How to Unclog Pores and Prevent Acne: A Dermatology-Backed Guide

Clogged facial pores are where it all begins. Acne, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, scars, and pigmentation all occur due to excessively oily and clogged pores. Understanding the causes, treatments, and preventing clogged pores is essential to achieving clearer, healthier skin. Here’s all you need to know -

Keynotes:

• Facial pores can get clogged due to excess oil, dead skin cells, and pollutants, and can be a trigger for acne.
• You can maintain unclogged pores by cleansing, chemical exfoliation with AHAs/BHAs, and using non-comedogenic skincare and makeup.
• Preventive habits like maintaining product hygiene and a balanced diet also support clearer pores and skin.

Facial pores are small openings on your skin’s surface that allow sebum and sweat to exit. This sebum spreads all over your skin to keep it moisturized. However, too much sebum and oils can mix with dirt, dust, and impurities to clog these pores. When these pores are clogged, they can turn into visible blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed acne lesions.

Here are the common reasons that lead to clogged pores -

Excessive sebum: Sebum is a natural oil that helps protect and moisturise the skin. But when produced in excess, often due to hormonal changes or genetics, it can trap dirt and impurities inside your pores. The oilier the skin, the larger the pores, this also increases the chances of clogged pores.

• Dead Skin Cells: The natural skin cell turnover means that dead cells regularly shed. If they are not properly removed through cleansing or exfoliation, they can mix with sebum and block your pores. This is why clogged pores are not just an oily skin concern but affect people with dry skin too.

• Comedogenic Products: Skincare or makeup products that contain heavy and oily ingredients can clog your pores and lead to acne and breakouts. Always look for products that are labelled as “non-comedogenic”.

• Pollution and Sweat: The environment you live in can also affect your facial pores. Pollutants, combined with sweat can contribute to clogged pores, especially when you’re not cleansing your skin thoroughly.

• Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or high-stress periods can exacerbate sebum production, increasing the risk of pore blockage.

• Poor Skin Care: If you don’t follow a proper skin regimen, then the impurities that collect on your skin over the day can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

Facial pores go deep within your skin and dictate its health. They need cleansing and maintenance. These habits can help you maintain unclogged pores and maintain clear, pimple-free skin:

• Regular Cleansing

  Daily cleansing is fundamental. Dermatologists recommend cleansing the face twice everyday, in the morning and before bed. The morning cleanse helps you get rid of any oiliness that happens overnight and the night cleanse helps you get rid of any dust, dirt, and impurities that may have accumulated over the day. Look for gentle cleansing gels with exfoliants that reduce oiliness and maintain unclogged pores.

  Blurb:
  A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment noted that regular facial cleansing significantly reduces comedonal acne, especially when combined with a skincare routine tailored for oily or acne-prone skin.

• Exfoliation with AHA/BHA
  

  Chemical exfoliants such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are ideal for loosening dead skin cells and deep-cleaning pores. BHAs like salicylic acid are especially useful as they are oil soluble. They help you break down excessive sebum on your skin and help unclog pores and remove any acne-causing bacteria. On the other hand, AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid come in handy to exfoliate the skin's surface and improve cell turnover. Talk to your dermatologist and use chemical exfoliants 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance. Using AHAs and BHAs too often can damage the skin barrier and worsen acne.

• Clay Masks and Charcoal Treatments
  

  Clay and charcoal masks are known for absorbing excess oil and pulling impurities from the skin. Natural ingredients like witch hazel are useful for maintaining unclogged pores too. Don’t overdo the masks and only use them once or twice a week to maintain clear, dirt-free pores. Make sure these masks also have soothing ingredients like panthenol or green tea extracts that don’t overdry your skin.

• Consistent Skincare Routine

  A regular skincare routine helps your skin maintain balance or homeostasis, ensuring daily cleanse, balanced oil production and hydration. A basic, effective routine should include:

  • Gentle cleansing gel (twice daily)
  • Toner
  • Serum
  • Non-comedogenic moizturiser
  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+)

  You can also use night creams and under-eye creams for hydration. Allow your skincare to show effects and don’t switch the products too often.

• Avoiding Pore-Clogging Products
  

  Ingredients such as coconut oil and certain silicones can clog pores. Opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas. While selecting day creams, look for lightweight humectants like hyaluronic acid.

• Product Hygiene
  

  If you use makeup regularly, make sure that you are washing your makeup brushes and sponges consistently and properly, as they can spread acne-causing bacteria onto the skin.

• Healthy Diet and Hydration
  

  Research indicates that a high-glycaemic diet (rich in sugar and processed carbs) may lead to oily skin. These oils can clog the pores and lead to acne in certain people. Water, on the other hand, supports detoxification and maintains skin elasticity and barrier health. Aim for at least 2 litres per day.

Clogged pores, while common, are not inevitable. With a proper skincare routine focused on cleansing, toning, and exfoliation, and the use of non-comedogenic products, you can effectively manage and prevent them. Browse through the vast range of dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic Eucerin skincare products to keep your facial pores unclogged and your skin pimple free.

1. How do I know if my pores are clogged?

   Clogged pores often appear as small, rough bumps on the skin. They appear as whiteheads under the skin and blackheads when they rise above the surface and get oxidised. They may make your skin feel bumpy or look dull and uneven.

2. Can clogged pores cause acne?

   Yes. When a clogged pore usually leads to bacterial overgrowth. This can result in acne lesions, including papules, pustules, or more serious cystic acne.

3. How often should I exfoliate to prevent clogged pores?

   If you have oily skin, it’s crucial to exfoliate at least 2-3 times a week with a gentle chemical exfoliant. Overdoing it can strip your skin barrier, increasing sensitivity and inflammation.

4. Are pore strips effective for unclogging pores?

   Pore strips offer a temporary fix for surface-level blackheads, but they don’t treat the root cause. For long-term benefits, incorporate salicylic acid in your skincare and follow a regular skincare routine.

• Dermatology + Aesthetics. (n.d.). Let’s talk about pores.
• Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). (2019). What is acne and how does it develop? In InformedHealth.org. National Library of Medicine.