How to Handle Clogged Pores

Your skin contains many openings through which oil (sebum) from the oil (sebaceous) glands comes to the skin's surface, via the hair follicle and pores of the sweat (sudoriferous) glands. Ideally, the perspiration and sebum mix together in normal amounts to form a breathable barrier on the skin's surface, moisturizing and protecting it from the environment - the best moisturizer is nature's moisturizer.

The opening or pores do not contain muscles therefore you cannot control the dilation or shrinkage of these openings with topical skin care products, like toners. What does cause an enlarged appearance of these pores is trapped dirt, dead skin cells, waste by-products, makeup, sebum, and other debris that cannot come out of the pore.

Many factors contribute to the clogging of pores: dehydrated skin, too much product or too heavy a product, improper cleansing, excessive oil production, excessive build-up of dead skin cells, hormones, excessive sweating, dirty work or play environments, genetics, makeup, fingers on the face, allergic reactions, a diet high in sugar content.

But there are ways to clear the skin of clogged pores. This will not happen overnight and for some skins, especially during the teen years, this may be an ongoing battle. Once your skin becomes and stays hydrated, then the pores can start to perform their natural cell functions of purging and exfoliation. Your skin may be assisted by topical products:
1. constant hydration of skin,
2. proper deep pore cleansing, exfoliants that gently remove excess oil and dead skin cells, masks that detoxify the skin and hydrate tissues deep in the epidermis, products containing essential oils that help balance oil production, bacteria, and inflammation while stimulating circulation and lymph,
3. using the lightest possible layer of product, especially around the delicate eye area.

Microdermabrasion significantly lessens the appearance of pores by "roughening up" skin, therefore loosening the dead skin that clogs pores. It also stimulates collagen so skin looks really smooth. At-home treatments can be just as effective as those done by professionals. If you are unsure of your product or how to use it, consult a professional for your first treatment. Don`t get microdermabrasion if you have spider veins. The treatment can make them worse.

Another exfoliation treatment that is beneficial to clearing clogged pores is both alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids. They exfoliate to prevent dead skin cells from building up and clogging pores. While alpha hydroxy acid is water soluble only, beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) is oil soluble, so it`s able to really seep into the sebum-packed pore, exfoliating the dead skin cells built up inside. Look for products that contain salicylic acid. If you have combination skin, you can find products which contain both salicylic and glycolic acid.

If your pores call for something stronger, ask your dermatologist for recommendations for treatments that include tretinoin. Tretinoin helps unclog pores by loosening blackheads and speeding up cell turnover. If a gel-based product is too harsh, ask about treatments which come in a moisturizing base.

Skip Foundation. Avoid applying foundation to any areas where pores are enlarged. Foundation magnifies their look and calls more attention to pores. The fewer layers of makeup you can apply to clogged pores the better. Opt instead for a blemish control powder or a neutral blotting powder applied directly to any areas where pores appear larger. The powder will serve to diffuse the look of the pores so all you`ll see is a smooth, more matted surface.

Apply a pore-perfecting cream designed to treat clogged pores. Look for gels and tinted creams formulated to smooth the appearance of pores. Apply the product directly to the affected areas, allow it to set and lightly apply powder over it. Look for products that contain glycolic acid and antioxidants. You can find both clear and tinted creams.

These steps don't take long in themselves and aren't terribly expensive. Once a habit is established you will notice a soft and healthy glow with a smoother texture and refined pores. Your skin will love you for it!