Unlock Clear Skin: Top Pore-Clogging Culprits to Avoid for a Blemish -Free Complexion.
- Rebecca Knubley
- May 22, 2024
- 6 min read
If you or someone you know is struggling with constant breakouts and feeling overwhelmed by what to do next, you’re in the right place. I’ve been there too. For years, I battled with my skin, starting in my late teens. While I was fortunate not to suffer from severe or cystic acne, my skin was certainly problematic and reactive. My issues ranged from being acne-prone to dealing with clogged pores, blackheads, milia, oiliness, and inflammation. With over 10 years of experience as a skin therapist, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs when it comes to managing my skin.
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered effective strategies that have helped me, and I hope they can provide some guidance and support for your own skincare journey.
Finding the Right Skincare Routine
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of using skincare products tailored specifically to your skin type. Consulting with a qualified esthetician or dermatologist is essential. For those with acne-prone skin, it’s particularly crucial to seek out professionals trained in dealing with acne, as not every skin clinic or doctor is knowledgeable about pore-clogging ingredients. Factors such as diet, gut health, and even the ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner can affect your skin.
The Pitfalls of Conventional Treatments
A common mistake is going to a general doctor for acne treatment. Often, the immediate solution is to prescribe antibiotics, Accutane, doxycycline, or birth control pills. While these treatments might offer temporary relief, they are not without side effects and can have long-term impacts on your body. Antibiotics, for example, do not discriminate between good and bad bacteria, potentially causing digestive issues, a weakened immune system, and other health problems. It can take up to two years for your body to recover its balance of good bacteria after antibiotic use, making it crucial to support your gut health with probiotics during and after treatment.
Addressing the Root Cause
The ultimate goal for acne-prone skin—and any skin condition, such as eczema or perioral dermatitis—is to address the root cause and heal from the inside out. While many people think acne is caused by external bacteria, the reality is that internal factors play a significant role. Understanding this can help you make informed decisions about your skincare and overall health.
To maintain healthy skin, it is important to practice patience, be kind to yourself, and take a holistic approach to skincare.
Treatments for Acne prone skin
LIKES
Lymphatic Drainage massage, essential for detoxing the lymph nodes, can prevent the lymph system from getting congested which will cause acne
Skin Needling, this is amazing for clogged pores, acne scarring and the prvention of acne. However, it is essential to be done by a specialist because if done wrong it can make your skin worse, and cause pigmentation.
Hydrafacial - Platinum if you can as it involves lymphatic drainage, the perfect hydrating and cleansing treatment. there are studies completed investigating this treatment with acne and the results are nothing but great.
L.E.D light therapy is the easiest and pain-free!! The red light - regeneration and Blue light - bacteria will transform your skin. BUT the machine you use must be clinically proven and start at 800nm (nanometers) to do anything.
DISLIKES
Over-exfoliation will aggravate the skin's natural barrier
Derma-planning is another great treatment in clinics to give you a youthful glow. However it cannot be performed on active acne, and it removes your microbiome which is so important for the skin barrier and protecting against bacteria and diseases.
Anything with coconut oil, any oil that is thicker than our natural oil will clog the pores and cause breakouts for acne-prone skin.
Anything with too much heat, for example, a lava shell massage or hot stone massage on the face is a no-no for acne-prone skin.
Dermabrasion, containing aggressive crystals, although a very popular treatment in the industry I believe can cause too much abrasion to the skin's surface and aggravate acne. However, this is great for acne scarring.
Extractions, that do not include pore-clogging ingredient-free products after the treatment, If you have extraction and your therapists apply products that will clog your pores the hard work and pain you went through is pointless.
Tip #1 - Dietary Triggers
Consider Your Diet and Gut Health: Pay attention to your diet and gut health, as these can significantly impact your skin. Dietary triggers are huge to understand if you suffer from acne-prone skin. Find out if you have any intolerances. for me, it's gluten/dairy/coffee.
