Your skin undergoes a lot in one day. Makeup, sweat, and environmental factors, can cause concerns for your skin if it's not taken care of properly. Keeping your face clear throughout the seasons can be challenging, especially when it feels like the weather (and daily face mask wearing) work against you.
If your pores have become a bit more visible than usual, it may be due to an increase in sebum, the natural oil produced by your skin. Sebum is a crucial element of your skin's health. It works to maintain its moisture and protect your skin from harmful irritants. However, an overproduction of sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt buildup can lead to pore blockage, which in return may cause pores to become more noticeable [1]. While your pores don't grow in size, they do become more visibly prominent when clogged. To keep your skin blemish-free, you'll want to make sure it stays clean and that your pores remain clear of any buildup.
As Skin Health Experts, we help our clinic clients clear pores through regular facials as well as recommended at-home skincare routines. We know what works and are here to help you discover the best pore clearing method for you and your skin type.
How to Tell if You Have Clogged Pores
Now that you better understand what causes clogged pores, it's time to figure out if you have clogged pores yourself. The first sign of a clogged pore is an enlarged pore appearance. Clogged pores will also look dark in color, brown or black. Though these dark spots are commonly mistaken as dirt, they're actually formed by a combination of buildup. If you notice these small dots on your face, don’t stress. There are many different ways to unclog pores and get rid of blackheads. First, it’s important to know whether you’re dealing with blackheads or sebaceous filaments as they should be treated differently.
How to Unclog Pores Effectively
Exfoliate Regularly
Are you looking for the best way to unclog pores on your face? We suggest regular exfoliation. How regular? It all depends on the product you use and your skin type. Many exfoliators use harsh physical beads or other physically exfoliating ingredients to slough away dirt, debris, and dead skin cells. However, ingredients like microbeads, nut shells and seed fragments can do more harm than good. Our ExfoliKate® Intensive is formulated without these harmful ingredients, instead using Silica to physically exfoliate “unglued” skin cells. It also delivers chemical and enzymatic exfoliating benefits, helping to not only slough away dead skin cells, but also clear them from the skin’s surface. Most skin types can benefit from using our holy grail super scrub twice a week. In just two minutes, you’ll see visibly smoother texture and improved appearance of pores, plus a radiant glow. People with sensitive skin may want to reduce the frequency of use to once a week and/or only leave on your skin for a minute.
If you’ve got acne-prone skin or if your skin is too sensitive to use ExfoliKate® Intensive, you may enjoy using our leave-on treatment Liquid ExfoliKate®, our triple acid resurfacing treatment that doubles as a toner. Because it’s formulated without physically exfoliating ingredients, using instead a 10% blend of AHAs and fruit enzymes to effectively deliver chemical and enzymatic exfoliation, it’s gentle enough for daily use without irritation. Use at night after cleansing to wake up to visibly smoother skin and visibly diminished pores.
Trying A Peel
Monthly, weekly, and even daily peels can work wonders for your skin and clear up any buildup that may interfere with your skin's natural sebum production. If you're searching for a gentle peel for daily use, our Kate Somerville Liquid Exfolikate® Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment may be just what you're looking for. Powered by 10% AHAs and fruit enzymes, it's a leave-on exfoliating treatment safe for sensitive skin and works to improve the look of your pores while smoothing your skin's texture and tone.
Use Weekly Masks
Another powerful way to relieve clogged pores is to reach for an acne-fighting mask. Masks work to draw out impurities and help reduce the appearance of pores. Because masking is not a permanent fix, regular use is suggested to keep your skin looking and feeling great. For a mask that will leave your pores clear as ever, use the Eradikate® Mask Foam-Activated Acne Treatment. Clinically formulated, this mask targets acne-causing bacteria and works to provide relief for existing acne while preventing future breakouts from occurring. Our EradiKate® Mask is gentle and will not leave your skin feeling dry.
Cleanse Your Face Daily
The secret to acne-free skin with clear pores isn’t much of a secret actually. It’s all about consistency with your skincare routine. And that all starts with daily cleansing that helps to keep your face free of dirt, bacteria, and oil. Keep in mind that not all cleansers are created equally. And you’ll want to invest in the right cleanser for your skin type to ensure healthy-looking, clear skin. The job of a cleanser is to wash away dirt, oil, dead skin cells and other debris. Additionally, they work to draw out the impurities lodged in already-clogged pores to clear up acne or other skin issues. When it comes to cleansing, it's important not to go overboard. Too much cleansing can lead to dry skin and skin damage. When choosing a cleanser, search for one created with your skin type in mind and use it only as recommended.
Now that you know how to unclog pores successfully, it's time to get started! Whether you’re looking to keep skin clear of acne and prevent future breakouts, want to diminish those visibly enlarged pores you’re seeing, or are ready to take a preventative approach to caring for skin, you’ve got some great next steps you can implement.
As with any skincare routine, success starts with knowing your skin type. If you're not sure which skin type you fall under, read our guide on how to identify your skin type. In just a few simple steps, you can determine your skin's needs and products that will make a difference.
Sources:
