Plunge Those Pores!

How do you know if your products are clogging your pores, and what should you do?

Despite labels that say “clean” and “non-comedogenic,” your cosmetics and skincare may still have pore-clogging ingredients. This is because, well, product brands lie and aren’t held accountable for their marketing claims. We have many layers of dead skin, and if you are using pore-cloggers, you are slowly plugging your pores up and causing pimples to form deep under the skin’s surface. Once you get near your monthly cycle, get stressed, eat too much sugar, or countless other triggers strike, inflammation happens, and the pimples start coming. There’s a delay as the build-up occurs, so you might have trouble connecting your products to the problem. Just like we all thought flushing “flushable” wipes down the toilet was fine, it was until it wasn’t.

This is one reason picking your own products stresses skin experts out, especially if you have acne-prone skin. You may think you've found the right products for your skin, but you probably have yet to get there if you are still breaking out. Don't worry; here's a starting guide to clearing those pipes.

First, starve your acne of the icky ingredients, start monitoring your skin with a real regimen, and then add products that will reverse signs of acne and skin damage with this simple guide to better flow. 

Step 1: Make a list of everything you put on your face (including makeup) and in your hair (if you have acne along your hairline or neck). This process alone will demonstrate how many ingredients you put on your face. If a handful of those are pore-clogging, think of what you are doing to your poor pores! 

Step 2: It's time to declutter and liberate your skin. Throw out anything that is old, questionable, or expired. Also, toss or donate to a friend anything you just really don't like. The damage is done, you've already spent the money on it. Don't do more damage by continuing to use it on your skin. This step will give you a sense of control over your skincare journey. 

Step 3: Let's look at those ingredients! Seeking professional advice can be a game-changer. A professional eye will catch all that an untrained eye may miss, plus an expert can answer some of the questions the internet has left you with. If you are a current client, email your aesthetician or contact@skinmpls.com. If you are a new client, you can book a product reboot and fill out the intake form with ALL product and makeup. Your aesthetician will carefully research your products and come up with a game plan for you and your skin. This step will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed skincare decisions.

Step 4: Create a routine (cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, moisture, SPF) with the products that don't have pore-cloggers and put the other products in a bin. Better yet, give them to someone who doesn't have acne-prone skin. Depending on your budget, you can add products that will fill your gaps and make changes in your skin. Or, depending on your budget, timeline to get clear, and severity of acne, you can start focusing on just lifestyle changes for your acne and wait until you run out of the products you have.

Step 5: Be consistent. Wash your face twice a day every day and add products that will get you closer to clear skin. If you struggle with sticking with a routine, getting the right cleanser and moisturizer is the first step. Then, you can ease into more!