Ananda Mahony
NaomiUnclog your complexion
October 13th 2008 05:08
Blocked pores, dull skin, uneven skin, blackheads and whiteheads...all signs of congested skin and often affecting not just teenagers, but adults too. Also knows as open comedomes, blackheads are literally tiny plugs in the opening of a follicle or pore on the skin. The pore plug is a combination of oils, sebum and dead skin cells. Open to the skin’s surface, the plug becomes darkened as it is exposed to oxygen. Whiteheads are closed at the skin’s surface, blocked by cellular debris but not exposed to oxygen so remain light in colour.
Blackheads, whiteheads and blocked pores are usually caused by a combination of factors. Excess skin oil, sebum and toxins that are expelled through the skin are often an underlying issue. In addition dead skin cells, pollution, occlusive make up and dirt also play a role by filling up pores already opened by sebum and oil production. Each factor will contribute to congestion in a different but significant way:
Skin Oil & Sebum: excess oil and sebum production by the skin will contribute to clogging pores and encourage the growth of skin bacteria. When combined with external factors such as dirt, blackheads easily form.
Toxic Congestion: blood and lymph supply the skin with nutrition. However, if the toxins that are produced in our bodies everyday are not eliminated properly, they are eliminated via the skin and can contribute to congestion as well as other issues such as acne and skin irritation.
Dead Skin Cells: Each 3 or 4 weeks the skin replenishes the skin cells. This natural process creates a layer of dead skin cells over the surface of the skin. If not removed, the dead skin cells create dull looking skin. The other thing that may happen is that the dead cells will plug the pores on your face and create congestion and blackheads. When combined with excessive sebum production, this can lead to the formation of white-heads and black heads.
Skin Care & Make Up: The key culprits in skin congestion are products that contain petrochemical based oils as they have an occulusive effect, stopping the skin from breathing and blocking pores. Talc, which is common in make up and finishing powder, also has this effect. Waxes and butters may also be an issue with skin prone to congestion. Make up is usually worn on a daily basis so it is essential to choose a make up that suits your skin type and doesn’t contribute to further congestion.
Pollution & Dirt: Building up on the surface of skin over the day, pollution is a factor in the formation of blackheads and blocked pores. The more polluted the area in which you live, the more skin pollution you are likely to experience. Effective skin cleansing is vital to clean the skin of daily dirt and grime...and a splash of water at the end of the day just doesn’t cut it. Dirt that is found on our face and other parts of the body can be a breeding ground for bacteria and combined with oily skin can make things even worse. Where does the dirt come from? Dirty hands are a key culprit and those already conscious of their skin tend to pick and rub their skin more than others, just making the problem worse.
In the next blog, I will look at how to manage clogged and congested skin effectively.
Blackheads, whiteheads and blocked pores are usually caused by a combination of factors. Excess skin oil, sebum and toxins that are expelled through the skin are often an underlying issue. In addition dead skin cells, pollution, occlusive make up and dirt also play a role by filling up pores already opened by sebum and oil production. Each factor will contribute to congestion in a different but significant way:
Skin Oil & Sebum: excess oil and sebum production by the skin will contribute to clogging pores and encourage the growth of skin bacteria. When combined with external factors such as dirt, blackheads easily form.
Toxic Congestion: blood and lymph supply the skin with nutrition. However, if the toxins that are produced in our bodies everyday are not eliminated properly, they are eliminated via the skin and can contribute to congestion as well as other issues such as acne and skin irritation.
Dead Skin Cells: Each 3 or 4 weeks the skin replenishes the skin cells. This natural process creates a layer of dead skin cells over the surface of the skin. If not removed, the dead skin cells create dull looking skin. The other thing that may happen is that the dead cells will plug the pores on your face and create congestion and blackheads. When combined with excessive sebum production, this can lead to the formation of white-heads and black heads.
Skin Care & Make Up: The key culprits in skin congestion are products that contain petrochemical based oils as they have an occulusive effect, stopping the skin from breathing and blocking pores. Talc, which is common in make up and finishing powder, also has this effect. Waxes and butters may also be an issue with skin prone to congestion. Make up is usually worn on a daily basis so it is essential to choose a make up that suits your skin type and doesn’t contribute to further congestion.
Pollution & Dirt: Building up on the surface of skin over the day, pollution is a factor in the formation of blackheads and blocked pores. The more polluted the area in which you live, the more skin pollution you are likely to experience. Effective skin cleansing is vital to clean the skin of daily dirt and grime...and a splash of water at the end of the day just doesn’t cut it. Dirt that is found on our face and other parts of the body can be a breeding ground for bacteria and combined with oily skin can make things even worse. Where does the dirt come from? Dirty hands are a key culprit and those already conscious of their skin tend to pick and rub their skin more than others, just making the problem worse.
In the next blog, I will look at how to manage clogged and congested skin effectively.
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Comment by Journeywoman
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Comment by Ananda Mahony
Natures Therapy
Thanks...it was something I struggled to control until I put into place some of these measures. Generally I find it is the rich creams that really clog my skin. I have drier skin so tended to use really heavy creams...once i worked out this was part of the problem, I changed to oils and lighter lotions and my skin hasn't looked back...Love it!
Yes keep up the exfoliation but no more than 2 or 3 times a week. If skin is exfoliated too often it becomes thicker and rough...a bit of a delicate balance is needed.
Ananda