What Causes Clogged Pores in Oily Skin?

Your skin contains millions of tiny holes called pores. These pores allow sweat and oils to pass through the skin from the glands below the surface. When pores become clogged with dirt and debris, they grow inflamed or infected. The bacteria will cause acne to form, which can be embarrassing. Clogged pores may also lead to skin irritation and inflammation.

The best way to get rid of clogged pores is by keeping your skin as clean as possible. Proper hygiene will help get rid of harmful bacteria and debris. Create a daily beauty routine to maintain the health of your skin. Complement your skincare activities with regular treatments from Beauty Med. Your diligent efforts will keep the skin clean and clear.

In addition, extremely clogged pores occur due to small bad habits in your everyday life. You can improve your skin health by avoiding these activities and making the necessary lifestyle adjustments. Let's learn about what causes clogged pores:

1. Touching your face causes clogged pores.

No matter how often you wash your hands, they are always in contact with bacteria, chemicals, sweat, and other dirt. When you touch your face, you transfer this grime to your skin and increase the chances of blocking your pores. While frequent hand washing is always advisable for good hygiene, not touching your face will prevent acne and clogged pores.

2. Makeup may cause clogged pores.

Wearing makeup while you sleep is very unhealthy for your pores. Makeup can clog your skin's surface. Plus, it doesn't allow your skin to sweat and release oils properly. Makeup makes your face slightly sticky, attracting bacteria that irritate your skin and cause it to become inflamed. 

Be sure to wash your face every night before bed to remove all traces of makeup. Doing so prevents breakouts and keeps your pores unclogged.

3. Some skincare products cause clogged pores.

Beyond makeup, numerous skincare products may aggravate your pores. Be careful about the products you use on your face. Certain ingredients used in cosmetics, cleansers, and lotions may block pores. Other components may be too harsh for your skin and disrupt its natural balance.

4. Unhealthy foods cause clogged pores.

The foods we eat play a crucial role in the health of our body, including our skin. A diet filled with greasy fast food can change the chemical balance in your body, leading to acne breakouts. Some foods that cause clogged pores include pastries, chips, fries, white rice, and white bread.

5. Not exfoliating causes clogged pores.

Exfoliating your skin helps to remove the dead surface layers of the epidermis. Microscopic dead skin cells can clog your pores, causing acne and irritation. An exfoliation routine revitalizes your skin and keeps your pores from becoming blocked.

Regular chemical peels come with exfoliation benefits that will clear away clogged pores. Complement these treatments with an exfoliation scrub or brush that you can use at home.

6. Sweating causes clogged pores.

Working up a good sweat can be great for your body and skin. However, excess sweat can clog pores, leading to severe skin issues. After a trip to the gym, wash your face thoroughly. You want to remove all traces of sweat from your strenuous workout. 

7. Excess stress can cause clogged pores.

Think about the last time you were stressed. Your heart rate was up, your breathing was rapid, and you were likely sweating. This excess sweat might cause your pores to clog. 

Stress also plays a role in hormone production. When your hormones are in disarray, your skin can suffer. Try to reduce the amount of stress you have in your life by reserving some time for self-care. 

8. Pollution impurities cause clogged pores.

Unfortunately, smog and pollution fill our environment. These particles are in the air around us, gradually building upon our skin. To keep your skin as clean as possible, wash your face every night when you get home. Consider spending less time outdoors when the air quality is poor.

9. Sleeping on dirty sheets causes clogged pores.

Your sheets and pillowcases are a breeding ground for dead skin, oils, sweat, and bacteria. Sleeping on dirty sheets can cause these things to irritate your skin, leading to extremely clogged pores. To keep your skin as healthy as possible, wash your bedding once a week.

10. Talking on your phone may cause clogged pores.

Your cell phone is probably one of the dirtiest items that you own. It goes everywhere with you, including the bathroom. As such, the device has exposure to unsanitary surfaces. When you make a call, your phone rests against your face, transferring this dirt to your skin. To prevent this, use speakerphone whenever possible and disinfect your phone frequently.