What causes comedones (clogged pores) and how to treat them?
If you're frustrated every time you touch your face and feel like there's something under your skin, you might be dealing with clogged pores and acne. Wouldn't it be better to know how to prevent and treat them effectively for faster and better results? Today, we'll introduce you to clogged pores, a problem almost everyone faces at some point. Regardless of the cause, we'll show you how to identify different types of clogged pores—whiteheads, blackheads, and those without a head—and how to treat them for clearer, smoother skin!
What are comedones?
What are clogged pores? Clogged pores (comedones) are...AcneThis occurs when pores become clogged, causing the upper layer of skin cells, or the stratum corneum, to shed slowly or abnormally. This abnormal shedding prevents the oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the pores from flowing out, resulting in hard lumps or what are known as "clogged pores" or "acne."
Sometimes clogged pores can be confused with...สิวผด Both clogged pores and acne milia are similar in that they appear as small bumps that frequently appear in the same areas, such as the forehead. They can be easily distinguished: acne milia tend to appear more in the afternoons and evenings and disappear by morning because they are often associated with allergies to pollution, dust, and the external environment. This is different from clogged pores, which persist regardless of the time of day.
Clogged pores can occur anywhere on the face with pores, such as the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and jawline. Treatment involves avoiding the causes and factors that trigger skin blockage, such as improper cleansing and skincare, picking at pimples, consuming starchy and sugary foods or dairy products, and the misuse of medications like steroids.
What causes clogged pores/acne?
Let's explore the causes of clogged pores and acne, some of which are quite common in our daily lives. Let's take a look at what they are.
- Skin that lacks moisturizer becomes weak, dry, and dehydrated.
- Frequently consuming foods high in fat and sugar.
- Consume food and drinks made from cow's milk.
- Abnormal skin cell turnover can lead to clogged pores and excess oil production from the sebaceous glands.
- The sebaceous glands produce excessive oil on the skin.
- Touching or rubbing your face throughout the day can cause bacteria to clog your pores.
- The problem of having excessively high levels of male hormones can occur in both men and women.
- Using skincare products, including cosmetics, that easily clog pores.
Clogged pores come in various forms.
We've already learned what clogged pores are and what triggers this type of acne. But another important aspect of clogged pores is understanding the different types, how they differ, and how to deal with them if they occur. Let's find out together.
Whitehead comedones
Whitehead comedones are small, skin-colored bumps that don't yet have a visible head. They are also called closed comedones. Whiteheads are caused by bacteria clogging the pores, leading to the formation of this type of clogged pore. While whiteheads can occur anywhere on the face, they are most common on the cheeks and forehead. However, these comedones can develop into...Inflammatory acneThese can appear in the future, but there are ways to prevent them, such as by squeezing them out, and applying acne-dissolving cream to make extraction easier.
Blackhead comedones
Blackheads, or open comedones, are more easily noticeable than closed comedones. These comedones appear as a visible black head on the skin. They result from blockages within the pores, which, over time, are exposed to air and react, forming a blackhead. Although easily visible, blackheads can be detrimental to the skin if left untreated, potentially leading to enlarged pores.
Microcomedones (acne without a head)
Microcomedones are a type of clogged pore where dirt and impurities accumulate and become blocked beneath the skin's surface, failing to push to the surface. This results in a raised, red bump without a visible head. Microcomedones can be caused by blockages from dirt, dust, air pollution, sweat, cosmetics, smoking, and accumulated stress.
How to treat clogged pores/acne.
Nowadays, there are many ways to treat clogged pores, depending on the specific acne problem you're facing. Today, Romrawin will share some effective methods for treating clogged pores that we believe anyone struggling with acne will love. Let's take a look at what these effective methods for treating clogged pores are.
Squeeze out clogged pores
Extracting clogged pores is a very popular method for treating them. This method involves using a special tool to gently press and remove the pore-clogging part. Blackheads can be extracted immediately, but whiteheads may require slightly opening the pore with a needle before using the tool to extract them. This method helps reduce swelling and breaks the cycle of future acne breakouts.
Regardless, squeezing clogged pores is only a temporary solution, and doing it frequently is not recommended as it can leave acne scars requiring further treatment.
Use medication to treat clogged pores.
Another method is to use medication to treat clogged pores. This method should be under the supervision of a doctor; you should not self-medicate. Generally, medication for clogged pores is combined with manual extraction. Examples of medications commonly recommended by doctors for treating clogged pores include benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and salicylic acid.
Laser
Laser treatment for acne is another effective method for treating clogged pores. It helps reduce and treat clogged pores efficiently. The laser used for this treatment is a CO2 laser, which is suitable for clogged pores that haven't improved with topical medications. This acne treatment should only be performed by a specialist doctor, as the doctor will assess the skin condition and acne problem to determine the most appropriate treatment.
5 common areas where clogged pores and acne often occur.
If you feel like you're touching clogged pores everywhere, stop! Because touching like this might be the cause. Let's take a look at 5 common areas where clogged pores tend to form, and how each area differs, as follows:
1. Clogged pores on the cheeks.
Clogged pores on the cheeks are a common problem, often caused by everyday habits such as unwashed pillowcases, dirty hair, mobile phones, makeup sponges, and frequently touching the face with hands.
2. Clogged pores on the forehead.
Many people are sure to be frustrated with clogged pores in this area, as it's a prominent spot where clogged pores are immediately noticeable. These pores can be caused by accumulated dirt, stress, lack of sleep, hormonal imbalances, or excess oil buildup in the T-zone, leading to blockages.
