Is your face oil clogging your pores?

By Greta

The common causes of clogged pores include excessive oil secretion, lack of proper facial care, and slow metabolism of the keratin layer. Most of these problems arise from the fact that the sebaceous glands secrete a large amount of oil which accumulates in the pores, thereby causing blockage.When sebaceous glands secrete excessive sebum, the oil mixed with keratinocytes easily clogs pores, forming blackheads or whiteheads. Accumulated oil can enlarge pore openings, and repeated occurrences over a long period can lead to permanently enlarged pores. This is common in oily skin, during puberty, or periods of hormonal fluctuation (such as menstruation or high stress).


Why do clogged pores occur?

  1. Improper cleaning:

Using products with excessive cleaning power or inferior quality products for a long time, or failing to remove makeup thoroughly, may cause dirt and makeup residue to accumulate at the hair follicle openings, resulting in blockages. It is recommended to choose mild amino acid facial cleansers and limit daily facial cleansing to no more than 2 times. When removing makeup, use approved makeup removal products to ensure complete removal of dirt.

  1. Excessive oil secretion:

During adolescence, the sebaceous glands may become highly active, resulting in excessive oil production. This excess oil mixes with keratin to form plugs that clog the hair follicles. It is necessary to maintain a regular schedule and use cleansing products containing salicylic acid to help control oil production and unclog the follicles.

  1. Abnormal keratin metabolism:

Lack of vitamin A or skin aging may cause the keratin layer to thicken and the metabolism to slow down, with the hair follicle opening being covered by overly thick keratin. One should consume foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and corn, to promote normal keratin metabolism.

  1. Seborrheic Dermatitis:

Seborrheic dermatitis caused by fungal infection and hyperfunction of sebaceous glands usually presents with facial rashes, greasy desquamation, and blocked hair follicles. It is recommended that patients follow the doctor's advice and use drugs such as ketoconazole lotion, tacrolimus ointment, and hydrocortisone butyrate cream for treatment.

  1. Acne:

Acne caused by elevated androgen levels and the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes. It often presents symptoms such as blocked hair follicles, papules, and pustules. Patients can receive treatment by applying drugs like adapalene gel, sulfur ointment, and isotretinoin capsules under the guidance of a doctor.

How to unclog pores

  • Exfoliation: Use exfoliating products to help remove old dead skin and unclog clogged pores.
  • Thorough makeup removal: Remove makeup thoroughly before going to bed to avoid residue.
  • Clean skin: Use amino acid-based facial cleansers to remove old dead skin and makeup residue.
  • Hydrate and moisturize: Increase hydration to improve oil secretion and prevent pore clogging.
  • Remove blockages: Use extraction products to remove all the dirt inside the pores, effectively eliminating pore clogging.

People prone to clogged pores

  1. Teenagers:

During puberty, there is abundant sebum secretion. If not properly cleaned, the sebum mixed with dirt from the air can easily form blackheads and clog the pores.

  1. People with oily skin or combination skin:

These types of skin have excessive sebum secretion and are prone to clogged pores.

  1. People who do not remove makeup thoroughly:

Due to the long-term residue of cosmetics in the pores, the pores get clogged.