Clogged pores and blemishes are common, especially during the teenage years.
It occurs when hair follicles, which are small openings in the skin, become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Hormonal Havoc
When you hit puberty, your body starts producing more hormones, such as testosterone. These hormones can make your oil glands go into overdrive, producing more oil than necessary. This excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, leading to clogged pores.
Sticky Situation
Your skin has tiny hair follicles, and each of these follicles has a gland that produces oil called sebum. Sometimes, the cells lining these follicles shed more than usual and clump together with the sebum. This sticky combination can block the follicle, another way to clog the pores.
Bacterial Battle
We all have bacteria on our skin, including one called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes for short). Normally, P. acnes isn’t a big problem, but when your follicles are clogged, it can multiply rapidly and cause inflammation. This inflammation can lead to spots or blemishes on the skin.
Culprit Cosmetics
Some skincare and cosmetic products contain ingredients that can clog your pores or irritate your skin. It’s important to choose products labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog your pores.
Everyone’s skin is different, so what causes an issue for one person may not be the same for another. It’s important to take care of your skin by keeping it clean, using gentle products, and avoiding excessive touching or picking at your skin.
