When you think of clogs, you may think of drains and sinks, and while faulty plumbing can be alarming, we believe there are even more troublesome clog locations. It’s clogged pores. These small openings in the skin can attract all kinds of debris, which begs the question: “How do you clean your pores?” If you’re ready to decongest and remove buildup, check out our guide to completely clearing your facial pores.
What is clogged pores? | symptoms | 3 ways to avoid | How to unclog pores | collection
What is clogged pores?
Clogged pores are tiny holes in the skin, each corresponding to a hair follicle. These become clogged when a combination of external impurities such as dead skin cells, oil, and pollution build up. This can lead to different forms of acne. Blackheads form in open pores that are filled with a mixture of oil, dirt, and dead skin cells and appear black due to oxidation. Dark spots are most common on the face, especially the nose, but can also appear on the back, chest, neck, and arms. Whiteheads, on the other hand, occur in closed pores that are clogged with similar substances. These appear as white or light-colored bumps and are often accompanied by other types of acne, such as blackheads, papules, and pustules. Recognizing these symptoms is key to identifying and addressing skin congestion. Read on to find out what symptoms indicate congestion.
What are the symptoms of congestion?
Oily, shiny appearance (excess oil)
The oily, shiny appearance caused by excess oil is often the most obvious indicator of skin congestion. This occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce excessive amounts of oil, making the skin greasy. Several factors can contribute to this, including hormonal fluctuations, dietary choices, and improper skin care.
a bruised or dull appearance
Bloodshot skin lacks a healthy glow and appears lifeless or tired. This is caused by poor blood circulation and a buildup of dead skin cells and impurities on the skin’s surface, which prevents light from reflecting and makes the skin look dull.
Rough, bumpy, uneven texture
When the skin becomes congested, it feels rough and Uneven to the touch. This is often caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, which can make the skin’s surface rough and bumpy.
Enlarged and flattened pores
Congestion makes pores larger and more visible because oil and dirt buildup stretches them. Additionally, this buildup can cause your pores to appear flat due to internal pressure.
scratch
Skin problems such as blackheads, whiteheads, and acne often occur when pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. A common symptom of skin congestion, age spots can cause irritation and noticeable breakouts.
Uneven skin tone with age spots (PIH) and redness (PIE)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) refers to dark spots that form after a wound has healed. Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), on the other hand, causes red or pink marks. Both are common in congested skin and are caused by inflammation and the skin’s healing process.
Each of these symptoms indicates an imbalance in the skin’s natural processes and may require targeted skin care treatments to address the underlying cause and restore skin health. Before we get into the recommended products to unclog your pores, here are three methods you should avoid at all costs as they will only make your pores worse.
3 methods to avoid when cleaning pores
Here are some popular DIY techniques that can do more harm than good.
1. Pore strip
If you are suffering from clogged pores, you may find yourself wanting to use it. Pore strips are strips of material with an adhesive designed to remove skin cells and blockages. However, many beauty experts advise against using these products against blackheads.Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Herman To tell birdie“I’m always wary of pore strips because while they may be fun, they run the risk of damaging your skin and making your pores bigger.” explains that the products are not as effective as “cleaning” pores.
These sticky strips can irritate your skin and cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. While it can remove some of the surface debris, dirt and impurities can also settle deeper into your pores and make the problem worse. Additionally, the superficial action of pore strips means that they not only remove dead skin cells, but also perfectly healthy skin cells.
2. Baking soda
Using baking soda to unclog pores is gaining popularity, but it’s often not enough to effectively clear pore buildup. Applying baking soda to your skin often causes irritation, which strips away your skin’s natural barrier and can leave it dry, itchy, and more vulnerable to environmental stressors.
3. Lemon
Lemon is also an acidic ingredient that can irritate your skin. Some people use lemon to dry breakouts or unclog pores, but it often causes irritation, dryness, and even increased sun damage. It’s clear that we need a safer, skin-friendly way to unclog pores. Now let’s look at some effective techniques.
How to unclog pores
- Exfoliation: Regularly remove dead skin cells by exfoliating. This process helps prevent the buildup of these cells that can clog your pores. Choose a gentle exfoliant that’s appropriate for your skin type to avoid irritation.
- Detox and cleanse: Use products that help detoxify and clarify your skin. Look for ingredients known to remove impurities and cleanse skin without stripping it of its natural oils, such as activated charcoal, clay, or certain acids.
- balance: Keep your skin balanced and oily by incorporating products that absorb excess oil. Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tea tree oil help give your skin a more balanced look.
- Professional treatment and extraction: Consider making an appointment at your local hospital Eminence organic skin care A spa that cleanses deep into your pores.Professional treatments to unclog pores often involve steam and The exfoliating gel makes the extraction more effective.
- Maintained with home care: It is important to maintain a consistent home care plan to prevent future crowding. Use products appropriate for your skin type and condition to keep your pores clear between professional treatments. Regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing with products designed for pore health will go a long way in maintaining clear skin.
In addition to these tips, there are some products that can help unclog pores. In particular, our Charcoal & Black Seed collection is designed to visibly transform clogged and congested pores with natural, potent charcoal and black seeds. Read on to find out which products you should add to your routine.
Charcoal & Black Seed Collection
Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Mask
This velvety mask is made to remove impurities and absorb excess oil effectively. With a fresh, earthy scent, the Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Mask unclogs pores and reduces the appearance of large pores, leaving skin even and revitalized without causing dryness. It also reduces the unevenness of the skin, balances the oil (sebum) in the skin, and gives it a matte look. When using this product, 98% of people agree that their skin feels less oily right after using it.
Charcoal & Black Seed Clarifying Oil (The Balancer)
Sebum plays a role in protecting the skin, but it can also cause clogging and shine. We recommend using Charcoal & Black Seed Clarifying Oil. This powerful, quickly absorbing purifying oil reduces the appearance of age spots, adjusts the appearance of oily skin, and minimizes the appearance of redness. 93% of people who have used Clarifying Oil agree that their skin has become less oily and their skin has regained moisture. *
Charcoal & Black Seed Pro Shedding Gel
If you visit an Eminence Organics spa, your esthetician may be able to help you de-clutter with Charcoal & Black Seed Pro Desincrustation Gel. This is a professional-only product that expands the follicle to facilitate removal. It helps break down sebum build-up in pores and also provides beneficial hydration and skin soothing properties to the skin after extraction.
Exfoliating products to unclog skin
When it comes to exfoliating products, here are some Eminence Organics exfoliants that we recommend using.
strawberry rhubarb dermafoliant
A favorite of stars like actress Thandiwe Newton, Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant uses naturally occurring lactic and salicylic acids to deeply cleanse pores and remove dead skin cells. Chickpea flour and rice flour gently buff the skin’s surface and absorb excess oil.
Stone Crop Oxygenated Physopholiant™
Our Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant™ is your go-to exfoliant when you’re preparing for a professional blackhead extraction at an Eminence Organics Certified Spa. Infused with Stone Crop, this powder-to-foam product is formulated for exfoliation, a treatment that softens sebum. The light fizzing action softens the skin and prepares it for extraction to cleanse pores.
turmeric energy treatment
If that’s the mask you’re looking for, try our Turmeric Energy Treatment to cleanse your pores. This treatment gently exfoliates to leave your skin feeling soft and fresh. Paprika revitalizes the skin’s appearance, making it soft and radiant, while turmeric visibly brightens the skin’s appearance and reduces puffiness.
Contact your favorite Eminence Organics spa partner to learn more about skin care solutions that are right for you.
*In-Vivo study results after 28 days
