Use salicylic acid. To get the gunk out of your pores, you need the best gunk buster around—salicylic acid. "Gentile exfoliating cleansers of the salicylic acid variant are great because salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that cuts through sebum and breaks it down," says Dr.
Salicylic acid is the best pore cleanser because it is a beta hydroxy acid that can penetrate deep down into the pores to loosen and dissolve the built-up sebum, dead skin cells, and other impurities.
"Exfoliants help to get rid of dead skin cells which helps to reduce clogged pores. Retinoids can also help to unclog the pores by regulating skin cell turnover and preventing clogged pores," says Garshick.
Niacinamide, salicylic acid and retinol all help shrink pores. They will always be visible but these ingredients temporarily shrink them by exfoliation and collagen production, niacinamide helps with sebum production.
“I recommend a clogged pores treatment that contains salicylic, glycolic or lactic acids for treating blocked pores,” says aesthetician Shane Cooper. “All of these acids are good at removing dead skin cells and increasing cell renewal, which cleanses your pores in the process,” he adds.
Salicylic acid is the best choice to unclog pores or treat acne eruptions out of all facial acids.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation is important for minimizing pores, especially on acne-prone skin, by removing dead cells and reducing bacteria buildup. Exfoliating products with ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, and azelaic acids can help clear pores and reduce inflammation.
Clogged pores can be the result of your glands producing too much oil. More oil on your skin increases the risk of clogged pores. But lots of other things can lead to enlarged pores, including age, skin products, hair follicles and sun damage. So enlarged pores don't always lead to clogged pores.
Incorporating key ingredients like Niacinamide, Retinol, Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and AHAs into your skincare routine is crucial for effectively treating enlarged pores.
"Exfoliators such as beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid) and alpha hydroxy acids (lactic and glycolic acid) are great for unclogging pores," Dr. Farhang says.
Cleaning your face with baking soda can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Many store-bought soaps, masks and facial washes already contain baking soda, but you can make your own ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda facial wash or mask quickly and easily.
Try a facial scrub with salicylic acid in it. This helps exfoliate skin and remove the dead skin that's causing the build-up. A physical scrub, such as a bead, helps the natural shedding of dead skin. These small, non-plastic beads exfoliate the skin to lift away trapped oil and dirt, which can clog pores.
Often a desincrustation fluid or enzyme is applied to the skin with steam for a few minutes, to soften the skin and prepare it for easier extractions. The esthetician may also use an ultrasonic device known as a skin scrubber, to loosen the impacted pores.
Exfoliate: Use chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid rather than physical exfoliants, to gently dissolve dead skin cells.
Sebaceous filaments are a normal, healthy element of your skin. They help sebum travel to the surface of your skin. Sebum helps keep your skin and hair hydrated and shiny.
It's not possible to close up pores completely but there are ways to reduce their size or make them less visible. This includes: washing the face twice a day to wash away oil and dirt from the pores. using an oil-free moisturizer to prevent the pores from becoming clogged with oil.
Look for serums with ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and alpha or beta-hydroxy acids. These ingredients help unclog, refine, and improve the appearance of pores. Always consult with a dermatology provider before incorporating new products into your routine.
Use Clay or Charcoal Masks
Another effective way to unclog pores is to use a clay or charcoal mask. Clay absorbs excess sebum to clear the skin and reduce breakouts, while charcoal actively draws out impurities, dirt, and debris for perfectly clean, bright skin.
BHAs like salicylic acid are especially great for minimizing pores because they help dissolve the oil and build-up that gets stuck inside them.