PSA: Ignoring your clogged pores can lead to breakouts.
Reader question: I have clogged pores around my mouth and chin, and my skin feels really tight.
Do you have any suggestions?
Photo: Getty Images
Jacki Pauley
I have some good news and bad news.
The good news: It hasn’t turned into acneyetso long as you clear up those blockages.
What Is Congested Skin?
What is congested skin, exactly?
The skin’s sebaceous glandsconstantly produce sebumto lubricate the skin.
It’s important to note that this is different from acne.
“Think of traffic congestion where vehicles clog the roadways.
While red blemishes tend to resolve, closed comedones just hang around.
The pore could remain blocked for a very long time unless you get a manual extraction.
What Causes Congested Skin?
There are many factors that contribute to congested skin.
If you have congested skin, you’ll probably notice general “bumpiness” and an overall dull appearance.
(This final stage is also known as a pustule, aka a good ol' zit.
)But how do you turn a papule into a pustulein other words,bring a pimple to head?
Solution: Apply a non-drying, anti-inflammatory spot treatment.
After this, you could apply a drying spot treatment to knock out any infection lingering inside the pore.
Blackheads
Fun fact, blackheads ARE technically a jot down of clogged pore.
This causes it to oxidize and turn black (or sometimes more of a grayish color).
Hence, a blackhead.
Solution: Using a chemical exfoliant is a great way to clear clogged pores.
“Think of it like a skin reset.
This will help pores stay as clean as possible.”
People commonly get them from greasy eye creams or smoking, which leads to under-circulated skin.
Solution: It’s very important not to squeeze milia on your own.
Instead, consult a cosmetic dermatologist or a qualified esthetician.
Once removed, milia usually won’t come back in that same pore.
You should also be looking out for the word “non-comedogenic” on your product labels.
Be consistent but gentle with your cleansing to prevent clogged pores from returning.
By that, I mean use a pH-balanced cleanser twice per day with lukewarm (not hot!)
Our top overall facial cleanser is La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane gentle hydrating formula.
Also, Three Ships Clarify Tea Tree + MCT Cleansing Oil is a great natural cleanser for acne.
Ciraldo adds that occasional at-home steaming sessions can work wonders.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind if you sense some skin issues coming on.
Drink Water
Be sure to drink a lot of water.
Staying hydrated has been linked to healthier skin.
Hydrogen water, for example, has been shown to have therapeutic antioxidant effects.
Wash Your Face
Regularly wash your face.
You should especially wash your face after sweating to rinse away any toxins that may arise as you sweat.
Oatmeal boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can combat congestion.
It’s been used as a home remedy for exfoliating the skin for years.
Change Your Diet
Making some dietary changes can help clear your skin, too.
You need it for your skin to stay clean, clear, elastic, and glowy.
On the other hand, you should avoid sugary foods, which can congest your skin more.
This causes higher serum glucose levels, which elevates your insulin levels, too.
And higher insulin levels causes a chain reaction that has ultimately been linked to acne.
can soothe irritation and reduce redness.
Its antibacterial properties can also prevent breakouts.Apple cider vinegar may also help (diluted with three parts water).
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