One of the most effective and safest ways to unclog pores is to use beta hydroxy acid. BHA or salicylic acid, as it is also known, is a chemical exfoliant. It is unique in that it has the ability to actually penetrate your pores, and clear out any dirt, impurities from the skin.
“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.
Studies show salicylic acid can unclog pores. Some cleansers containing salicylic acid are gentle enough to use every day. If the salicylic acid dries or irritates your skin, try alternating cleansers. Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser when you wake up and the salicylic acid cleanser before bed.
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.
Pores are a natural and essential part of how our skin functions. While no skincare product can 'close' your pores or make your pores go away (no, not even a pore nose strip!), you can change how they look. With the right skincare, you can make your pores appear smaller for a smoother, more refined complexion.
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.
Earning perfect scores in all categories, our top choice is Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose, an effective, nonirritating, single-ingredient solution to clogged pores. If you're looking for something more affordable or just want to give pore strips a try, go with TonyMoly's Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack.
Chemical Peels: Chemical Peels help in removal of excess oil and dirt from the face and also in controlling the sebum production. Regular chemical peels such as Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peels, Salicylic Acid Peels and Vitamin A peels are recommended for Open Pores Treatment.
While Retinol can't physically shrink the size of pores, it can make them appear smaller. By keeping the pores clean and improving the overall texture of the skin, Retinol creates the illusion of smaller, more refined pores.
Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser, Salicylic Acid Acne Face Wash for Large Pores, Redness & Blackheads. This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications. Reduced air and/or water in the product or packaging for more efficient transportation.
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.
Use a Charcoal Mask
One of the most effective ways to deep clean your pores is using a charcoal mask once or twice a week. This extracts oil, debris, and bacteria from you pores while also brightening, firming, and moisturizing your skin.
One go-to ingredient for eliminating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores, says Saedi. Suozzi adds that the acne treatment can help dry active acne lesions because it is a mild chemical irritant. A wealth of research suggests salicylic acid helps treat acne.
Use an oil-free moisturizer after cleansing to avoid dry skin. Using products that contain retinol or salicylic acid: Retinol and salicylic acid help clear out dirt, oil and other debris clogging your pores.
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.
A serum with salicylic acid is the best face serum for open pores as it gently exfoliates dead skin cells, reduces excess oil, and removes blackheads and whiteheads. It helps to unclog pores and prevent them from enlarging.