Blemishes are no fun, but they are an unfortunate skincare reality. While several external factors may cause breakouts, the issue typically boils down to one thing: clogged pores. Maintaining healthy skin can help create a brighter, smoother complexion and reduce the amount of blemishes, blackheads, and clogged pores. Here are a few ways to keep your pores clear and minimize breakouts.
Keep skin clean:
Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, environmental pollutants, and makeup. Exfoliating with a beta hydroxy acid such as salicylic acid helps flush out and purify clogged pores. A weekly clay masque can help pull impurities deep within pores for a soft, fresh, mattified appearance.
Use oil-free skincare products and makeup:
Avoid using heavy pore-clogging products such as thick creams and oils. Using water-based moisturizers are lighter and contain no heavy, oily ingredients. Oil-free cleansers, sunscreens, and serums typically use a water base to protect your skin without clogging pores.
Double cleanse before bed:
Clogged pores can result from excess makeup left on overnight; cleanse your skin thoroughly so that it can breathe while you sleep. Avoiding touching your face throughout the day can help prevent the transfer of bacteria and dirt to the skin, causing your pores to become clogged.
Exfoliate clogged pores:
Clogged pores result from dead skin cell buildup. Regular, gentle exfoliation can increase cell turnover and unclog pores—just be mindful not to overdo it, as excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin.
Breakouts can result from several factors—such as diet, genetics, hormones, and your environment—but they can be minimized if the correct skincare products and routines are in place. A diligent skincare regimen that keeps pores clear with a balancing cleanser, gentle exfoliant, Vitamin-rich serum and oil-free sunscreen, will get you on the path to healthy skin in no time.
