Among many skin problems, clogged pores are a common enemy. It feels like we’re continually battling these little black dots or pimples across our nose, chins, foreheads and more. Instead of picking at them and then being forced to deal with a painful blotchy face, several techniques can help to tackle this complexion plague.
First, let’s address what a ‘clogged pore’ is. Pores are tiny openings on the skin that release sweat and oil. Pores can become easily clogged with makeup, bacteria, excessive oil production, dirt, dead skin cells and more. Sometimes it’s tempting to squeeze them, but that can injure the skin and increase the size of the pore. Now that’s the exact opposite of what we want to happen. Let’s discuss how to handle these pesky pores.
Exfoliate
One of the best ways to tackle this issue is to exfoliate. Many dermatologists recommend using a light chemical exfoliator, rather than one that scrubs the skin directly. Two key ingredients to look for is glycolic and salicylic acid, which helps break down dead skin and dissolve excess oil.
Retinoids
Retinoids are another product to look for. This Vitamin A derivative promotes cellular turnover and thus helps prevent dead skin cells from blocking the pores.
Charcoal Face Mask
A third method to try at home is a charcoal face mask. These masks absorb tons of impurities, including oils and toxins, to reveal a fresh face. This may pull out more impurities, but your skin should recover shortly after.
While pore strips may seem tempting, they do little in cleaning up pores or removing the gunk. Instead, thoroughly wash your face, and use warm steam to help open your pores. Use a salicylic treatment to get a deep cleaning into your pores.