Layman alert; there are two types of pores: ones that arise around sweat glands and those that come from hair follicles. And let’s not mess about, it’s the latter, visible guys that we talk about when we discuss clogged pores. These pores produce an oily substance called sebum, a complex mixture of fatty acids, triglycerides and proteins that’s delivered to the surface of the skin to keep it smooth and moisturised. These can become blocked, leaving a more pronounced appearance.
Sorry to dive into the deep end like that, but clearer skin isn’t easy. But with the help of Oriflame, it could be; here are 6 IDEAL tips for beating clogged pores.
CLEANSE, WITHOUT OVER-CLEANSING
Cleansing is a huge part of any skincare regime. This is the part where we remove the daily dirt in order to prepare the skin for further products. For those who experience clogged pores regularly, facial cleansing is particularly important to rid excess sebum and limit any potential build-up. Despite this, harsher cleansers often strip away the moisture at the skin’s surface, causing the skin to compensate and produce excess sebum. You can prevent this and still protect the skin barrier by using a more gentle cleanser.
EXFOLIATE
Whilst cleansing can help to remove dead or excess skin cells from the skin’s surface, exfoliating once or twice a week is an extremely effective way of removing those that are more persistent. What’s more, exfoliation naturally reduces the accumulation of dead surface cells as it helps to stimulate the skin’s own renewal process.
When it comes to choosing an exfoliator, there are a number of options available. Exfoliators can be physical such as hydrated silica or almond shell granules which scrub away dead skin cells, or chemical such as lactic or glycolic acid which break down the bonds between outer skin cells and promote the exfoliation of the duller skin layers, letting the renewed surface shine through.
MASK IT
Masks are ideal to introduce into your skincare routine for additional support in the fight against clogged pores and oily skin. In particular, clay masks containing Kaolin and Charcoal help to absorb excess sebum if necessary. As with exfoliation, applying 1-2 times a week delivers optimal results.
KEEP EXCESS SEBUM UNDER CONTROL
To keep sebum levels balanced throughout the day, keep a light textured product on hand to both moisturise and mattify the skin. Look for ingredients such as Tapioca Starch which is perfect for striking that harmony.
Don’t be afraid to hydrate the skin. Leaving it un-moisturised can provoke excess sebum production and counteract what you are trying to achieve.
ALWAYS BE MINDFUL OF YOUR SKIN TYPE
Unfortunately, there isnone-size-fits-allll product for the skin. Everyone is different and beautifully unique; you have to use the ones that are right for you. If you find yourself prone to excess sebum and clogged pores, make sure to look for skincare products that are non-comedogenic – that is to say, formulated to avoid blocking pores. If you have oily skin for example, look for lighter textured products, that contain minimal or no oils at all.
INGREDIENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Listed below are some of the top ingredients to look out for. Be mindful that they can take around 24 hours to have an effect:
- BHA (Salicylic acid)
- AHAs (Glycolic acid, Lactic acid)
- Physical exfoliants (e.g. almond shell powder, hydrated silica etc.)
- Clays (Kaolin)
- Mattifying ingredients (e.g. Tapioca starch, Distarch phosphate etc.)
