How to unclog your pores to prevent acne

What are clogged pores?

Pores are tiny openings in the skin that release oils and sweat. They are connected to the sebaceous glands, which produce an oily substance called sebum. In normal amounts, sebum is good as it helps to keep the skin moisturised and protected.

When pores get clogged, there can be a combination of dead skin cells, sebum, and other substances like makeup, dirt or other environmental pollutants. When these substances accumulate in the pore, they can form a plug, preventing the natural flow of oils to the skin’s surface.

This blockage can cause the skin to appear dull or uneven and may lead to other skin issues such as acne. Regular cleansing and exfoliation can help to prevent pores from becoming clogged, but individual factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and genetics can also play a role in how prone a person is to experiencing clogged pores.

What can clogged pores lead to?

Having clogged pores can lead to a few conditions, chief of which are acne, blackheads and whiteheads. Let’s take a closer look at each of these conditions.

Acne

Our skin naturally harbours a type of bacteria that multiplies in oily environments, especially when a pore is clogged. 

As the bacteria multiply within the clogged pore, they can cause irritation and inflammation. The body’s immune system responds to this irritation, leading to redness and swelling. This is the beginning of an acne lesion.

Blackheads

Blackheads begin with the formation of a plug within a pore. This plug is composed of a mixture of dead skin cells and sebum, the oily substance produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands.

In the case of blackheads, the pore remains open. 

Whiteheads

Whiteheads form just like blackheads. The only difference is that the pore is completely closed up in the case of a white head.

How to unclog pores

For those who truly want to make sure their pores are clean and clear, professional treatments are recommended: 

• Extractions
• Chemical peels 
• Microdermabrasion 

Because treatments cannot be done everyday, we recommend incorporating a deep pore cleanser into your daily skincare routine. 

Our pore perfecting cleanser is a highly effective anti-acne cleansing gel that contains 3 active ingredients that work to reduce acne and clear your pores – Triethyl Citrate, Ethyl Linoleate and GT-Peptide-10. These ingredients work in tandem to reduce excessive sebum production, suppress acne inflammation and prevent bacterial colonisation. 

When used together with the rest of your skincare routine, it provides pore protection and helps to prevent clogged pores and its related skin conditions.

How to prevent clogged pores?

Preventing clogged pores is a multifaceted approach that involves proper skincare habits, lifestyle choices, and awareness of individual skin needs.

• Regular cleansing to remove excess oil, makeup and sweat – use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type and cleanse twice a day 
• Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells
• Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products 
• Avoid touching your face unnecessarily 

Commit to a good skincare routine

A key part of being able to commit to a good skincare routine is to be realistic with your time, set goals that are achievable and develop habits that fit into your life.

A good skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with essential steps like cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. As you become more comfortable, you can add targeted treatments like serums or exfoliants.

Consider your daily schedule and lifestyle when planning your routine. If you’re always in a rush in the morning, keep your AM routine simple. Allocate more time in the evening for additional steps if needed.

Consistency is key to seeing results. Make your skincare routine a non-negotiable part of your day, just like brushing your teeth. One of the ways you can stay consistent is to keep your products in a visible location, so you won’t forget them.

Lastly, remember that skincare results often take time, so set realistic goals and be patient with the process. 

Get professional treatment for clogged pores

Clear, radiant skin is all about committing to a good skincare routine, and that’s entirely possible with the support of experienced, well-trained professionals who know all about dealing with clogged pores. At SkinLab, Singapore’s largest medical spa chain, our highly trained therapists will think of the best possible combination of treatments and products that work together to bring you the magic of a more beautiful you.

Contact us now.