Gina Heslop
We all have pores on our skin, those small holes where sweat and oil come out. But for some folks, these pores can be a bit touchy. They tend to get clogged more easily.
Clogged pores happen when stuff like dirt, oil, and dead skin cells build up inside them. It’s like when a drain gets blocked with hair and gunk. When this happens, the pore gets plugged up, and that’s when acne can start popping up.
Now, what exactly clogs these pores? Let’s break it down:
- Excess Oil: Our skin naturally produces oil to keep it moisturized. But too much oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores.
- Dead Skin Cells: Our skin is constantly shedding dead cells to make way for new ones. Sometimes, these dead cells can get trapped in the pores, causing blockages.
- Dirt and Pollution: Throughout the day, our skin collects dirt and pollutants from the environment. If not washed away properly, these particles can settle into pores and clog them up.
- Cosmetics: Some makeup and skincare products contain ingredients that can block pores if left on the skin for too long.
- Sweat: When we sweat, especially during workouts or in hot weather, the sweat mixes with oil and dead skin cells, creating a perfect recipe for pore blockage.
- Certain Ingredients: Some ingredients in skincare products, like certain oils or thick creams, can be comedogenic, meaning they have a higher chance of clogging pores.
- Touching Your Face: Regularly touching or picking at your face can transfer dirt, bacteria, and oil from your hands to your skin, potentially clogging pores and causing breakouts.
To keep pores clear and prevent acne, it’s essential to keep the skin clean, avoid pore-clogging ingredients, and develop healthy skincare habits. By understanding what clogs pores, we can take better care of our skin and minimize acne breakouts.
