. There are also leave-on keratins that do an additional job after cleansing to help lighten the skin.
Whitehead/Blackhead Removal: Even with the best cleaning, it is sometimes necessary to manually remove very hard blackheads or stubborn whiteheads. You can do this by first cleansing the skin as above. Then very carefully, using both index fingers, place your fingers on either side of the clogged pore and gently press down. After a good cleanse, this should be enough to pump debris out of the pore. However, do not aggressively pinch the area to avoid breaking the capillaries and causing reddening of the skin. A professional facial every 4 to 6 weeks can also help clear these clogged pores as they use special instruments to do so.
reduce enlarged pores: Once you have thoroughly cleansed your face with the brush or pad, and removed as many clogged pores as possible, you will want to use a good astringent, an agent that will help reduce pores, so they don’t get clogged again so quickly. Astringents can be commercial cosmetics or you can use simple witch hazel, aloe vera, tomato juice, rose water (for normal to sensitive skin), rice water, lime/lemon juice (for oilier or acne-prone skin), vinegar of apple cider or green vinegar. tea (which also disinfects acne).
Most of us have memories of having clogged pores and acne more frequently in our teens, but this condition can still cause skin disorders even in the 40+ population. As stated above, review your diet to ensure that you are eating the most beneficial diet and drinking enough water. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and reflects your overall health. So keeping your body as healthy as possible will also help keep your pores free of debris and your face with a healthy, youthful glow!