Clogged pores can cause acne and other undesirable conditions like milia. Acne occurs when a person has clogged pores and excess sebum in a hair follicle. While dirt and oil are obvious culprits, dead skin cells or cell debris are another common cause of clogged pores.
Clogged pores treatment
Treatments that clean, extract, and exfoliate are most effective for reducing problems related to clogged pores.
- Microdermabrasion is designed to exfoliate by using gentle abrasion and suction to remove dead skin cells.
- A facial, available at your local day spa, will also exfoliate and promote cell turnover.
You don't always need special products or treatments to exfoliate your skin. A good, old-fashioned washcloth works, when soaked in warm water and used gently.
If you want to use an exfoliating cream or scrub, be sure to test it on your hand first.
Make sure it has very fine grains or particles. Many commercially available scrubs contain abrasive particles that can scratch and irritate the skin. Be gentle and don't use them more than once or twice a week, as you can cause more harm than good.
Acid-based products dissolve the bonds between skin cells on the surface of the skin as opposed to physically rubbing off the surface of the skin. These are a very good choice, particularly for sensitive skins. These come in cleansers, creams, and scrubs. Again, start light and don't use these more than once or twice a week until you see how your skin responds. And watch the strength of the acid -- the stronger the acid, the deeper the effect.
For most people, exfoliating every day is not a good idea because it can cause skin irritation, crusting, and other problems. For at-home exfoliation, once or twice a week is usually sufficient for most people.
Clogged pores products
Here are a few of the many products designed to cleanse pores. Browse our beauty brands section to learn more.
- Alpha-Hydrox is a daily use exfoliant that gradually peels away dead surface skin cells.
- Salac is a daily use salicylic acid cleanser formulated to cleanse oil and debris
- Fresh Appleseed Exfoliant is said to sweep away dead skin cells without irritating the skin.
- Clarisonic Skin Care Brush is designed to loosen pores and clarify skin