Acne is something we all struggle with at some or the other phase of life and common acne-triggering factors we all have learnt over the years are pollution, hormones, genes, unhealthy diet, frequent face toughing etc. Did you know that clogged pores are the culprits causing acne at any random time? Most of the acne that you see isn’t really the usual acne, they are clogged and inflamed pores that result into tiny blemishes. So how can you tell if you have clogged pores? Below are few signs that can confirm that your pores are clogged and few additional tips on how to prevent it!
SIGNS YOU HAVE CLOGGED PORES:
WHITEHEAD FILLED ACNE
To check if your acne has a whitehead, simply touch your acne/blemish gently and you will know if it has a whitehead inside. Hormonal acne do not contain pokey white heads and only are filled with pus; most of the times hormonal or usual acne are only inflamed and cystic with no pus. If your acne has a whitehead, it is a clear sign that it was the pore that got infected due to clogging from dirt, makeup, oil etc.
POKEY BLACKHEAD OVER A BLEMISH
Just like whitehead does, clogged pores can be inflamed due to infected black head too. Unlike whitehead filled blemish, blackheads lie on the top and you can feel the pokey head when you touch it.
TINY WHITE SPOTS AROUND THE MOUTH, NOSE AND CHIN
Have you ever seen tiny white blemishes that do not look that scary but do pain when touched? They are a result of cogged pores. These can appear scanty or in clusters and mostly appear when you do not cleanse your skin properly, lack of skin care, sleep with makeup on or forget to remove your makeup, using pesticide-infused ingredients on skin etc.
ENLARGED AND INFLAMED PORES
If you have a lot of enlarged pores on your skin that are red and inflamed, you probably have clogged pores. Also, debris, oil, dirt etc. can enlarge your pores and cause inflammation.
WAYS TO PREVENT YOUR PORES FROM CLOGGING:
Face steaming: Face steaming is a one stop solution to prevent and treat clogged pores. While you steam your face, high temperature opens your pores and sweat helps the toxins to come out and thereby cleanses the skin. It is important that you steam your face at least once a week and follow with a good quality non-comedogenic moisturizer as steaming can dry your skin.
Exfoliation: Exfoliation is necessary to slog off dead skin cells, excess sebum and cleanse the pores so they do not get clogged and remain clean. Use a good quality gentle face scrub and follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Opt for mineral makeup: Mineral makeup is great for people with congested skin or skin that is prone to congestion. Mineral makeup sits on the skin without sitting in the pores and allows pores to breathe. This keeps them unclogged.
Natural remedies: You can use overnight treatments like application of organic ale vera gel, almond milk, sweet almond oil, neem oil etc. before bedtime to prevent and heal clogged pores. Also, use a mixture of turmeric and milk or bentonite clay mixed with apple cider vinegar as face masks twice a week.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- If you have oily skin, make sure you always blot using a blotting paper instead of powdering your face.
- Cleanse your face using a good quality face wash 3-4 times a day if you have oily skin or twice a day if you have normal-dry skin.
- Always opt for non-comedogenic skin care and beauty products and choose mineral makeup over usual makeup.
- Thoroughly remove your makeup before bedtime and always use a good quality skin toner.