What are the causes of clogged pores and blackheads?
Clogged pores and blackheads are common skin problems for many people, whether they have oily or dry skin. If you've ever had to deal with blackheads or pimples, you know how much these little annoyances can affect the appearance of the skin. In this article, we'll look at the main causes of clogged pores and blackheads. blackheadsas well as best practices for preventing and treating them effectively.
What is a blocked pore?
Pores are natural openings on the skin's surface that allow the evacuation of sebum (an oil produced by the sebaceous glands) and dead cells. When a pore becomes blocked due to the accumulation of sebum, dead cells and impurities, it becomes clogged, forming a comedo. Comedones can appear as blackheads or whiteheads, depending on whether the pore remains open or closed.
The main causes of blocked pores
Clogged pores are often linked to disruptions in the skin's natural exfoliation process, but several factors can cause this phenomenon:
- Dry skin and scaly When skin lacks moisture, it becomes more prone to the accumulation of dead cells, which can block pores.
- Comedogenic skincare products The use of products containing clogging ingredients (such as certain heavy oils or silicone) can exacerbate the problem of clogged pores.
- Pollution and impurities Pollution particles and dirt accumulated throughout the day can penetrate pores, clogging them and causing blackheads.
- Exfoliation excessive Although exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells, too frequent or aggressive exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and disrupt the skin's natural regeneration process.
- Hormonal fluctuations : Hormones, particularly during puberty, the pregnancy or menstrual cycles, can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores.
- Increased sebum Excess sebum, often linked to genetics or diet, can mix with dead cells and impurities, causing blackheads.
Types of blackheads
Blackheads are the medical term for clogged pores, and they can come in many forms:
- Blackheads Open pores are clogged with dead cells and sebum, which oxidize in the open air and turn black.
- White dots Clogged pores closed under the skin, appearing as small white bumps.
- Acne cysts More serious forms of clogged pores that can become infected and painful.
Why you shouldn't press your buttons
Even if you're tempted to squeeze a blackhead or pimple, it's highly inadvisable to do so without professional help. Squeezing an obstructed pore can not only cause inflammation, but also lead to scarring or the spread of infection to other parts of the face. We recommend consulting a dermatologist or qualified esthetician for a thorough skin cleansing.
External aggravating factors
In addition to daily skin care, it is important to pay attention to certain external factors that can aggravate clogged pores:
- Hair care products : Products for hair can often migrate to the face, particularly the forehead and temples, causing breakouts and clogged pores. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic products to limit this risk.
- Lifestyle habits : TobaccoAn unbalanced diet and an unhealthy lifestyle can affect skin condition by increasing sebum production or disrupting the skin's natural renewal process.
Solutions to reduce the size of dilated pores
In addition to clogged pores, many people are looking to reduce the visibility of their enlarged pores. Pore size is largely determined by genetics, but there are a few tricks to improve their appearance:
- Astringent serums Serums containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) orglycolic acid help exfoliate the skin's surface and reduce the appearance of pores.
- Sun protection Excessive exposure to the sun can damage the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in sagging skin and enlarged pores. Use appropriate sun protection to prevent this.
Clogged pores and blackheads are common skin problems, but they can be managed with a proper skincare routine and a few adjustments to your lifestyle. By avoiding comedogenic products, regularly cleansing your skin and exfoliating moderately, you can keep your pores clear and minimize breakouts.
