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In the fight against acne, acting early is often the key to getting rid of them. This doesn’t only mean prevention, but dealing with the early changes to the skin that lead to the formation of acne as well. Before ending up with an acne inflammation, our ordinary, otherwise healthy skin goes through several changes. One such change, and perhaps the key stage when ordinary skin progresses into acne is the appearance of clogged pores. Today we’ll learn all about clogged pores, what they are, and how to deal with them.
A simple question with a simple answer - clogged pores are exactly what they sound like: it’s a pore that got clogged. However, that simple explanation can be misleading and is far from helpful when trying to prevent, or even treat, acne. Pores become clogged thanks to a combination of factors. A different factor can be prevalent at a different point in time, but most of the time, the reason cannot be reduced to just one factor or one reason.
Pores can get clogged by an excess of our skin’s naturally produced skin oil, called sebum. However, pores can also become clogged by dead skin cells, random dust from the environment, and even the multiplication of bacteria. As we mentioned above, most of the time, our pores become clogged by a combination of any of these factors. Sometimes, your pores will be clogged by nothing else but sebum; but other times, everything can contribute to the clogging of your pores at the same time.
The medical term for a clogged pore is a comedo. With that in mind, comedones, or clogged pores, can belong to either of two general categories: open comedones, or closed comedones. Each of these kinds is a clogged pore, the only difference being whether the tip of the material clogging the pore is in open contact with the environment (an open comedone), or whether it is covered by a thin, translucent layer of epidermis (a closed comedone).
Open comedones are also known as blackheads. Blackheads get their name due to their appearance - they are usually brown, or very dark, and sometimes even have grey or purplish hues. They resemble a small circle, like a crater, that sits in the middle of the pore and usually widens it. Blackheads get their dark hues because the material they consist of (the skin oil, or sebum) gets into contact with the air, which contains oxygen. This contact with oxygen makes certain compounds oxidize and change their color, which makes them turn dark.
An open comedone or a blackhead is generally easier to deal with, since the opening of the pore isn’t sealed by a thin surface layer of skin (called the epidermis). If you try to squeeze a blackhead, chances are that you will succeed, and oftentimes with little to no complications. However, this doesn’t mean that you should, since squeezing clogged pores, blackheads included, can contribute to the spreading of bacteria in case you have an infection.
The clogging substances of the closed comedones, contrary to open comedones, do not come into contact with the air or the environment. This ensures that the material that is clogging the pore (which is usually a combination of sebum, bacteria, and pus) retains its otherwise natural, white-ish color. And as you can imagine, this feature of the closed comedones is what earns them the nickname of whiteheads. However, this can make these types of clogged pores more noticeable and prominent, which is exactly the opposite of what one would like when having to deal with them.
Whiteheads are also more difficult to squeeze, pop, or drain. In fact, trying to do so can cause you exquisite pain at times, which is not the case with blackheads (the open types of comedones). This is because in the case of whiteheads, the tip of the clogged pore is sealed with a very thin, but sometimes pretty tough, layer of epidermis.
The epidermis is the uppermost layer of the skin, and serves as a sort of skin barrier. The skin barrier serves the very important function of making sure your skin is sealed and watertight, preventing any dust or particles from entering your body. Additionally, the surrounding area is usually red and sore due to all the pressure the stuck filling is exerting on the deeper layers of the skin.
Which is incidentally what makes squeezing whiteheads such an exercise in suffering. You probably know the intense, mind-losing pain that can sometimes ensue when you’re trying to pop a small, but stubborn whitehead. That’s because the layer of epidermis acts as a sort of lid over the clogged pore, shutting it tight and resisting the force you’re applying. Basically, it’s like trying to pop a can of soda - it’s welded tight on all sides. The only way the substance that clogs your pores can go is either through the lid of the epidermis, or - which makes it hurt so frigging much - into the surrounding tissue. It’s basically like stabbing yourself with your own tissues.
And if that doesn’t turn you off from trying to squeeze your whiteheads, I don’t know what will. Just. Don’t. Do. It. You’ll save yourself a lot of pain and trouble.
So, now we know what clogged pores are. But is everything that looks like a clogged pore, a clogged pore? Not really. Let’s learn what clogged pores aren’t.
