You already know that accumulated sebum and dirt will end up as a zit or blackhead and that touching your face often can lead to breakouts, but these habits are not the only culprits you have to watch out for. While we don’t want you to be paranoid, we reveal the other things that can also clog your pores. Read on to be vigilant!

Smog
Metro Manila’s air is polluted, and if you’re commuting, you can’t help but be paranoid of the carbon monoxide particles sitting on your pores (worse when they're mixed with sweat!) as you wait for your ride. Our tip: Wipe away sweat with a facial wipe or wash your face as soon as you get to your destination.

Dirty hair
Your tresses can transfer dirt to your face. Notice the zit on the sides of your face? It’s time to wash your hair, girl.

Your sunnies and eyeglasses
Who knows how many bacteria colonies are living on your glasses? Use an anti-bacterial wipe or a tissue soaked with alcohol to disinfect your frames.

Your moisturizer and sunblock
Using the wrong type of day or night cream can be too thick or rich for your skin. If you have oily to combination skin, gel formulas similar to Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (available at Greenbelt, Power Plant Mall, and SM Makati) are the best. Normal to dry skin will benefit more from cream formulas.

Hair products
See the red bumps on your hairline? Your frizz-fighting shampoo, conditioner, and serum are the culprits. Rinse your hair well after using conditioner, and keep the serum application on the ends of your hair to keep skin clear. Your hairspray can sit on your skin and block your pores, too, so cover your forehead while misting it on your ‘do.

Dead skin
Reap rewards by exfoliating your skin once a week. Every weekend, massage a gentle exfoliant like Cure Natural Aqua Gel (P1,000 at Beauty Bar branches) to reveal a post-facial glow.

Unclean sheets
Your pillowcase, bedsheet, and blanket is literally a hotbed of your body’s natural oils and dead skin, plus dust. If you don't use fresh sheets, you’ll be exposing your skin to all these elements the whole evening.

Makeup
Layers of makeup can, indeed, suffocate your pores—you must remove all traces of makeup before going to bed. We love using Bifesta Cleansing Lotion (available at Watsons) every night. It’s gentle on the skin but tough on makeup.

Waterproof makeup
Sure, you’re never hulas with your long-wearing face base, but imagine leaving it on for 24 hours—say hello to a dull and breakout-prone complexion. Before lathering with your favorite facial wash, remove waterproof makeup with a cleansing oil like the ones from Shu Uemura (available at Power Plant Mall, SM Makati, Alabang Town Center, and Rustan's branches). Massage it directly on the face and rinse with water.

PHOTO: Pixabay