MissMalini logo
Clogged Pores 101: What Causes It And What You Can Do About It

Clogged Pores 101: What Causes It And What You Can Do About It

Eesha Kokane

Before we get into the crux of the matter, I have a question for all those people who are born with crystal clear skin—how does it feel to be God’s favourite? I’ve spent a good portion of my adolescence wishing for my breakouts to stop. Fast forward to my early twenties, who knew I’d be in the same position? Thanks to years of dealing with congested skin and clogged pores, I can easily identify it’s early signs. So if you want to learn more about clogged pores and how to deal with them you’re in the right place.

What Causes Clogged Pores?

Has your skin ever felt dull, tired and congested? Chances are your pores are blocked. Most people think that your pores tend to get blocked because of dirt. However, this happens due to the dead skin cells present on your skin. Every 4-6 weeks your skin cells get renewed and during this process, a layer of dead skin cells forms over your skin. If you don’t regularly exfoliate your skin, then these dead skin cells can settle into your pores, hence clogging them. If you don’t do anything to rectify this problem, then it can lead to skin conditions like acne, blackheads and whiteheads.

What Can You Do About It?

Acne, blackheads, whiteheads and dull skin are a few things no one wants. So to keep them at bay, it’s best to take preventative measures. If you want to unclog your pores and keep your skin clear then here’s what you need to do:

1. AHAs

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are chemical compounds and they’re commonly found in skincare products. They are either naturally or synthetically derived. One AHA that works wonders to gently exfoliate and clear your skin is glycolic acid. This acid is derived from sugar cane and it is a very popular ingredient in the skincare industry. If you have oily or acne-prone skin then you should try using skincare with glycolic acid, since it will unclog your pores, reduce blemishes and gently exfoliate your skin.

2. Extractions

Call me crazy but there’s something so oddly satisfying about watching extraction videos. Getting extractions done from a professional will help keep your skin clear in the long run. Professional estheticians use tools that unclog your pores which in turn prevents the formation of acne, blackheads and whiteheads. When it comes to extractions, it’s best that you get them done from a professional, since sometimes you can go overboard with the extraction tool and end up harming your skin.

3. Buy Non-Comedogenic Products

A rich moisturizer may seem comforting and luxurious but it can easily clog your pores. Hence if your pores tend to get clogged easily then you should stick to oil-free and non-comedogenic skincare products. So the next time you go skincare shopping, keep an eye out for the word “non-comedogenic” written on the label.

Follow @missmalinibeauty on Instagram for more updates.