That being said, there are some skin conditions that can be mistaken for clogged pores, in regards to both whiteheads and blackheads. The confusion can usually happen because the skin features appear fairly similar to clogged pores. This visual similarity often leads people to mistakenly assume that they have a clogged pore or two (or several hundred), when, in fact, it turns out to be something else.
The two most common skin conditions that are mistaken for clogged pores are inflamed hair follicles (also known as folliculitis) and ingrown hairs.
A common source of confusion, especially when it comes to clogged pores and acne, is the so-called skin condition of the inflamed hair, also known as folliculitis.
Folliculitis is a pretty common skin condition in which a hair follicle, i.e. the skin pore holding a single hair (or sometimes two, or more hairs), becomes inflamed. The causes for this can be various, but the most common ones are either a persistent irritation of the affected area of the skin, fungal growth or even a bacterial infection.
People can often mistake an inflamed hair follicle for a pimple, or acne, or a clogged pore - especially a whitehead. The confusion with whiteheads is usually due to the redness that surrounds the hair follicle. However, a clogged, or inflamed hair follicle can also resemble a blackhead. In a sense, a clogged hair follicle, which also becomes inflamed, is technically a clogged pore in itself. But it’s useful to be able to tell the difference between these skin disorders, since they can lead to different things.
Inflamed hair follicles and ingrown hairs rarely progress into a full-blown acne inflammation. Folliculitis is usually localized and doesn’t spread to other hair follicles. Contrary to this, if you are dealing with clogged pores, the problem is more general - more than one pore will be clogged, and it is often the case that your pores will be clogged over a wider area of the skin.
As we mentioned, the confusion happens because a clogged hair follicle looks like a small, red bump on the skin at first sight. What makes it even more similar-looking to an inflamed whitehead (or even acne) is the second stage of folliculitis, when white-headed pimples form around the affected hair follicles. If left untreated, folliculitis can spread and mutate into crusty sores. However, that is not acne, and is very different from a simple case of clogged pores.
While far from a serious skin condition, folliculitis can be intolerably itchy, slightly sore and sometimes even embarrassing. But if left untreated, folliculitis can complicate itself, resulting in severe infections of the hair follicles that can cause permanent scarring and permanent hair loss.
A less intense, but no less unpleasant form of hair follicle trouble is the infamous ingrown hair. Ingrown hairs, while less dangerous than folliculitis proper, often look very similar to a pimple or a clogged, inflamed pore. This usually happens as the consequence of friction, with one of the most common causes being the wearing of tight pants.
When a hair becomes ingrown, it bends back on itself and gets stuck in its own follicle. If we’re being technical about this, ingrown hairs are - technically - clogged pores. The difference is in the material that clogs the pore, which is the hair itself. As you can imagine, the hair clogs up the follicle pretty well, closing it tightly shut. This eventually leads to the pore becoming swollen from all the sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells inside it.
If you’re really not sure whether the problem you are facing is folliculitis, ingrown hair, or a case of clogged pores, you shouldn’t rush. It’s very important to make sure that you have the right diagnosis before treating yourself. A trip to the doctor or dermatologist can save you not just a lot of money, but a lot of nerves, health complications, and save you a lot of time as well.
Now that we’ve seen what clogged pores are, what they aren’t, and how they come into being, let’s take a look at the treatments for them. Here are the best ways to get rid of clogged pores.
We mentioned above that pores can become clogged due to a variety of factors and materials. Sometimes, it’s a bacterial infection. Other times, it’s overactive sebaceous glands that pump out too much sebum in the pore and it gets clogged. But dead skin cells and random, microscopic dust or dirt from the environment can clog our pores too. Touching our faces with unclean hands is a huge factor in transferring microscopic material on our faces, which contributes to clogged pores.
All right, so how to deal with all that? Here are some of the best methods to prevent clogging your pores.
I’m sure you already know what pore strips are, but just in case, let me offer a bit of introduction. As the name will tell you, pore strips are handy strips made of paper or other materials that usually come in different sizes. That is to ensure that each person can use them effectively, and on the body parts they need. After all, we don’t all have the same face sizes.
What makes pore strips so effective at unclogging pores is their adhesive layer. Once applied to the skin (adhesive side down, of course) pore strips attach themselves to the tips of the clogged pores. The adhesive binds to the material clogging the pore, and when the pore strip is removed, it pulls out the gunk that clogged the pores with it as well.
