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 simple ways to remove these unsightly skin blemishes and decrease their return. That is how.
Clogged Pores – What Can You Do About It?
It’s pretty simple: what clogs your pores is a buildup of greasy, waxy sebum that contains dead skin cells, dirt, and skin germs. Sometimes these residues can be removed with just a good wash with a stiffer nap cloth and other times with a whitehead forms, which is a pus-like milky collection inside the pore that eventually works its way out. Sometimes, pimples form, which are hardened and darkened plugs of this material, which usually have to be removed manually. The more the pores become clogged with whiteheads or blackheads, the more the pores are stretched so that even after the clogging is removed, these pores are likely to become 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 in Australia has shown that diet and acne are closely related. However, it is not the fat in our diet that is the culprit. In the past, greasy foods were thought to cause pimples, blackheads, and angry red acne. Rather, it appears that the level of sugar in our diet is the biggest contributor. Researchers found that diets high in sugar and high glycemic carbohydrates are what really influence the development of acne.
They also found that a diet low in sugar, low glycemic carbohydrates, and more protein, helped clear skin with 50% of the subjects studied with a significant reduction in their acne. Probably, if your diet is high in sugar and carbohydrates, you are missing crucial vitamins that nourish the skin such as vitamin A, B vitamins and vitamin C. It is also very likely that you are not eating enough protein to maintain the integrity of the skin. skin. So, eat lower glycemic index carbs, skip / cut down on refined sugar (count sugar-sweetened sodas too), eat at least 0.3 grams of protein per pound of your body weight.
Water: I always emphasize the importance of drinking enough water for the health of the whole body, but it could not be more important to keep the skin clean. Adequate water helps flush toxins and waste from your intestinal tract that may appear on your skin. Make sure you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, more if you’re sweating a lot and / or taking prescription medications.
Hygiene: As I mentioned earlier, simply washing your face more often, while it’s a good start, may not be all that is needed to clear clogged pores from your white and blackheads. A good battery-operated sonic facial cleansing brush system, whose bristles can get into the pores and clean them, is a good choice. Also, a facial sponge available on cosmetic counters, with different brands, can also work. Moisten your face and apply cleanser to the pad, or to your face if you are using the brush, and work in a circular motion around your entire face. Make sure to rinse well with cool water which helps to close the pores.
1. Normal / Sensitive Skin: If pimples and blackheads occasionally accumulate on your skin, use a mild cleanser so as not to irritate the skin. A good old-fashioned, mild, natural soap to try is glycerin, or even a Castile soap. These are usually available in the cosmetics or soap aisle of your drugstore and can also be purchased at most health food stores that sell skin care products.
2. Oilier skin: this skin tends to accumulate blackheads and whiteheads more easily; A cleanser with a few exfoliating ingredients can help clear clogged pores. Look for a finer-grained cleansing / exfoliating product, or you can make your own with natural sugar. Follow the same procedure as above, except take about a quarter-size amount of exfoliating cleanser, or sugar, and apply it to your face with your fingertips before using the brush or pad.
3. Prone to acne: This skin type can have a variety of clogged pores of both whiteheads and 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 non-rinsing keratins that serve an additional role after cleansing to help lighten the skin.
Whitehead / Blackhead Removal: Even with the best cleaning, sometimes very hard blackhead plugs or stubborn whiteheads need to be removed manually. You can do this by first cleaning the skin as indicated above. Then very carefully, with both index fingers, place your fingers on either side of the clogged pore and gently press down. After a good clean, this should be enough to pump dirt out of the pore. However, do not aggressively pinch the area to avoid breaking the capillaries and causing redness on the skin. A professional facial every 4 to 6 weeks can also help clear these clogged pores, as they use special instruments to do this.
Reduce large pores: Once you have thoroughly cleaned your face with the brush or pad and removed as many clogged pores as you can, you will need to use a good astringent, an agent that will help shrink your pores so they won’t clog as quickly. Astringents can be commercially purchased cosmetics or you can use simple witch hazel, aloe vera, tomato juice, rose water (for normal to sensitive skin), rice water, lime / lemon (for oily or acne skin), vinegar apple or green cider juice. 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 population over 40. As mentioned above, check your diet to make sure 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. It follows from this that keeping your body as healthy as possible will also help keep your pores clear of debris and your face with a youthful, healthy glow.