Clogged or "congested" pores can't be pulled or popped like blackheads. The good news is that you can minimize their appearance with these four steps.
We’ve all had days when looking into the bathroom mirror makes us gasp, Why are my pores soooo huge?
Clogged or “congested” skin can be a real pain in the butt.
Sure, in the grand scheme of things, the pin-sized dots aren’t as bad as say…not making your student loan payment. But if we may be so bold as to bitch about a #FWP, clogged pores definitely make the list.
For centuries, a bright and clear complexion has been a sign of vitality and health. Naturally, it makes sense that you’d be a little miffed when despite all the pinching and popping attempts (which you shouldn’t be doing, FYI), those pesky pores refuse to disappear.
What is Congested Skin
The biological term for pore is pilosebaceous. There are hundreds on your body, but the majority of them are on your face. Each house a hair follicle and oil gland that has the important job of keeping skin soft and buoyant by releasing particles called sebaceous filaments.
At their healthiest they’re usually undetectable, but if you naturally have large pores (thanks genetics) or the insides becomes filled with sebum and dead skin cells, your complexion can look dimpled, porous, dull or uneven.
Clogged Pores Are Not Blackheads
It’s easy to understand why many make this mistake. Sometimes congested skin can look a lot like a cluster of blackheads that haven’t fully surfaced. But they’re two separate issues!
Blackheads are a form of acne caused by bacteria and oil filling a pore. While congested skin can sometimes be a precursor, you’re not necessarily in store for a breakout when it appears.
Skin can become congested from not properly removing makeup, using the wrong skincare products, sweat, hormones, and even environmental toxins. In short, it’s pretty easy to get clogged pores. If you find yourself in this skincare predicament, don’t feel too bad about it.
The Fix
First things first: the bad news.
Contrary to what some beauty products say, you can’t shrink or erase pores. They can’t be extracted like blackheads, because technically, there’s nothing to extract. However, you can minimize their appearance by providing skin with a deeper cleanse that restores your face to its brighter and healthier self. Check out these four tips to help decongest your pores.
Cleanse Right + Exfoliate
Seek out cleansers with gentle but effective ingredients that penetrate the top layer of skin to remove dirt and oil. The Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser by La Roche-Posay ($14, amazon.com) is a favorite of dermatologists. Along with being oil and paraben-free, it contains Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3 that's soothing and nourishing to sensitive skin. The cleanser also features La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, which hydrates and infuses antioxidants into cells.
To take your cleansing ritual further, exfoliate up to three times per week. Along with sloughing off dead skin cells, exfoliating with products that pull impacted dirt from the pore’s lining can minimize their appearance and reduce breakouts. I love products that combine chemical and physical exfoliants, like the Regenerating Cleanser from Tata Harper ($42, sephora.com). Its apricot microspheres buff away dry patches while ingredients like willow bark encourage cell turnover.
Tone
If you’re thinking about skipping this crucial cleansing step, think again.
While toners were once deemed drying and unnecessary by dermatologists (they commonly used alcohol), they’re now considered essential to balancing skin’s pH level.
Along with removing dirt and oil missed by your cleanser, toner provides moisture so your other skincare products can be fully absorbed. Look for ones that deliver nourishing nutrients. For example, rosemary, which is found in the Aromatic Rosemary Refresh Toner by Peach & Lily ($21), is loaded with skin healthy benefits. Along with being antibacterial and antimicrobial, it’s full of antioxidants. It also has drawing properties, making it excellent at cleaning out congested pores.
If you’re looking to avoid chemical exfoliants (AHAs and BHAs), some toners have exfoliating enzymes. Search for ingredients like Terminalia Ferdinandiana Extract Fruit. Not only does it help diminish the look of lines and wrinkles, but it dissolves build-up so your complexion is brighter and more even.
Microneedling
Trust- it's not painful like it sounds.
In fact, microneedling is a great way to promote a youthful and glowing face. The handheld device works by creating tiny punctures in the top layer of the epidermis, which encourages collagen production.
A good way to think of it is by comparing the practice to strength training at the gym. When we lift, we’re breaking down muscle fibers so that they grow back stronger. Similarly, Microneedling on a regular basis rejuvenates the skin by promoting cellular turnover. Over time (experts suggest 4 to 6 weeks) this produces plumper skin.
You can have the treatment done by a dermatologist or try a milder (but still effective) at-home version by purchasing a derma roller ($19.99).
Check Your Lifestyle
All the serums in the world won’t do boo if you’re not taking care of yourself. Everything, from eating too much processed food (causes inflammation) to chronic stress has been shown to negatively influence hormone production, and hormones directly impact the quality of skin.
Although it can be challenging to overhaul your lifestyle, making simple changes can go a long way in keeping your epidermis in check. In an interview for Women’s Health Magazine, Dr. Cynthia A. Stuenkel, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine suggests incorporating healthy acts into your daily routine. Having a whole diet, regular exercise, and even practicing mindfulness through yoga can help relax nerves and lower the stress produced hormone cortisol. “These are the simple, proven basics that merit repeating,” she says.
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