Bear in mind though, that pore strips are most effective when dealing with blackheads, or open comedones. This is because the tips of the blackheads are exposed and in direct contact with the air and the environment. But, that means that they are also able to come into contact with the adhesive material on the pore strip. Once attached, the glue on the pore strip will pull out the material from the blackheads, returning them to normal, unclogged pores. In the case of whiteheads, pore strips don’t work so well.
But pore strips can be used to remove a whole variety of material from your skin too, not just unclog pores. Pore strips can also be used to remove:
Pore strips can be bought over-the-counter in any well-equipped cosmetics shop. Of course, every product varies, so whatever you buy, you should always follow the instructions that come with the product. Generally, that will include making your skin wet before applying them, but refer to the instructions and stick to them.
Are pore strips harmful or dangerous? Pretty much not, especially if you use them well. The worst thing you can do is just feel a pinch after you pull out a particularly strong hair and that’s it. However, if your skin is sensitive (you can check your skin type here), or suffer from skin allergies, it’s maybe for the best if you avoided using pore strips, since they can sometimes cause irritation.
You’ve probably heard this and that about activated charcoal in dozens of advertisements by now. Definitely, activated charcoal is one very trendy skincare ingredient at the moment. But here’s the thing - it’s well-deserved. Activated charcoal is found in shampoos, shower gels, even toothpaste, scrubs, cleansers, masks… Because it actually works.
But speaking specifically in the context of skincare and the assorted products, activated charcoal has particular properties. It offers benefits like cleaning pollution, toxins, and random dirt from your pores. While research is still lagging behind the market and its products, most people seem satisfied and report positive results from using activated charcoal in their skincare routines.
Depending on the specific product in question, instructions for its use will vary. Is it a mask? Or maybe a cleanser? At any rate, most products will want you to wash and clean your face before use, so that’s a given. Additionally, some masks will need to be washed off of your face, but others will need to be peeled away. As I said, it really depends on the product, so keep your eyes peeled for the instructions.
Making your own activated charcoal mask isn’t the smartest thing, however. Dermatologists and beauty experts have warned against following the popular DIY charcoal face mask trend. The problem is that using glue in combination with charcoal powder can damage or at least irritate your skin. For the best results, you should always use professional and tested activated charcoal masks, or alternatively, try other home-made clay masks that perform much the same function and more.
You can find safe, and effective activated charcoal face masks in your local beauty store. As always, follow the instructions. If you have sensitive skin, consult with your dermatologist before using any face masks. They will be able to tell you which ingredients to avoid, and which ingredients will actually be suitable for your skin.
It kind of sounds scary, doesn’t it? But rest easy, because everyone who’s had at least a few beauty treatments knows this is a safe procedure. Performed by dermatologists and skincare specialists, skin extractions are usually performed along with other facial treatments. This procedure is performed with a thin, metallic tool known as a skin extractor.
The tool resembles ordinary cutlery, much like a spoon that had its convex end lopped off. Instead of that, skin extractors have a tiny loop at the end of their handle. This loop is then pressed over the clogged pores. The circular, uniform pressure that the tiny metallic loop applies over the skin makes the surrounding skin squeeze out the gunk that’s clogging your pore. Occasionally, skin extraction can be done on pimples and acne too, if the dermatologist determines they are safe to be “squeezed” like that.
Of course, this can be somewhat painful and unpleasant. Limited bleeding can occur, and some minor wounding as well. That is why dermatologists clean your skin before and after performing skin extraction, by applying antiseptic and antibacterial substances over the affected area of the skin. Additionally, they may offer applying soothing creams, or masks, or other treatments as well.
However, all of this works for the best when done by actual professionals who know what they’re doing. You should really reconsider using a skin extractor in the privacy of your home, since you can easily give yourself an infection.
Exfoliation is not primarily used to unclog pores, but it’s a very efficient procedure when it comes to cleaning the surface of the skin and removing all the dead skin cells. As you can imagine, that effectively work wonders in regards to preventing the formation of blackheads or whiteheads. If there is no material that can clog your pores, your pores will not become clogged, it’s that simple.
However, not all methods for exfoliation are equal. Generally, exfoliation can be divided into chemical exfoliation and mechanical exfoliation. Some of the best substances used for chemical exfoliation include salicylic acid (BHA), glycolic acid and lactic acid (AHAs), and other so-called acids. Chemical exfoliators are known to be milder and safer for the skin in comparison to mechanical exfoliation. However, you should be very careful with applying chemical exfoliants, and especially avoid combining them together since it can cause you irritation or even burns.
