Clogged pores: causes and how to get rid of them

Humans have several hundred thousand pores in their skin. They are located wherever there is body hair. Through the pores, the body secretes sebum, which creates a thin film of oil on the skin and thus strengthens the natural skin protective barrier.  

In people with combination skin or with an oily skin type, the sebaceous glands are more pronounced. This can lead to an overproduction of sebum (seborrhea) and at the same time excessive cornification. The sebum mixes with dirt and makeup residues – clogged pores on your cheeks, nose or forehead are the result. 

Just like the causes of acne, there are several possible reasons for the development of blemishes and clogged pores: 

• Unhealthy diet 
• Stress 
• Medication 
• Genetic predisposition 
• Hormone changes or imbalances 
• Inappropriate skin care products (for example comedogenic products) 

Clogged pores or even extremely clogged pores are known as closed or open comedones. You can recognize the closed ones by their white color (hence the name whitehead), because the sebaceous gland secretion cannot escape to the outside. As a result, the typical, clearly visible pimples and pustules often appear. The open, clearly more harmless comedones, on the other hand, can be recognized as small dark spots in the skin (hence the name blackhead).  

In general, clogged pores can develop wherever there are pores in the skin. So, for example, clogged pores on the back may appear. 

Clogged pores on the face occur mainly in the rather oily T-zone. This area includes the forehead, nose, and chin. Since the skin here tends to be oily, clogged pores on the nose are not uncommon. Sebaceous glands are particularly numerous and voluminous here. The reason for this is that these areas are more exposed to weather conditions than the other facial zones. 

There are several ways to open clogged pores and prevent their recurrence. Among the methods of treatment of clogged pores are: 

1. Daily cleaning with suitable products: Daily facial cleansing is the basis for opening clogged pores. If you suffer from rather oily skin with clogged pores, you should use creams and skin care products that are non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic means that a product neither triggers nor promotes acne due to the composition of its ingredients. Pore-opening and cleansing ingredients ensure a clear complexion and act preventively against the development of new impurities. The DermoPure product line offers products that work against blemishes and pimples. The products tackle the main problems of blemished skin: 

• Microinflammation: the main cause of acne 
• Excessive sebum production (seborrhea) 
• Hyperkeratosis (a thickening of the outer layers of the skin) 
• Bacterial growth, which leads to visible inflammation 
  
  

The Eucerin DERMOPURE Cleansing Gel is a non-comedogenic face wash that clears away excess sebum and gently removes dirt and remnants of makeup. After cleansing, a toner helps prepare the skin for care. Eucerin DERMOPURE Toner has a formula with lactic acid, which unclogs pores. Following this, you should care for your skin with a soothing and mattifying moisturizer such as Eucerin DERMOPURE Mattifying Fluid. The fluid prevents excess sebum production and has an anti-shine effect. In addition, use a cleansing scrub once or twice a week to cleanse the skin in depth and open the pores. The DERMOPURE Scrub for example reduces impurities and blackheads.

Important: Avoid picking at clogged pores. In the worst case, this can lead to inflammation and pimple marks. 

2. Steam bath: A steam bath also effectively opens clogged pores so that dirt and debris can be released, and the skin's texture is refined and refreshed. A steam bath works especially well if you add skin-soothing chamomile flowers or a few drops of anti-inflammatory tea tree oil to the hot water. Simply hold your face over the steam bath for 10 minutes with a towel over your head at a distance of about 30 cm and cleanse well afterwards.  

3. Change clothes regularly for clogged pores on the body: For clogged pores on the back, you should make sure to wear breathable clothing (e. g. cotton) that fits loosely. In addition, the clothes that touch the skin should be changed daily. 

4. Diet: An unhealthy diet (lots of saturated fatty acids, white flour, and sugar) can have a negative effect on the appearance of the skin. Seborrhea triggered by poor nutrition can result in clogged pores and the development or aggravation of blemished skin and acne. Try to make sure you eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables as well as whole grains. The food should be as unprocessed as possible. 

5. Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle can have a positive effect on the skin. This includes as little stress as possible (e. g. through relaxation methods), sufficient sleep (about 7 to 8 hours) and, if possible, abstaining from alcohol and nicotine. You should also drink enough (about 2 liters a day). It is best to reach for water and unsweetened tea.