When your pores go from low-key to congested really quick, it’s not chaos – it’s chemistry. Let’s fix it.
If your pores seem to have a mind of their own – seeming to fill up with dirt, oil, or those tiny black dots that just won’t budge – you’re not alone. Clogged pores and blackheads are two of the most common skin concerns. The good news? Understanding what’s going on beneath the surface makes all the difference.
Your skin is always in renewal mode –every month or so, it naturally sheds older cells so fresh, new ones can surface.1
This process, known as epidermal turnover, gradually increases with age and sometimes dead skin cells stay on the surface of the skin. When these dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum) build up they can block your pores and blackheads may appear.1
Blackheads are acne lesions, known as open comedones, meaning the pore remains open at the surface. When oxygen hits this trapped mix, it oxidises – turning into those tiny dark dots we call blackheads.2 Blackheads are mild acne that generally appear on the face, chest, neck and back, as well as the shoulders and arms.2
Washing your face morning and night helps keep excess oil and debris from building up.
Chemical or manual exfoliation can boost cell turnover and stop those dead skin cells from hanging around too long.3
Even if you have acne-prone skin, a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser keeps your skin barrier balanced.
Clear skin doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency is key.
Over-exfoliating or washing your face too much can dry out the skin, leading to irritation.
It’s satisfying for five seconds, but it can push bacteria deeper and cause scarring.4
Mixing too many actives can irritate your skin (and make those clogged pores angrier).
If you haven’t met yet, Azelaic Acid is a clinically proven, multitasking compound that helps reduce the bacteria involved in acne and helps unclog pores. Azelaic acid helps exfoliate dead skin cells and normalise the keratinisation process in the skin, which can help prevent the formation of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. 5
Unlike harsher ingredients that can strip or sting, Azelaic Acid is gentle enough for most skin types. It works quietly but effectively – helping keep pores clear and texture smoother over time. 6
Formulated with Azelaic Acid 20%, Azclear Action Medicated Lotion is a therapeutic product for the treatment of mild to moderate acne (both inflamed and non-inflamed). It helps reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and assists in unblocking oil ducts – without the irritation that some other acne treatments can cause. 7,8
By supporting normal skin cell turnover within the follicle, Azelaic Acid can help reduce the accumulation of keratin that contributes to pore blockage and the formation of non-inflamed lesions such as blackheads. This makes it suitable for individuals experiencing congestion-prone or comedonal acne.
If you’re new to Azelaic Acid, a little patience goes a long way. The key is to apply it to the affected clean, dry skin both morning and night – and allow it to fully absorb before layering anything else. Less really is more.
Blackheads and clogged pores might be annoying, but they’re manageable – especially when you know what’s behind them. Keep your routine simple, consistent, and backed by science.
With the right approach (and the right formula), you can say goodbye to pore congestion and hello to smoother, more balanced skin.
Azclear Action Medicated Lotion: Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
If this treatment isn’t working for you, speak to your GP or doctor for further advice.
Azclear Action Foaming Wash, for the control of pimples and acne.