Mechanical types of exfoliation are various scrubs, cleansing cloths, exfoliating brushes, gels and so on. Most mechanical exfoliators contain small granules and require you to massage or rub your skin. Besides risking to irritate and even injure your skin by doing that, these small granules can even clog your pores instead of unclogging them.
In any case, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to using new products on your skin. In order to check how your skin will react to a certain skincare product, home remedy, or any other substance, you can perform a patch test first. Patch tests are super simple to do, and can help you both avoid injuries and waste money on products that aren’t good for you. If you have any doubts about using any sort of exfoliation, you should consult with your doctor or dermatologist too.
Another method you can use to get rid of clogged pores is steaming. As with exfoliation, steaming too isn’t used exclusively for getting rid of clogged pores. Steam, on itself, can have many beneficial effects on our skin. It can relax it, cleanse it, but the heat will also relax our skin which helps the pores become wider and in turn clean themselves.
Usually, steaming isn’t used on its own when the goal is to unclog pores, but in tandem with other methods. Most often, steaming is used as a preparatory phase for using a skin extractor. By making the skin relaxed, soft, and the pores open - the skin extractor can be a lot more efficient. This, as you can guess, leads to better overall results and a more thorough unclogging of your pores. You can steam your face at home, or you can purchase a steaming kit over-the-counter in any well-supplied cosmetics store. Alternatively, you can visit a beautician, a cosmetician, or a dermatologist and have it performed professionally.
Or, if you don’t want to have clogged pores. In this day and age, you will find hundreds, and even thousands of DIY solutions, and home remedies for getting rid of clogged pores. But do they all work? Of course not. However, some can be even harmful.
For example, you should avoid making and using your own scrub based on baking soda. Although many people recommend this home remedy, it can damage your skin. Baking soda is highly alkaline, and it can mess up your skin’s pH level, or even leave it far too dry. If you really need to unclog your pores, there are other, better, and safer solutions for it.
Additionally, you should avoid using lemon or fresh lemon juice to unclog your pores (and not just that). While fresh lemon juice can act as a natural bleach, it is also highly acidic, and can irritate or damage your skin. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin, who will almost surely experience negative reactions when applying fresh lemon juice on their skin.
All right, we covered how clogged pores become clogged, how to unclog them, as well as how not to unclog them. But what about preventing them? Well, that problem is a lot simpler.
As we mentioned in the sections above, our pores become clogged from sebum, dirt, dust, and other microscopic filth getting stuck to our faces. This means that keeping our faces clean is one of the best ways to prevent the onset of clogged pores.
Additionally, following a daily skincare routine can also help a lot. However, some skincare products can actually do the opposite and clog your pores, especially if they’re oil-based. To avoid it, you should always use skincare products that are labeled as “non-comedogenic.”
Furthermore, having the occasional exfoliation also helps. When it comes to that though, you should avoid exfoliating your face too frequently, since the skin needs to recover. Dermatologists suggest that once a week, up to twice a week is enough for achieving healthy, clear skin.
Finally, you should avoid touching your face. It may seem simple, but it may be behind that sudden outburst of acne, and is a crucial tip if you want to avoid complicating your skin’s health.
Our pores perform a number of crucial functions for our health. They keep our skin to breathe, but also keep it watertight, protecting our body from microscopic intruders. However, poor hygiene, hormonal imbalances, or bacterial infection can cause our pores to become clogged. And with that, inflamed. When this happens, pores can either be closed, or open, becoming either whiteheads or blackheads.
There are many ways to unclog your pores. From using pore strips, to various types of exfoliation, skin extraction, and even steaming, you have a broad selection of methods. One should be careful, however, with certain types of exfoliants, and avoid home remedies based on baking soda, charcoal, or lemon juice. Each of those substances can irritate and even damage your skin.
Personal hygiene is the best way to prevent the clogging of pores. Besides washing and cleaning your face, adopting a cleansing skincare routine on a daily basis can also help. However, you should only use skincare products that are “non-comedogenic”, since other types of products can clog your pores. And remember - don’t touch your face.
This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances, and its goal is to offer a general view of the subject. In case you are suffering from a severe case of acne, you should consult with a dermatologist or a certified medical professional.
