7 Surprisingly Common Things That Could Clog Your Pores And Cause Acne
Expertise: Beauty, Health, & Wellness
Experience: 2 years
Indrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduatin... more
Image: Shutterstock
When you wake up on a special day only to find a huge budding pimple, you may ask, “why me?”, but you are not alone. Acne and breakouts rank among the most widespread skin conditions, affecting an estimated 90% of the population at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a wide variety of factors, some of which may be hiding in plain sight. So if you have been tormented by frequent breakouts and pimples and don’t know the cause yet, we are here to help. Read on to know some obvious yet oblivious things that block pores and cause acne.
1. Puppy Licks
You may have heard that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a human, but that is obviously not true. While a show of affection with your pet may appear harmless, the germs found in a dog’s mouth can actually make your acne worse. So if you have a pet who loves licking your face, make sure you wash your face and moisturize it right away.
2. Phone
To live without a phone in the present age is unthinkable, yet research has shown that phones harbor more germs than public toilet seats. When we repeatedly expose our skin to our phones, we increase the risk of developing acne and blocked pores.
3. Toothpaste
It’s not a good idea, despite popular belief, to use toothpaste to treat acne. Common toothpaste chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which is found in can aggravate your skin and lead to outbreaks if used often. Moreover, consider switching between different kinds of toothpastes if pimples are appearing on your chin or lips.
4. Hair Conditioner
Your hair conditioner may be to blame for the outbreak of furious pimples or bumps around your scalp, forehead or back. Checking the ingredient list is usually a good idea because many of the ingredients might be quite pore-clogging. One useful piece of advice is to wash your body and face after rinsing out the conditioner.
5. Sleep Deprivation
Our bodies repair and restore themselves when we sleep. Stress is only one of the many problems that can arise from not getting enough shut-eye. As a result, the skin becomes inflamed and produces more oil, which can cause blackheads and pimples.
6. Laundry Detergent
Detergent residue on clothing can irritate sensitive skin because it contains components that are too strong for some laundry detergents to remove. This happens when you slip on clothing or pat yourself dry with a towel, for instance. You may have triggered some new pimples on your forehead and body when you changed your laundry regimen.
7. Human Touch
It is possible to have a breakout from the oils in a human hand and the rubbing together on your skin. Your skin may get irritated and perhaps break out into more pimples if your partner has facial hair. It is best to not let people touch your face till you know you can clean your face afterward.
How To Clean Your Pores At Home
Home solutions for pore cleansing are far simpler and cheaper than you would think. If you’d rather avoid harsh chemicals, here are some home methods you can use to clean skin pores instead.
1. Oatmeal Mask
As a mild exfoliant, this one is ideal for your pores. One-half cup of cooked oats and one teaspoon of olive oil will do the trick here. After 15 minutes, wash it from your skin. You can also remove it all with a damp cloth and some icy water. This will not only clean your pores but also make you feel wonderful.
2. Honey And Eggs
You may clean your pores even if you have dry skin by combining one egg, one teaspoon of honey, and one teaspoon of olive oil. Combine the ingredients, then rub the mixture into your skin. Let it sit for around fifteen minutes before you remove it with water. It removes dirt and oil without irritating even the driest skin.
3. Avocado
The natural oils in this fruit are excellent for keeping you hydrated. Half of an avocado may be mashed and used as a facial mask. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse the avocado well after wiping it off with a moist towel.
4. Baking Soda
This common culinary staple has saved countless cosmetic formulas. Making a paste of baking soda with water or a gentle cleaner is all that’s required. Once the paste has been prepared, it can be used as a mild exfoliant. When you’re done exfoliating, give it a good rinse and marvel at your newly radiant skin.
5. Cornmeal
Cornmeal is probably not something you’ve used very often. Combine some water and cornmeal to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to your face and massage it gently. You may then wash it in cold water when it has dried. For oily or blemish-prone skin, this is a lifesaver.
So now that you know what causes breakouts and clogged pores and how to fight them effectively, nothing can stop you from flaunting gorgeous skin. So, which of these remedies have you used before? Let us know in the comments section!
Sources
- Acne Vulgaris, NCBI
- Cellular Telephone as Reservoir of Bacterial Contamination: Myth or Fact, NCBI
- Cytotoxicity of the Ingredients of Commonly Used Toothpastes and Mouthwashes on Human Gingival Fibroblasts, NCBI
