Large open pores are unsightly and happen when the skin is stretched out and the pores become blocked and enlarged. Clogged pores are caused by a build-up of oil, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Ahead are common skincare mistakes and lifestyle factors contributing to large clogged pores.
1. Always Cleanse Properly
Clogged enlarged pores are unsightly and happen when the skin is stretched out because the pores have become blocked by a build-up of oil, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells. It’s essential to wash your face morning and night to cleanse the debris that builds up on the skin throughout the day. Many beauty experts recommend doing a double cleanse to properly remove makeup, debris and dead skin cells otherwise the pores can get clogged making them appear larger. Start with an oil-based cleanser and follow with a water-based one for a heavy-duty clean.
2. Use Clean Gentle Cleansers
Never use harsh alcohol, fragrance, or chemical-based cleansers as they can strip your skin of its natural oils, sending it into overdrive and producing more oil to compensate. Excess oil is a main contributor to blocked pores, so use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser ideally infused with plant-based enzymes to gently exfoliate and cleanse the skin.
3. Don’t Over-Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells and clean out the pores. It’s best to limit exfoliation to 2-3 times per week otherwise you can irritate your skin and strip it of its natural oils leading to increased oil production. Steer clear of harsh physical scrubs and use more gentle active liquid exfoliants to avoid wounding the skin or creating micro-tears which leads to inflammation and skin sensitivity.
4. Never Sleep in Makeup
Sleeping with makeup on is a major skincare sin, as debris and bacteria can cause cosmetic particles to build up on the skin leading to breakouts and enlarged pores. Always remove your makeup thoroughly before bed to help your skin breathe and enhance its ability to repair and rejuvenate overnight.
5. Know Your Skin Type
Know your skin type and use products suited to its unique concerns otherwise, you can cause congestion and exacerbate skin issues. If you have oily skin, using heavy moisturizers can clog the pores and if your skin is dry or aged you need richer hydrating creams infused with anti-aging ingredients like antioxidants. It’s also important to replace products regularly as expired skincare becomes less effective and is a breeding ground for bacteria which can clog pores and cause congestion, acne, and increased sensitivity.
6. Don’t Skip Moisturizer
Moisturizer is the last and most important step in your skincare routine and you must always apply it regardless of your skin type. Skipping moisturizer dehydrates the skin, triggering it to produce excess oil which clogs and enlarges the pores. Use a clean, non-comedogenic moisturizer suited to your skin type; go for a lightweight oil-free product if you have oily skin.
7. Tread Lightly With Face Oils
Beauty experts advocate for adding a face oil to your daily skincare routine to boost hydration levels. Face oils and oil-based foundations and skincare products can settle on the skin and are difficult to absorb and this can cause congestion, clogged pores, and breakouts. Skip face oil or use it sparingly, a drop of oil in your moisturizer when you’re skin is particularly dry is enough.
8. Some Foods Clog the Skin
If your diet is high in sugar and dairy this can cause inflammation in the body, speeding up the aging process and oil production leading to clogged pores. Limit your sugar, dairy, and fat intake and eat more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3-rich fatty acid foods (healthy fats) like salmon, mackerel, and sardines for clearer, healthier, nourished skin.
9. Protect Against Dryness and Dehydration
When your body and skin are dehydrated this can cause your skin to speed up oil production to compensate leading to clogged pores. Drink 2.7 liters of water daily to keep the skin hydrated and help flush out toxins. Applying topical moisturizers and hydrating serums also boosts hydration levels.
10. Stop Applying Foundation with Dirty Tools
Makeup sponges and brushes are breeding grounds for bacteria and also absorb oil and cosmetic products. When you apply foundation with dirty applicators you transfer bacteria, oil, dirt, and old makeup onto your skin, clogging pores and causing breakouts. Clean your sponges and brushes regularly to remove debris and consider applying foundation with your fingertips. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly first and use an oil-free foundation if large pores are an issue.
11. Leave Your Face Alone
Avoid touching your face and never pick your skin or squeeze blemishes as this can cause scarring and make enlarged pores more noticeable. When you touch your face you transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your skin which can lead to clogged pores.
12. Apply Chemical-Free Sunscreen
It’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays by applying SPF 30 daily regardless of the weather. Sun damage can speed up premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer, however, always use organic or mineral sunscreen as many contain fragrances and toxic chemicals like oxybenzone which is carcinogenic (cancer-causing), and can irritate the skin, cause allergic reactions, and clog the pores
13. Wash Your Pillowcases
Your pillowcases, sheets, and towels all accumulate oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells which can transfer to your skin when you sleep or shower and clog the pores. Wash your bedding regularly and change your pillowcase twice a week to keep your skin clean and healthy. Sleeping on a silk pillowslip is also better and more hygienic for your skin.
14. Steam Your Skin
Steaming your face opens up the pores to help the skin remove trapped dirt, oil, and debris. Incorporate facial steaming into your daily beauty routine and have regular facials and extractions if you have enlarged pores, blackheads and congested skin.
15. Lower Stress Levels
When you are stressed, it causes inflammation and dehydration in the body causing your skin to produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Incorporate calming, relaxing, stress-busting practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress and keep your skin healthy, clear and youthful.