Clogged Pores in Skin
It's normal for your pores to secrete oil -- your skin needs it to stay soft and moisturized. Sometimes, though, that oil gets stuck in your pores. Dirt, dead skin cells and makeup can seep into pores, too, making them look darker or enlarged. If left alone, clogged pores may even cause pimples to develop. Over-the-counter beauty products will help you wipe your skin clean. You can also make your own exfoliating mask with natural ingredients.
Solutions for Clogged Pores
To keep makeup and dirt from clogging pores, wash your face nightly with a cleanser containing salicylic acid. The acid breaks down skin proteins that can clog pores. A facial-cleansing brush works cleanser more deeply into pores and allows you to remove stubborn debris. Pore-cleansing strips help, too. These strips stick to your skin and remove dirt when peeled away. Ingredients such as glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids soften the material in pores, making it easier to remove. If your pores are severely clogged, you may want to see an aesthetician 1. A professional can give you a facial that gently extracts debris from pores.
- To keep makeup and dirt from clogging pores, wash your face nightly with a cleanser containing salicylic acid.
Natural Pore-Cleansing Mask
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To make your own pore-unclogging mask, whisk one egg white in a bowl until it's frothy. Add 1 tablespoon of lime or lemon juice -- the citrus fruits contain alpha-hydroxy acids, which help unclog pores. Add 1 tablespoon of old-fashioned oatmeal or sea salt for exfoliation. Blend well to make a thick paste, and then smooth a small amount of the paste on your face and neck. Let the mask set for 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water and a washcloth. Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- To make your own pore-unclogging mask, whisk one egg white in a bowl until it's frothy.
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References
- Dr. Cynthia Bailey Skin Care: How to Unclog Your Clogged Pores
- Glamour: Here Are Two Easy DIY Pore-Unclogging, Damage-Fighting Face Mask Recipes
- Wang S. Understudied skin characteristics awaiting genetic breakthroughs. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2018;19(2):S101-S102. doi:10.1016/j.jisp.2018.10.005
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. What can treat large pores?
- Draelos ZD. Cosmeceuticals for male skin. Dermatologic Clinics. 2018;36(1):17-20
- Milam EC, Rieder EA. An approach to cosmeceuticals. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2016;15(4):452-6.
- Sakuma TH, Maibach HI. Oily skin: an overview. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2012;25(5):227-35.
- Yeh L, Bonati LM, Silverberg NB. Topical retinoids for acne. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2016;35(2):50-6.
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2016;74(5):945-73.
Writer Bio
Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.