Clogged pores: It’s a phrase that makes everyone stop and take a closer look at their skin. But have you ever wondered if age has something to do with this pesky skin problem? Sure, we all know about acne in our teens, but what about later in life? ? Is it a problem that goes away over time, or does it evolve in different forms as we age? Uncover the complex relationship between age and skin type and the best approach to maintaining clear, healthy, pore-free skin at any age.
Why do pores get clogged? | Causes of pore changes?
Why do pores get clogged?
Pores play an important role in regulating the skin’s moisture balance, but when dead skin cells and pollutants get mixed in with the pores, they can cause problems. Not sure what clogged pores feel like? They can manifest as skin congestion, as annoying blackheads, whiteheads, and other symptoms such as:
- Excess oil: An oily or shiny appearance is often more noticeable in certain areas, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), and is often closely associated with clogged pores.
- Whitehead: These are small raised white bumps on the skin’s surface caused by pores clogged with sebum and dead skin cells.
- Dark spots: Similar to whiteheads, this form of congestion appears black due to oxidation of debris within the pores.
- Dull skin appearance: Puffy skin loses its natural glow and looks lackluster and tired. This may be related to leftover dead skin.
- enlarged pores: Pores may appear larger due to accumulation of oil and dirt.
- rough, Bumpy texture: The surface of the skin may feel uneven and rough to the touch, indicating underlying congestion.
Now that you understand what clogged pores are, you may be wondering whether clogged pores can occur at any age.
What causes changes in pores?
The likelihood of clogged pores depends on several factors.
aging
As your skin matures, collagen levels decrease as a natural part of the aging process. This decrease in collagen causes the skin to lose firmness and elasticity, which can lead to enlarged pores. Enlarged pores can become clogged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, resulting in clogged pores.
acne
according to Dermnet, Acne is associated with enlarged and clogged pores “by causing the openings of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles to become weaker and more easily clogged.” This blockage can involve bacteria, which can cause acne spots or lesions, or it can be the result of overproduction of oil, a buildup of dead skin cells, or the body’s inflammatory response.
If you neglect your skin care
Inadequate cleansing, such as not washing your face properly or often enough, can cause oil, makeup, and dirt to build up and cause clogged pores. On the other hand, over-washing and using harsh cleansers are also causes for concern. These approaches can strip your skin of its natural oils, increase sebum production, and increase the chance of clogged pores.
Genetics: You have an oily skin type
Genetic predisposition influences skin type and its characteristics. People with naturally oily skin tend to produce excess sebum, which can lead to clogged pores. Basically, if you have a family history of oily skin, you may be more prone to problems related to excess sebum, such as whiteheads, blackheads, and enlarged pores.
Overproduction of sebum
Sebum, a natural oil produced by sebaceous glands, is essential to keeping your skin moist and healthy. However, when produced in excess, it can look and feel greasy. Additionally, when excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and pollutants, pores often become clogged and clogged. Do you skip removing your makeup before bed? This is actually a dangerous condition that leads to clogged pores. Leaving makeup on for too long can trap oil and dead skin cells in your skin, hindering its natural shedding process and creating unwanted clogs.
If you don’t exfoliate regularly, dead skin cells can build up and clog your pores. Ideally, the natural process of skin shedding involves the removal of dead skin cells from the surface. However, if these cells are allowed to accumulate on the skin’s surface or in the pores, they mix with sebum and other substances and become clogged.
hormonal fluctuations
You may have noticed that your skin seems to behave differently depending on the time of day. This is often related to hormonal changes that occur with puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. During this period, changes occur in the body’s hormone levels, which can increase sebum production. This, as mentioned above, is an important factor in clogging pores.
external contaminants
Daily exposure to pollutants, dirt, and makeup can clog your pores. These external pollutants build up on the skin and mix with sebum and dead skin cells, making clogged pores even worse.
stress
It may not seem obvious, but the relationship between stress and clogged pores, especially acne, is well-documented.research from Dermatology Archives It has been observed that there is a direct correlation between stress levels and acne severity. At certain times, changes in the body’s hormone levels may occur, leading to increased sebum production. As mentioned earlier, this increased sebum production is a key factor in the occurrence of clogged pores.
Whether you’re a teenager, in your 20s, or in your 50s or older, it can be helpful to consider these factors when determining the cause of your sudden onset of clogged pores. Dealing with clogged pores is like solving a puzzle. It is different for everyone and changes over time. If you want to dig deeper and find effective ways to unclog pores, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to unclog pores. There you will find detailed skin care strategies and tips to maintain clear and healthy skin.
You can also visit your local Eminence Organics Spa partner to receive a personalized, professional routine to resolve clogged pores and other skin issues.
