On any given day, your skin is battling sweat, pollution, and pore-clogging face makeup. But if you have oily or acne-prone skin—which, as Craig Austin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, points out, more than half of women over 25 do —keeping your pores squeaky clean is especially hard work. Luckily, we are in the business of helping you cure your skin woes and have tapped board-certified dermatologists Tiffany J. Libby, Rachel Nazarian, Dr. Naana Boakye, and Craig Austin for their insights.
What Causes Clogged Pores?
Before treating your clogged pores, knowing what causes them is important. “Pore sizes and numbers vary largely by gender, locations on the body, and by ethnicities,” Dr. Libby explains. “Like many other traits, they are a result largely of genetics.”
Blackheads arise when there are clogs in your pores. “[It] is caused by obstruction of the pilosebaceous canal due to the shedding of the keratinocytes which clog the canal,” Dr. Boakye says. “This results in an increase in sebum production, inflammation, and increase in C. acnes. When sebum accumulates, a microcomedo is formed. There are two types of comedones—closed comedones (whiteheads) and open comedones (blackheads). Blackheads are not due to dirt as they are [instead caused by] oxidized melanin.” Oily skin types are more prone to experience blockages in their pores; however, every skin type is susceptible to clogged pores. Keep scrolling to learn about the best DIY, over-the-counter, and professional remedies for clogged pores.
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Cleanse with Baking Soda
Before heading to the pharmacy, check your kitchen for ingredients that may unblock clogged pores, such as baking soda. It turns out that the standard household ingredient makes for an easy deep pore cleanser meant to gently exfoliate, too.
For those with truly congested skin, try a DIY baking soda cleansing scrub. Follow these simple steps:
- First, mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water to make a paste.
- Scoop the mixture with your fingers and, using circular motions, gently massage the baking soda paste onto your face.
- Leave it on the skin to set for five to 10 minutes.
- Rinse clean.
Nazarian notes, however, that for many people, baking soda can be irritating to the skin. She recommends you “use conservatively and monitor for redness, itching, or signs of inflammation.”
To prevent drying and optimize the benefits of your face mask, make sure to follow up with a toner and moisturizer right away.
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Exfoliate with Lactic Acid
For clean pores, raid your fridge. When it comes to exfoliation, you have two main options: physical exfoliators (which we’ll get into a little later) or the chemical kind. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that may be gentler than other exfoliating agents, like citric acid. “It works by [dissolving] away debris from within the pores,” Libby says.
“I would recommend using Greek yogurt, which contains lactic acid enzymes to break up dead skin cells, and it may be more useful for improving clogged pores without the high risk [of irritation],” Nazarian advises.
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Deep Clean with Pore Strips
Back in the day, pore strips were the be-all and end-all for removing blackheads and buildup around the nose. These days, there are gentler and more effective ways to unclog the pores around the nostrils, but some have found success with strips and experience no irritation. Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, for example, are made with selective bonding agents that act as a magnet, locking into and lifting away dirt and buildup from deep down in your pores, according to the brand.
Once you’ve thoroughly cleansed your face and prepared your pores with at-home steam, you’re ready to remove the loosened dirt and debris. Follow the pore strip instructions for the best results, and avoid using them if you have sensitive or already irritated skin.
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Try a Mechanical Exfoliator
As we mentioned before, the power of exfoliation can never be overstated. It’s one of the simplest and most fundamental ways to unclog pores and keep them that way. That said, repeatedly disturbing the skin barrier may worsen any issues you are having. Make sure to keep exfoliation to just a few times a week to give your skin time to rebalance itself.
If you love using a physical exfoliator (also known as manual or mechanical) and your skin can handle it, at least opt for a less harsh tool, such as a brush or cloth, rather than a scrub if you have acne-prone skin. Gritty scrubs may actually spread bacteria, which is the exact opposite of what you want when unclogging pores.
And if your manual exfoliators aren’t cutting it, try the combination of a cleansing device with a chemical exfoliator. Grab your Conair True Glow Sonic Facial Beauty Kit and use it with an acid cleanser.
For those with sensitive skin, skip the physical exfoliants (which are known for being more abrasive) and stick with a gentler chemical exfoliant, as recommended by your dermatologist.2
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Apply a Bentonite Clay Mask
“Charcoal masks, while popular, do not have much evidence behind their efficacy in removing oil and debris,” Libby says. “I would recommend alternatives like masks with bentonite clay, which have shown success at absorbing oils. I love Cetaphil’s Purifying Clay Mask, which is formulated specifically for sensitive skin and uses bentonite clay and other moisturizing ingredients to effectively draw out excess oil while nourishing the skin at the same time.”