3. Clogged pores on the chin.
Clogged pores on the chin can be caused by dirt, stress, insufficient sleep, and abnormal hormone levels, which are common in women. This includes hormone changes during menstruation, the use of birth control pills, and abnormally high levels of androgens that stimulate excessive sebum production, leading to clogged pores and inflammation.
4. Clogged pores on the nose.
Clogged pores on the nose are not only caused by excessive accumulation of dirt, but they are also most often due to abnormalities in the sebaceous glands, which produce too much oil in the T-zone, leading to clogged pores. Additionally, they can result from abnormal skin cell turnover, where dead skin cells clog the pores, causing clogged pores and leading to acne.
5. Clogged pores on the back.
Although not everyone who faces problems goes on to succeed.สิวที่หลัง However, it's undeniable that clogged pores on the back are a bothersome problem for many people. They are caused by the accumulation of dirt and bacteria in the pores, leading to clogged pores. Unlike regular back acne, back acne doesn't have a visible head; instead, there are small bumps that feel like raised nodules to the touch on the back.
You can prevent clogged pores and acne by doing the following:
Given the choice, no one wants clogged pores on their face, right? Today, Romrawin has some great tips to help prevent clogged pores, which are as follows:
- Perform a double cleansing routine to revitalize your face: first, use a cleansing wipe, then thoroughly cleanse with a cleanser, whether liquid soap or foam, daily.
- Always get enough sleep and rest.
- Nourish your skin with moisturizer regularly every day to strengthen the skin barrier, keep your skin hydrated, and prevent dehydration.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands throughout the day.
- You should not pick, scratch, press, or squeeze clogged pores yourself, as this may cause inflammation or leave dark or red marks.
- Choose products that contain ingredients that help exfoliate the skin, such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, LHA, etc.
- Avoid consuming foods and drinks that are high in fat and sugar, as well as dairy products.
- If you start noticing an increasing number of clogged pores, it's recommended to consult a doctor to assess your skin condition and problems so you can receive appropriate treatment.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about clogged pores.
1. Can clogged pores be treated at home?
Treating clogged pores promptly can help prevent future skin problems such as inflammatory acne, acne scars, and acne pits, which are more difficult and time-consuming to treat than clogged pores themselves. Basic skin care can be done as follows:
Regular facial cleansing in the morning and evening, or after activities that cause excessive oil production such as exercise, is essential. Thoroughly remove all makeup, avoid harsh scrubbing or frequent exfoliation, and refrain from trying new creams or cosmetics unnecessarily, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. If you experience any allergic reaction or clogged pores from any cosmetic product, discontinue use immediately.
The key to effective self-treatment for clogged pores is choosing skincare products suitable for your skin type. Focus on oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas. Also, avoid touching your face unnecessarily throughout the day and refrain from picking or squeezing pimples.
Choose an acne medication that dissolves clogged pores. Carefully study the usage instructions and side effects. With this, you can get rid of those clogged pores and clear skin problems.
2. Does squeezing clogged pores make pimples disappear faster?
The belief that squeezing clogged pores makes acne disappear faster is a misconception. In fact, squeezing clogged pores can worsen them, turning them into inflamed acne because it opens the pores and the pus is squeezed out. This also allows germs and bacteria from the outside to accumulate, leading to inflammation. Besides inflamed acne, it can also cause other skin problems in the future, such as dark spots and redness, requiring further treatment. So, if you're still squeezing clogged pores, please avoid it.
3. If I don't squeeze the clogged pores, will they go away?
While not squeezing clogged pores may reduce the chances of inflammation or scarring, some types of clogged pores require incision and must be performed by a specialist. It's possible to let clogged pores heal on their own, especially for those with strong skin. However, leaving clogged pores untreated for too long can lead to inflammation.
4. What should I do if I have clogged pores that have become inflamed?
If you have clogged pores and then suddenly develop inflamed acne, it's strongly advised against squeezing them. This will only worsen the inflammation and leave scars and dark marks. The solution is to use an acne patch to absorb the pus and dry out the pimple. Using this in conjunction with acne medication will help improve the inflammation and prevent further inflammation.
5. How long does it take to treat clogged pores?
The treatment time for clogged pores varies from person to person. Some may see results quickly, as little as a week or a month or more, while others may take longer. This depends on the severity of the clogged pores, the chosen treatment method, and the skin's response.
Treat clogged pores with the AC Clear program from Romrawin Clinic.
If you're currently struggling with clogged pores and are worried about how to treat them and get your skin back to its beautiful, radiant state, you can worry no more! Because this program... AC Clear From Romrawin Clinic: We're ready to help restore clear skin to those struggling with clogged pores, mask acne, and inflammatory acne. No matter what type of acne, AC Clear can handle it!
The AC Clear program at Romrawin Clinic is an acne treatment program with expert medical consultation. It includes skin assessment, assessment of acne problems, thorough extraction of clogged pores to reduce the root cause of inflammation, and acne injections to break the acne cycle. Furthermore, it includes P-Acne treatment and full-face laser therapy to kill acne bacteria and reduce dark spots and redness. For clear, acne-free skin, choose the AC Clear program at Romrawin Clinic.
refer
Kristeen Cherney. (September 29, 2018). What Is Comedonal Acne and How Is It Treated?.
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/comedonal-acne#causes-and-risk-factors
Angela Palmer. (March 02, 2023). Causes and Treatment of Closed Comedones
https://www.verywellhealth.com/closed-comedo-15712