Let's start by saying that clogged pores are something completely normal and common and it's nothing to be insecure about! Pores are a natural part of the skin structure and where oil glands and hair follicles open onto the skin surface. Pores can be more visible in certain types of skin, such as people that tend to overproduce sebum and oil, and/or those who suffer from acne.
If the pores become clogged, it can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne; as well as disturbing on the natural functioning of the skin. So what causes pores to become clogged?
There are many reasons for clogged pores, but here, we will try to mention the main/most common causes.
1. Overcleansing/ over-exfoliating the skin
It may sound counter-intuitive but when you wash you use traditional face wash or cleansers that strip away your natural skin oils, it causes your pores to overproduce sebum which can then become the cause of clogged pores. Many strong or irritant exfoliants can be the cause of clogged pores, even if they claim to 'get rid of your clogged pores'. You can read more about it in this other blog post.
2. Pollution
Pollution and air particles can sit on your face and cause your pores to be clogged. Polluted environments like cities with a high air pollution index can be causing your clogged pores. The best way to avoid clogged pores from pollution is to cleanse your skin at night with a cleansing oil, which will help you remove impurities from your face, as well as protecting your natural skin barrier and natural skin oils.
3. Hormones
Increased levels of androgen hormones, such as testosterone, can also contribute to pore enlargement and an increased secretion of sebum. This makes your pores more likely to get clogged. It is also the reason why male skins are more prone to have larger pores and clogging.
4. Decreased elasticity
Decreased elasticity and skin ageing, in general, cause the pores to become more dilated as it loses collagen and elastin necessary to keep the proper functioning of the skin. It is important to prevent skin ageing and support the collagen and elastin production of the skin for healthier and less visible pores.
5. Skincare products
Some skincare products can be causing your pores to become clogged. Make sure to use the less number of different skincare products possible and also make sure that the products you are using for your skincare have a low comedogenic rating. However, it is important to also note that the overall comedogenic rating of the formula matters. Just because it may contain one ingredient with a high rating doesn't mean the overall formula will be comedogenic, or vice-versa. Try to find a product with an overall low comedogenic rating.
6. Genetics
The size of the pore and the tendency to get your pores clogged is dominated by your genes. Your pores are fine and normal, and an essential part of your skin. There's much to it that is just dominated by your genes.
If you are prone to having clogged pores, at Qualia we will make you a tailor-made formula with a very low comedogenic rating that can cleanse the skin and remove impurities, prevent skin damage and ageing, and contain targeted ingredients with a mild astringent and pore tightening properties. Take our online skin quiz to get your tailor-made formula.