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Get an Extraction from a Professional
Visiting a clinic or spa for a facial is a great step to open up your pores. Once the pores are opened, your facialist will perform extractions. “Manual extraction is a physical modality to remove debris from pores, decongesting them and making them look smaller,” Libby says.
Austin says he recommends extractions for those prone to acne. “This is a great treatment,” he says. “Sometimes the extractions can be painful, but if you get regular extractions—once every five to eight weeks—you are helping to prevent breakouts.”
Libby adds, “I love this option and never pass up a facial, but I would recommend reserving this to the professionals and not trying this at home.”
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Try a Retinoid
If you haven’t jumped on the retinoid bandwagon yet, you might want to reconsider (if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding, that is). The powerful ingredient is commonly praised for its ability to fight signs of aging. “Retinoids [help] to stimulate collagen production, which in turn also tightens skin and minimizes pore appearance,” Libby says.
Nazarian recommends the use of retinoids, such as ProactivMD, which contains Adapalene 0.1%. Differin Gel is another option that has this same retinoid. “This ingredient decreases oil production, stimulates collagen, and also decreases surface dead skin cells, leading to smaller-appearing pores,” she says.
But like all powerful skincare ingredients, take caution when using retinoids. Nazarian explains: “If [retinoids] are overused, the oil gland activity can decrease too much, and skin can become too dry, so use sparingly. After a few weeks of use, the blackheads will typically pop out with gentle pressure. If they’re not budging, see your dermatologist to avoid damaging your tissue and creating scars.”
Also, because retinoids may make your skin more sensitive,3 be diligent about wearing sunscreen during the day. Talk to your dermatologist about trying a retinoid to see if it’s the right choice for your skin.
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Try a HydraFacial
HydraFacials are an in-office treatment worth looking into. This service involves using a vacuum-like wand that gently exfoliates your skin and suctions out the impurities from your pores. As this happens, the tool also bathes your skin in hydrating serums. The result? Refreshed, glowing skin. “A HydraFacial is one of our most popular treatments,” Austin says. “The only con: You will become extremely addicted, and your wallet may take a hit.”
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Use an AHA/BHA Exfoliant
Using an exfoliant with alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) will help clear up clogged pores. According to Libby, “AHAs/BHAs like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids will all help exfoliate and dissolve away dead skin cells and debris, minimizing the appearance of pores and preventing them from enlarging.” Using an exfoliant with these ingredients
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Ask About Prescription Medications
“Sometimes products or treatments can’t help unclog your pores. There are genetic and environmental components to acne,” Austin says. “I recommend visiting a board-certified dermatologist to educate you on expectations and prescription medications. A dermatologist can advise you on the best combination of prescriptions and over-the-counter products.”
The Final Takeaway
When it comes to unclogging pores, Dr. Boakye says, “Skin hygiene is very important.” Using skincare products with ingredients like retinoids, bentonite clay, AHAs, and BHAs can help you clear your pores at home. However, if you’re looking for professional treatment, consider visiting an esthetician for a standard facial (with extractions) or a Hydrafacial. Dr. Boakye also advises against “picking at the lesions and aggressively scrubbing the lesions.” Bottom line: If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be able to tackle any clogged pore that arises effortlessly.
FAQ
Is it OK to squeeze clogged pores?
Resist the temptation to squeeze your pores to pop a blackhead, says the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), as doing so could cause scars and infections.4 It is best to try the methods listed above or see a dermatologist who can safely do an extraction.
What does a clogged pore look like?
It can look several different ways, says the AAD. A clogged pore can look like a black spot, called a blackhead, or it can look like a white or skin-colored raised bump called a whitehead. A pimple or acne cyst, on the other hand, has more bacteria and inflammation inside of them and can have pus, redness, and swelling.
Can you shrink your pores?
Your pores may become enlarged if they become clogged with sebaceous material or bacteria. Using products like Retin-A and alpha-hydroxy acids may help reduce the appearance of pores. According to the AOCD, some people naturally have larger pores than others (thanks to genetics!) so you can’t “shrink” them beyond their original size.5 However, you can make them appear smaller using pore-minimizing makeup primers.
Does wearing makeup clog pores?
For those who have acne-prone skin, the AAD says that some foundations or concealers can clog pores and cause breakouts.6 Look for makeup that is listed as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” and make sure you always wash your face before bed.
