When you think of clogs, your mind may wander to drains and sinks but — while faulty plumbing may be alarming — we think there’s an even more distressing location for blockage: your clogged pores. These tiny orifices on your skin can attract all types of debris, prompting the question: How do you clean your pores? If you’re ready to decongest and eliminate buildup, here’s our guide to achieving clear pores on your face once and for all.

What Are Clogged Pores? | Symptoms | 3 Methods To Avoid | How To Decongest Pores | Collection

What are Congested pores?

Clogged pores are small openings in your skin, each corresponding to a hair follicle. They can occur at any age, but the likelihood of them occuring depends on several factors. These become clogged when a combination of dead skin cells, oil and external impurities like pollution accumulate in them. This can lead to various forms of acne: Blackheads form in open pores filled with a mix of oil, dirt and dead skin cells, which appear black due to oxidation. While commonly found on the face, particularly the nose, blackheads can also occur on the back, chest, neck and arms. Whiteheads, on the other hand, develop in closed pores clogged with similar substances. They appear as white or light-colored bumps and often accompany other acne types like blackheads, papules and pustules. Recognizing these symptoms is key to identifying and addressing skin congestion. Keep reading to find out what symptoms might indicate congestion.

What Are The Symptoms Of Congestion?

Oily, Shiny Appearance (Excess Oil)

An oily, shiny appearance due to excess oil is often the most obvious indicator of congested skin. This happens when the skin's sebaceous glands produce too much oil, or sebum, giving the skin a greasy look. Several factors can contribute to this, such as hormonal fluctuations, dietary choices or improper skin care.

Distressed Or Dull Appearance

Congested skin often lacks a healthy glow and appears lifeless or tired. This can result from poor circulation or a buildup of dead skin cells and impurities on the skin's surface, which hinders light reflection and gives the skin a dull look.

Rough, Bumpy, Uneven Texture

When skin is congested, it can feel coarse or uneven to the touch. This often results from a buildup of dead skin cells that can make the skin's surface rough and bumpy.

Enlarged, Flattened Pores

Congestion can make your pores look larger and more visible, as the accumulation of oil and debris can stretch the pores. Additionally, this buildup might cause the pores to appear flattened because of the internal pressure.

Blemishes

When pores are clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, it often leads to skin issues like blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Blemishes, a common symptom of skin congestion, can result in inflammation and noticeable breakouts.

Uneven Skin Tone with Dark Spots (PIH) & Redness (PIE)

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) refers to dark spots that form after a blemish heals. On the other hand, post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) involves redness or pink marks. Both are common in congested skin and result from inflammation and the skin's healing process.

Each of these symptoms indicates an imbalance in the skin's natural processes and may require targeted skin care treatments to address the underlying causes and restore your skin's health. Before we discuss product recommendations to decongest clogged pores, here are three methods you should avoid at all costs as they will only worsen clogged pores. 

3 Methods To avoid When You Clean Your Pores

Here are several popular DIY techniques that cause more harm than good:

1. Pore Strips

When you suffer from clogged pores, you might be tempted to use pore strips, which are strips of material with an adhesive designed to pull out skin cells and blockages. However, many beauty experts advise against these products for blackheads. Dermatologist Jennifer Herrmann, MD tells Byrdie, "I'm always wary of pore strips because while they may be fun, you risk damaging the skin and thus making your pores bigger." Herrmann explains that despite good marketing, most aren't effective enough to "clean" pores.

These sticky strips can irritate your skin and lead to inflammation, especially if you have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. While they may remove some surface debris, they could also worsen the problem by causing dirt and impurities to settle deeper into the pores. Additionally, the superficial action of pore strips means they not only remove dead skin cells but also perfectly healthy ones.

2. Baking Soda

Using baking soda to clear pores has gained popularity, but it often falls short in effectively removing pore buildup. Applying baking soda to your skin often leads to irritation and can strip the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it dry, itchy or more vulnerable to environmental stressors.

3. Lemon

Lemon is another ingredient that can irritate your skin because of its acidity. While some people use lemon to dry out breakouts and unclog pores, it often results in irritation, dryness and even increased sun damage. Clearly, unclogging your pores calls for safer and more skin-friendly methods. Let's now explore some effective techniques.

How to Decongest Clogged pores

• Exfoliate: Regularly remove dead skin cells through exfoliation. This process helps prevent the buildup of these cells which can clog pores. Choose a gentle exfoliator that's appropriate for your skin type to avoid irritation.
• Detoxify And Clarify: Use products that help detoxify and clarify your skin. Look for ingredients like activated charcoal, clay or certain acids that are known to draw out impurities and clear the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
• Balance: Incorporate products that absorb excess oil and keep the skin looking balanced and less oily. Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide or tea tree oil can help give the skin a more balanced complexion. 
• Professional Treatments & Extractions: Consider booking an appointment at your nearest Eminence Organic Skin Care spa for deep pore cleansing. Pore-decongesting professional treatments often involve the use of steam and desincrustation gels, making extractions more effective.
• Maintain With Home Care: To prevent future congestion, it's important to maintain a consistent home care regimen. Use products suited to your skin type and condition to keep pores clear between professional treatments. Regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing with products designed for pore health can go a long way in maintaining clear skin.

In addition to these tips, we have several products that can aid in decongesting clogged pores. In particular, our Charcoal & Black Seed Collection is designed to visibly transform clogged and congested pores with naturally potent charcoal and black seed. Keep reading to find out which products you should add to your routine.