What Causes Clogged Pores & How to Prevent Them

Clogged pores are one of the most common skin concerns — and one of the most misunderstood. Whether you get blackheads, whiteheads, or those small “little bumps” under the skin, congestion often starts from the same few causes. Understanding why pores clog is the key to preventing breakouts and keeping your skin clear, smooth, and healthy.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What Actually Clogs a Pore?

Your pores naturally produce sebum, an oil that keeps your skin moisturized and protected. Congestion happens when this oil mixes with:

• Dead skin cells

• Sweat

• Makeup

• Environmental debris

• Bacteria

When this mixture gets stuck inside the pore instead of releasing to the surface, it becomes a clog.

Depending on how deeply the clog sits, it can turn into:

• Blackheads (open comedones)

• Whiteheads (closed comedones)

• Inflamed pimples

• Under-the-skin bumps (congestion)

The 6 Most Common Causes of Clogged Pores

1. Not Cleaning Your Skin Properly

Skipping cleansing — especially at night — leaves oil, sunscreen, makeup, and pollutants sitting on your skin. These mix with sebum and block pores overnight.

Solution: Double cleanse at night, especially if you wear makeup.

2. Over-Exfoliating or Using Harsh Products

When the skin barrier is damaged, your skin becomes inflamed and produces more oil to protect itself. This extra oil + irritation = more congestion.

Solution: Exfoliate 2–3 times a week max with gentle, skin-safe acids.

3. Not Exfoliating Enough

On the flip side, if dead skin builds up, pores get blocked easily.

Solution: Use a chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA) consistently.

4. Using Comedogenic or Heavy Products

Some moisturizers, oils, and makeup ingredients are known pore-cloggers (even “clean” or “natural” ones).

Solution: Stick to non-comedogenic skincare and remove makeup thoroughly.

5. Hormones

Hormones increase sebum production, especially around the jawline and cheeks, which leads to deeper congestion.

Solution: Consistent skincare + regular professional facials help balance this.

6. Sweat + Heat + Friction

Working out, wearing hats, helmets, tight collars, or sleeping on dirty pillowcases can all push oil and bacteria deeper into pores.

Solution: Cleanse after sweating and avoid touching or rubbing the face.

How to Prevent Clogged Pores

1. Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine

You don’t need 15 steps — just the right ones:

• Cleanser

• Exfoliant

• Treatment serum

• Moisturizer

• SPF

2. Get Regular Professional Facials

Extractions performed safely by an esthetician:

✔ clear built-up congestion

✔ prevent future breakouts

✔ improve skin texture

✔ help products absorb better

A monthly facial keeps pores from becoming impacted again.

3. Avoid Heavy Oils If You’re Acne-Prone

Coconut oil, shea butter, and algae extracts are common pore-cloggers.

4. Use Products With Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid (BHA):

✔ clears pores

✔ dissolves oil

✔ reduces blackheads

✔ minimizes future clogs

5. Change Your Pillowcase Regularly

Oil, sweat, and bacteria from your hair transfer to skin.

6. Stay Hydrated + Moisturized

Dehydrated skin produces MORE oil to compensate, which leads to more clogs.

When to Book an Appointment?

If you’re noticing recurring congestion, blackheads that come back quickly, or small bumps that won’t go away no matter what you use at home, it’s time to see a professional.

At La Reina Aesthetics, treatments like the Clarifying Corrective Facial help remove buildup safely, reduce inflammation, and prevent future clogs. Regular monthly facials make the biggest difference in keeping pores clear long-term.