Why You Get Those Annoying Clogged Pore Bumps and How to Get Rid of Them

What's Causing Those Pesky Clogged Pore Bumps? A Complete Guide

Feeling down about those annoying little bumps that seem to crop up out of nowhere? You're not alone. Dealing with clogged pores and the bumpy texture they cause is one of the most common skincare woes.

While clogged pores can happen to anyone, they tend to plague those with oily and acne-prone skin the most. And they can show up anywhere from your nose and forehead to your back, chest and legs.

But don't fret - with the right tips and treatments, you can keep clogged pores and the unpleasant bumps they cause at bay. Read on to learn all about what causes clogged pores, how to prevent them, products to use and when to see a dermatologist.

What Are Clogged Pores?

Pores are tiny openings in your skin that contain a hair follicle and sebaceous gland which produces oil called sebum. This oil lubricates and protects the skin.

Clogged pores form when excess sebum, dead skin cells and other debris stick together and plug up the pore opening. This clog traps the oil, bacteria and gunk within the pore, causing it to swell up and look larger.

If the clog stays below the skin surface, it forms a whitehead. A blackhead happens when the clog is open to the air and oxidizes, turning black. The bumps of clogged pores can resemble acne, but are usually uniform small bumps rather than red pimples.

What Causes Clogged Pores?

A variety of factors can cause your pores to become congested and develop those pesky little bumps:

Excess Oil Production

Producing too much sebum is one of the main reasons pores get clogged. Those with oily and acneic skin are especially prone as their sebaceous glands are overactive.

Hormones

Hormonal changes during adolescence, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can overstimulate oil glands and lead to clogged pores.

Genetics

Some people are just genetically prone to enlarged pores and have more actively producing oil glands.

Medications

Certain medications like corticosteroids, lithium, anticonvulsants and others are linked to increased sebum production and clogged pores as a side effect.

Sun Exposure

Exposure to UV light can boost sebum production. It also thickens the outer skin layer causing dead cells to stick together and clog pores.

High Humidity

Humid environments can stimulate oil glands and make skin oilier, while also trapping sweat. This dampness encourages clogged pores.

Harsh Products

Frequently using products like scrubs, toners and astringents that strip the skin can make it overproduce oil and sebum, leading to congested pores.

Heavy Makeup

Not removing makeup properly at the end of the day leaves pore-clogging residue on skin and can cause bumpy congestion.

Buildup of Skin Cells

A buildup of dead skin cells and debris on the skin's surface can contribute to clogged pores.

Common Locations for Clogged Pores

Clogged pores and the bumpy texture they cause can pop up all over, but some areas are more prone:

Nose

The nose contains a high concentration of pores and sebaceous glands, making this area very susceptible to clogged pores and blackheads.

Forehead

Oily areas of the forehead and hairline frequently suffer clogged pores and bumps due to excess sebum production triggered by hairline sweat and oils.

Cheeks

The cheeks also contain many oil glands. Clogged pores here show up as small bumpy texture often called strawberry skin.

Chest

Congested pores often dot the oily chest area, especially in males. Tight clothing rubbing on the chest worsens the problem.

Back and Shoulders

The back and shoulders are prone to clogged pores and breakouts due to hairline oils, sweat, friction from clothing and inability to properly exfoliate the area.

How to Prevent Clogged Pores

Using the right skincare regimen and practices can help keep your pores clear of congestion:

Gentle Face Washing

Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Overwashing can stimulate more oil, while hot water expands pores.

Exfoliate Regularly

Use a mechanical exfoliant like a scrub or chemical exfoliant such as glycolic acid 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin and keep pores clear.

Clay Masks

Masks containing clay, charcoal or sulfur help draw out impurities from congested pores and reduce sebum.

Hydration

Drink plenty of water and use oil-free moisturizers to avoid dehydrated skin overproducing oil and sebum.

Reduce Skin Irritation

Avoid overly hot water, scrubbing and harsh products that damage your skin barrier and provoke more oil production.

Humidifier

Running a humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air and prevent excess sebum production.

OTC Retinoids

Using over-the-counter retinol or retinoid products can help keep pores clear of dead skin and debris.

