Why Does Oily Skin Still Get Clogged Pores
Oily skin produces a lot of natural oil, called sebum, from glands under the skin. This oil keeps skin soft and protected. But even with all that oil, pores can still get clogged. It happens when the oil mixes with other things and blocks the tiny openings in your skin.
Sebum comes from sebaceous glands, mostly in areas like the forehead, nose, and chin, known as the T-zone. These glands can get overactive from hormones, like during puberty or monthly cycles. When they make too much sebum, it sits on the skin surface. But sebum does not clog pores by itself. The problem starts when it blends with dead skin cells that naturally shed every day. This mix turns thick and sticky, trapping inside the pores.[1][2][4][5]
Bacteria also play a big role. A common type called Cutibacterium acnes lives on skin. In clogged pores, it grows fast and causes swelling, leading to pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. Oily skin gives bacteria plenty of food and a warm spot to thrive.[2][4][5]
Your habits can make it worse. Skipping moisturizer might seem smart for oily skin, but it tricks glands into making more oil. Over washing strips oils away, starting a cycle of extra shine and clogs. Heavy makeup or not cleaning it off right lets debris build up too.[1][2]
Outside factors add to the mess. Hot, humid weather ramps up oil. Sun damage weakens skin support, making pores look bigger and easier to clog. Even dry air from heaters can confuse skin into overproducing sebum.[1][2]
Genes set your base oil level and pore size. Some people just have larger pores from birth, no matter the oil. But for oily types, the combo of sebum, cells, bacteria, and daily life keeps pores packed.[1][6]
Sources
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/skin-types/how-to-understand-large-pores-and-oily-skin
https://trophyskin.com/blogs/blog/oily-skin-meaning-signs-causes-how-to-manage-shine
https://www.trulyliftedmedspa.com/oily-skin-sos-how-to-achieve-a-balanced-complexion-before-the-holidays
https://naturalimageskincenter.com/common-misconceptions-about-bacterial-acne-how-to-identify-it-correctly/
https://www.aboutskinderm.com/skincare-for-teens-tips-for-managing-acne-and-oily-skin/
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/oily-or-dry-skin-good-question/
