Clogged pores: a phrase that can make anyone pause and inspect their skin a little closer. But have you ever wondered if age plays a role in this pesky skin problem? Sure, we all know about teenage acne, but what about later in life? Is it a problem that fades with time or does it evolve taking different forms as we grow older? Let’s uncover the complex relationship between age, skin type, and the best approaches to keep your skin clear and healthy without clogged pores, no matter what your age.
Why do we have blocked resources? | What causes resource changes?
Why do we have blocked resources?
Your pores play an important role in regulating your skin’s moisture balance, but when they mix with dead skin and dirt, it can cause trouble. Not sure what clogged pores look like? They can manifest as congestion on your skin, in the form of annoying blackheads, whiteheads and other symptoms such as:
- Excess oil: An oily or shiny appearance, often more noticeable in certain areas such as the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), often goes hand in hand with pore congestion.
- Whiteheads: These are small, raised, white bumps on the surface of the skin, resulting from clogged pores with sebum and dead skin cells.
- Black Spots: Similar to whiteheads, this form of congestion appears dark due to oxidation of debris within the pore.
- Appearance of Dull Skin: Congested skin often loses its natural glow, appearing dull and tired. This can be linked to prolonged dead skin.
- Expanded resources: Pores may appear larger due to oil and debris build-up.
- Rough, Irregular texture: The skin surface may feel uneven and rough to the touch, indicating underlying congestion.
Now that you are familiar with what clogged pores are, you may be wondering if you can get them at any age.
What causes resource changes?
The likelihood that you will have blocked resources will depend on several factors:
Aging
As your skin matures, a natural part of the aging process is the depletion of collagen levels. This decrease in collagen can cause the skin to lose its firmness and firmness, which in turn can lead to enlarged pores. Enlarged pores are more prone to becoming clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells, which can lead to clogged pores.
Acne
According DermNet, acne is related to clogging of enlarged pores “through the weakening of the openings of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, making them more prone to clogging.” This blockage can also include bacteria, leading to acne spots or blemishes, or it can be the result of overproduction of oil, a build-up of dead skin cells, and the body’s inflammatory response.
Neglecting your skin care
Inadequate cleansing, such as not washing your face properly or often enough, can lead to a build-up of oil, makeup and dirt, causing clogged pores. On the other hand, over-washing or using harsh cleansers is another cause for concern, as these approaches can strip away natural oils and lead to increased sebum production, increasing the chance of developing clogged pores.
Genetics: You have an oily skin type
Genetic predisposition plays a role in skin type and characteristics. Those with naturally oily skin are more prone to excessive sebum production and consequently clogged pores. In fact, if oily skin runs in your family, you may find yourself more prone to issues related to excess oil, such as whiteheads, blackheads, and enlarged pores.
Overproduction of sebum
Sebum, the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands, is essential for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. But, when produced in excess, it can lead to a greasy look and feel. Additionally, when excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells or dirt, pores often end up blocked and blocked. Skipping makeup removal before bed? This is practically an open invitation for blocked resources. Leaving makeup on too long traps sebum and dead skin on your skin, preventing their natural elimination process and leading to unwanted breakouts.
Neglecting to exfoliate regularly can allow dead skin cells to build up and clog your pores. Ideally, the skin’s natural shedding process involves removing dead skin cells from the surface. However, if these cells are allowed to accumulate on the surface of the skin and inside the pores, they mix with sebum and other substances to form blockages.
Hormonal fluctuations
You may have noticed that at different times, your skin seems to behave differently. Often, this is linked to hormonal changes that occur alongside puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. During these periods, your body experiences changes in hormone levels, which can lead to an increase in sebum production, which as previously mentioned, is a key factor in the development of clogged pores.
External Pollutants
Daily exposure to dirt, grime and makeup can contribute to clogged pores. These external pollutants build up on the skin, mix with sebum and dead skin cells and further aggravate pore blockage.
Stress
Although it may not seem obvious, the connection between stress and clogged pores, especially acne, is well documented. A study by Archives of Dermatology observed a direct correlation between stress levels and acne severity. During certain periods, your body experiences changes in hormone levels, which can lead to increased sebum production. As mentioned earlier, this increased sebum production is a key factor in the development of clogged pores.
Whether you’re in your teens and 20s, or in your 50s and beyond, it’s helpful to consider these factors when pinpointing the cause of a sudden outbreak of clogged pores. Dealing with clogged pores is a bit like solving a puzzle — it’s different for everyone and changes over time. If you want to dive deeper and discover effective methods to unclog your resources, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to unclog blocked resources. There, you’ll find detailed skin care strategies and tips for maintaining clear, healthy skin.
You can also visit your local Eminence Organics Spa partner to receive a personalized and professional routine to help with your clogged pores or other skin concerns.