Avoid Heavy Makeup

Choose oil-free, noncomedogenic makeup and be diligent about washing makeup off thoroughly before bedtime.

How to Treat Existing Clogged Pores

If you already have congested, bumpy skin, these methods can help clear it up:

BHA or Salicylic Acid

Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is oil soluble, able to get inside pores and dissolve clogs. It also removes dead skin cells. Use a BHA cleanser or treatment.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide kills acne bacteria to help clear pores and reduce bumps. It also mildly exfoliates.

Retinoid Creams or Gels

Retinoids like adapalene unplug pores by exfoliating inside the pore lining. They also reduce oil production.

AHA Exfoliants

Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic, mandelic and lactic acids dissolve the "glue" between dead skin cells to remove pore-clogging buildup.

Niacinamide

This active calms inflammation, balances sebum activity and minimizes enlarged pores.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil helps dry out congested pores and control acne-causing bacteria. Dilute before use.

Sulfur

Sulfur dries up excess oil production, removes dead skin and cleans out clogged pores.

Clay Masks

Masks with clay, charcoal and kaolin absorb oil and gunk from clogged pores to diminish their appearance.

Exfoliating Devices

Sonic cleansing brushes, silicone scrubbers and spinning face brushes help manually remove pore-clogging debris.

Extractions

Having a professional facialist perform extractions can remove hardened clogs from pores.

Shopping Guide for Products to Fix Clogged Pores

Here are some top products dermatologists recommend to bust clogged pores, reduce bumps and prevent new ones from forming:

Cleansers

• CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser - Contains salicylic acid to clear congested pores
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser - Purifying cleanser with salicylic and lipo hydroxy acids
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash - Uses salicylic acid to cut through oil and unclog pores
• CosRx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser - Gently cleanses without disrupting skin's moisture barrier

Exfoliants

• Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - Powerful salicylic acid formulation to open clogged pores
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA - AHA helps remove pore-clogging dead skin cells
• First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - Soaked in gentle glycolic and lactic acid exfoliants
• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Rice - Activated charcoal helps decongest pores

Acne Treatments

• Differin Adapalene Gel - Retinoid clears congested pores and prevents new ones
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment - Benzoyl peroxide clears pores plus lipo hydroxy acid exfoliation
• Humane Clarifying Gel - Uses bentonite clay to absorb oil and gunk from clogged pores
• Zyderm Acne Lotion - Contains bactericidal sulfur to heal congested skin

Masks

• Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay - Potent calcium bentonite clay draws out impurities from clogged pores
• Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub - Uses jojoba beads to physically scrub pores clean
• Garnier SkinActive Black Peel-Off Mask - Charcoal and black tea leaves extract gunk from congested pores
• OleHenriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Mask - Kaolin clay soaks up excess sebum

When to See a Dermatologist for Clogged Pores

While over-the-counter products can help clear mild clogged pores, some cases may need professional treatment:

• Severe or widespread congestion not improving with home care
• Deep, painful pimples forming due to clogged pores
• Cystic acne - hard, tender bumps deep under the skin
• Significant scarring or dark spots from long-term clogged pores and acne
• Swollen, red bumps and skin infection due to picking at pores

For more stubborn clogged pores, a dermatologist can offer treatments like:

• Prescription-strength retinoids
• In-office extractions for deep clogs
• Chemical peels to remove pore-clogging dead skin
• Cortisone injections for severe inflammatory acne
• Oral antibiotics if infection develops
• Isotretinoin for severe, nodular acne
• Photodynamic therapy using laser or blue light

See a dermatologist promptly if over-the-counter remedies cannot clear your clogged pores. Early treatment can help minimize scarring.

Clogged Pores Don't Stand a Chance

While annoying, those little bumps from clogged pores don't have to plague your complexion. Using the right gentle skincare products and techniques can keep your pores clear and prevent congestion.

If pesky clogged pores have already taken up residence, don't despair. Consistently using the right acne treatments containing ingredients like salicylic acid, retinoids and AHAs can evict those bumps and restore smooth, glowing skin.

Just be patient and persistent. With some time and TLC, you can show those clogged pores who's boss!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.