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Key ingredients: salicylic acid (1.05%), lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, azelaic acid, rice powder, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes clogged pores?
TL;DR? Clogged pores are caused by excess sebum and dead skin cell build-up. “Overactive sebaceous (oil) glands can produce more sebum than necessary, which mixes with dead skin cells and other debris, leading to blockages,” explains Mamina Turegano, MD, a triple board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans. “When dead skin cells are not shed properly, they can accumulate within pores, contributing to clogging.” To build on that, without stimulating collagen production, “the supportive structure of the pore is compromised, allowing the pore to expand and fill even further, which is why you can see enlarged pores in older people with sun-damaged skin,” Dr. Turegano says.
But wait, there’s more. Sweat, dirt, and environmental pollutants can mix with sebum and dead skin cells, and makeup and skin-care products can trap oil and debris within your pores, adds Dr. Turegano. As you can imagine, proper cleansing—we’re big proponents of double cleansing—is of the utmost importance.
How do you treat clogged pores at home?
Take it from Dr. Turegano: “Treating clogged pores involves a combination of proper cleansing, exfoliation, targeted treatments, and hydration and sun protection.” Let’s break it down.
Cleansing
If it wasn’t already abundantly clear, “It’s very important to properly cleanse your face every day to remove all the oil, pollution, and dead skin cells,” confirms David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Lightsaver. Double cleansing is the surest way to go about this, especially to break down sunscreen (which you should be wearing, no matter what!) and makeup.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation, simply put, gets rid of pore-clogging dead skin cells. Both Dr. Turegano and Dr. Kim recommend chemical exfoliants, AHAs and BHAs, to clear pores on the surface and deep within. “Depending on the strength of the exfoliant and the person’s skin type, exfoliation can potentially be once a week to every day,” says Dr. Turegano.
Let’s go deeper. For oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Turegano recommends salicylic acid, “which penetrates deep into pores to dissolve oil and debris.” Dry or combination skin? “Glycolic acid exfoliates the excess skin debris and promotes cell turnover.” Sensitive skin? No problem. Try lactic acid, “a gentler exfoliant that hydrates while exfoliating” and may be derived from fruit enzymes (e.g. papain, bromelain), says Dr. Turegano.
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