Hormonal acne - Hormone disrupters contain growth factors and a high amount of testosterone that cause acne, for example, Dairy + whey protein can aggravate acne.
Eggs - Contain Albumin which is a protein found in egg whites - this is hard for our bodies to break down and can cause breakouts for people. they also contain hormones which are disrupters for our own hormonal balance. There are sooo many studies on the Egg and Acne Connection!
Tip #2 - Supplements
EFA'S - Essential fatty acids + A Hormonal Acne Supplement, these will help support skin barrier function and reduce skin inflammation and sensitivities.
I highly advise getting blood work done with a doctor to see if you are deficient in vitamins etc. Vitamin D, Zinc, and B12 are all very important of course but in excess are the worst for acne, they spike testosterone and will make acne so much worse. Defiantly get some blood work. Adopt a Holistic Approach: Address internal factors, such as stress and hormonal imbalances, which can affect your skin.
Tip #3 - Pore-Clogging Ingredients
Consult a Specialist: Seek advice from a qualified esthetician or dermatologist who specializes in your skin concerns. Tailor Your Skincare Routine: Use products that are specifically designed for your skin type and condition.
Look into what you are putting into your skin with your Makeup, Skincare, Hair-care, laundry liquids, etc. Clean/ vegan/cruelty-free/paraffin-free etc are all very positive things to look for of course but it does not mean they are "Acne-Safe" Even "Non-comedogenic" is a very important label to see on products if you are acne-prone, however, I have even found acne clogging ingredients in them. Look into my favourite checklist with Clearstem... https://clearstem.com/pages/pore-clogging-ingredients-list#ingredients-list
It will save your life. I wondered why I kept getting lip pimples and lo and behold all but ONE of my lip products had pore-clogging ingredients. Which is very sad for me because I LOVE lip gloss etc. So I just have to find ones that will suit my skin type.
Tip #4 - Bacteria
I'll mention external bacteria as we have touched on internal. You need to be washing your makeup brushes and Pillowcases at least once a week. And if you are using a facecloth or flannel, get rid. I switched to CleanSkinClub towels about 1 year ago and it changed everything, You use once and throw away, they are sourced naturally and theres no chemicals, germ or bacteria spread! And check your expiry dates on all makeup and skin/body care if it's expired throw it out! not only will the active ingredients be dead there could be bacteria inside.
It's SkinCancer awareness month! Here is my top 3 AcneSafe SPF Tints -
Not only is SPf crucial to your daily skincare routine it can help prevent acne as UV radiation can aggravate acne and breakouts. Using SPF will prevent redness and inflammation, uneven skin tone and of course AGEING - 80% of ageing is caused by sun damage which means 80% of ageing is preventable! Duh. It's important to look for non-comedogenic SPF that is mineral with at least factor 30.
My top 3 affordable AcneSafe Tinted SPF (Pore-Clogging Checker Cleared) ;
Heliocare - 360 Beige color oil-free gel SPF 50
Supergoop - Protec(tint) daily skin tint SPF 50
La Roche Posay - Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Tinted Fluid SPF 50+
Helpful Websites & Resources
USE THIS: CLEARSTEM - https://clearstem.com/pages/pore-clogging-ingredients-list
USE THESE: https://cleanskinclub.com/en-gb
LISTEN TO THIS: https://thepursuitofwellness.com/podcast/ PURSUIT OF WELLNESS podcast EP.# 90 - ACNE DEEP DIVE
EAT THIS: Flaxseeds - FIBRE (Omega 3 + Omega 6 fatty acids) it will reduce inflammation in the skin.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anything!
xoxo
Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. All information shared is based on personal experiences and insights. I am a certified Massage Therapist, Esthetician and cosmetologist. I do not claim to be a medical professional, or a specialist in food and diet such as a Nutritionist, the content should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical guidance. There is no sponsership or paid advertising in this blog. The author holds no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.
Thank you for your understanding.
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