Wondering what causes your pores to become clogged? We have the answers for you, plus easy skincare tips to prevent clogged pores. But before we get to the most common causes of clogged pores, it’s helpful to understand exactly what the stuff inside your pores is. We know, it’s kinda gross. But it will help you understand what’s responsible for your clogged pores—and get it under control.
What is the gunk in your pores?
According to dermatologists, the gunk inside your pores is primarily a mixture of oil, dead skin cells, and outside debris. Here’s what happens: when sebum mixes with dead skin cells and debris, it forms a sticky semi-solid mixture—and that gunk is what plugs up the lining of your pores.
“A clogged pore is caused by increased sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt—stuff from the outside world,” dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, Associate Clinical Professor at Yale University, tells Women’s Health Magazine.
Most common causes of clogged pores
Excess sebum: Sebum (the oily substance that’s produced by your sebaceous glands) actually plays an important role in keeping your skin healthy. It hydrates your skin, and it creates a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture and guard against pollution and bacteria. If your sebaceous glands don’t produce enough sebum, your skin can end up dry, flaky and itchy. But if they produce too much, it increases your risk of clogged pores.
Dead skin cells: You skin cells shed around every 28 days as part of your skin’s natural renewal process. But if dead skin cells don’t shed efficiently—and build up on your skin’s surface—it increases the chance they’ll mix with sebum and end up clogging your pores.
Dirt and debris: When we say “dirt” we’re not referring to the dirt you’d find in a garden—we’re talking about the environmental pollution and debris that ends up on your face every day. Many airborne environmental pollutants (like dust or particulate matter) are small enough to penetrate your pores and get trapped there.
Pore-clogging makeup: Makeup can clog your pores, especially if you’re not removing it properly every day. Heavy or oily formulas can settle into your pores and become part of that pore-clogging “sticky mixture” of sebum and dead skin.
Pore-clogging skincare products: Thick, heavy, oil-based creams can clog pores—especially if you have oily skin. These creams form an “occlusive” layer on skin that traps in moisture. That’s good news if you have dry skin, but if you have oily skin, that layer will just end up trapping in excess oil and leading to (you guessed it) clogged pores.
Sweat: Sweat has the potential to clog pores, especially if you’re sweating underneath a layer of sunscreen or makeup. Sweat gets trapped on your skin, mixes with the oil and debris that’s already there, and increases your risk for clogs.
How to prevent clogged pores
Cleanse properly: Always wash your face with a gentle cleanser after you work out, and double cleanse every night to thoroughly remove makeup and daily environmental pollution.
Exfoliate regularly: “Dead skin plus oil is a recipe for breakouts and clogged pores, so regularly removing dead skin cells helps reduce that risk.” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning gently removes dead skin cells and helps to prevent clogged pores. (As a bonus, sonic dermaplaning also removes peach fuzz and improves your skin texture.)
Never squeeze clogged pores: That will just push gunk deeper into your pores, leading to potential acne and inflammation. Use a device like DERMAPORE+ instead, which uses ultrasonic vibration to gently loosen and extract gunk.
Control excess oil: A gentle toner with salicylic acid helps to balance excess oil production. In addition, it helps dissolve the sticky mixture of sebum and dead cells that are blocking your pores. Botanical Ketoacid Toner contains a gentle blend of salicylic acid, lactic and malic acids, and natural floral acids from the hibiscus flower—and it’s safe for even the most sensitive skin.
