Excess sebum, hormonal fluctuations, pollution, or even inappropriate skincare products, numerous factors contribute to the clogging of pores. The facial cream that you use to moisturize your skin or to combat signs of aging can also explain this phenomenon. We provide some explanations on this matter.
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Can facial cream clog the pores?
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Published February 6, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
4 min read
Can facial cream clog pores?
Pores are openings present on the skin's surface that release sweat and sebum. In combination to oily skin types, they can dilate due to an overproduction of sebum to facilitate the elimination of this excess sebum. However, as part of the skin's natural renewal process, dead skin cells rise to the skin's upper layer, while new skin cells are regenerated below; but when the skin produces too much sebum, these dead cells, along with impurities, can stick to the walls of individual pores and clog them. Factors such as tobacco, excess sebum, pollution, or even the sun can also cause pore obstruction.
Sometimes, facial cream can also contribute to pore blockage. This typically happens if the cream being used is not suitable for the skin type. Therefore, before choosing a skincare product, it is necessary to identify the nature of your skin: oily, combination, dry, or normal. For instance, if you use a cream designed for dry skin on oily skin, the skin will end up with an excess of product on the surface, thereby promoting the accumulation of impurities and consequently, the blockage of pores. Similarly, apply the appropriate amount of cream to avoid clogging your pores with an excess of product that would remain on the skin's surface.
Furthermore, it is essential to take the time to cleanse the face before each skincare application to remove impurities on the skin's surface, as well as dead cells. Indeed, these impurities may embed deeply into the pores during the cream application if the skin is not cleaned beforehand.
Why exfoliate the skin?
To reduce pore dilation, it is necessary to eliminate excess sebum and dead cells found on the skin's surface. To do this, perform a skin exfoliation once a week. When using the exfoliant, take care to gently massage the skin. Too aggressive rubbing can cause damage or irritation, which may even prompt the skin to produce even more sebum.
To exfoliate your skin without causing harm, you can use the glycolic acid exfoliating serum. This treatment contains exfoliating and astringent active ingredients, and helps to combat enlarged pores and blackheads. Glycolic acid is used to remove dead cells on the skin's surface and stimulate cell renewal as well as the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. This serum also contains mastic tree extract, which helps to reduce the visibility of pores, fight against comedones, and prevent the appearance of blackheads. Meanwhile, the alpha bisabolol in the serum prevents skin irritations and inflammations. It is necessary to protect yourself from the sun while using this treatment and for the week following its application. It should not be combined with the salicylic acid serum or with the lactic acid serum.
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