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How do I get Rid of Clogged Pores?

B. Miller
B. Miller

There are many ways to get rid of clogged pores, such as washing the face with an exfoliating face wash in the morning and evening, applying a deep cleansing mask once or twice a week, and applying moisturizer designed to help clear the pores. Getting regular facials at a spa can also help to get rid of clogged pores. In addition, if a certain product for the face, such as makeup, appears to be causing blemishes or skin troubles, you should stop using it.

Developing a regular skin care routine is the best way to get rid of clogged pores. You should be certain to wash your face morning and night with a cleanser that is gentle enough to not irritate your skin, but strong enough to remove dirt and makeup from the face, which can lead to blemishes. Exfoliating cleansers are especially good choices for cleansing the pores and preventing blemishes; you may choose to use a gentle cleanser in the morning and an exfoliating cleanser at night, if it is too harsh on the skin to use twice a day.

Using an exfoliating face wash, deep cleansing mask, and moisturizer can help unclog pores.
Using an exfoliating face wash, deep cleansing mask, and moisturizer can help unclog pores.

Aside from regular twice daily cleansing, deep cleansing treatments can help to clear clogged pores as well. Face masks or deep exfoliating scrubs can be purchased in stores or made using ingredients found around the house, and these can be used weekly for a deeper clean. Facials at a spa can also help to clean out clogged pores, though these can get expensive if they are done on a regular basis.

Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.

Some people use tools such as pore extractors to remove dirt and oil from clogged pores, though experts are divided on whether these are a good idea or not. Regardless, you should never squeeze a pore or blemish with the fingers; this can force the oil deeper into the pore, causing the blemish to become worse and potentially leading to scarring. It is best to leave a blemish alone, and if it is absolutely necessary to squeeze it, place a tissue around the fingertips first.

Metal loop extractors are sometimes used on clogged pores.
Metal loop extractors are sometimes used on clogged pores.

Other products, such as moisturizer and astringent toner, can help to clear clogged pores as well. Toner is applied after washing the face and before moisturizer, and helps to dry up oil on the face; it can be quite drying, however, so it should only be used if necessary. Some moisturizers contain acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to clear existing blemishes and prevent clogged pores in the future.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

Clogged pores are my sister's and my nightmare. We have tried most of the store brands out there and have not really seen too much of a difference. The more expensive brands seem to be better at cleaning pores and making pores smaller, but we are both students and can't afford to buy them all the time.

Instead we make our own skin care products at home! I mix sugar, honey and some yogurt for my own sugar scrub. As a toner we use a mixture of water and lemon juice. Rose water is a really good mild toner too.

My sister learned about the aspirin mask online and told me the recipe. We crush tablet aspirin and put some water in it. You can add a bit of olive oil or honey in it to make it more mild. Aspirin has salicylic acid, so it removes clogged pores and tightens them too. It's also good for acne.

fify

I like using exfoliating scrubs 2-3 times a week ( I have really oily skin) to keep clogged pores at bay. You can use a scrub after a hot bath or after a steam bath for your face. It's really easy, just put boiled water in a large container, cover with a towel and put your face underneath. The steam makes the pores open up so that the dirt and oil washes away when you use the scrub.

I'm a bit lazy to do the steam bath, so I just use the scrub as the last step during a shower. When I get out, I use a toner and then a light moisturizer.

Scrubs are fun and there is so many different kinds. Some of them smell so good and they have tiny beads in them. I feel like I just had a facial. It's a really clean and fresh feeling.

serenesurface

Oh I didn't know that it is bad to squeeze pores. I do it all the time! It feel like it is cleaning it because I can see the oils that I removed. I'm going to try not to do it again, now that I know what it does.

What about pore strips? Is it bad to use those as well? I used to just use nose strips for blackheads on my nose. But then I also purchased strips for my chin, cheeks and forehead where I also have blackheads and clogged pores. I am happy with the dirt and oil it removes, but it is very harsh on my skin. Especially my cheeks hurt a lot when I'm removing the strips and look red for some time.

Is there another method to treat clogged pores like pore strips, but is more gentle?

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    • Using an exfoliating face wash, deep cleansing mask, and moisturizer can help unclog pores.
      By: picsfive
      Using an exfoliating face wash, deep cleansing mask, and moisturizer can help unclog pores.
    • Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
      By: kubais
      Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
    • Metal loop extractors are sometimes used on clogged pores.
      By: ampyang
      Metal loop extractors are sometimes used on clogged pores.
    • A acne-prone person should use a moisturizer that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
      By: badmanproduction
      A acne-prone person should use a moisturizer that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
    • Washing one's face twice a day with warm water and a gentle cleanser can help remove dirt and make-up that may clog pores.
      By: naka
      Washing one's face twice a day with warm water and a gentle cleanser can help remove dirt and make-up that may clog pores.
    • Those with acne should never squeeze a pore or blemish with the fingers.
      By: F.C.G.
      Those with acne should never squeeze a pore or blemish with the fingers.