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.
Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, environmental pollutants, and makeup. Exfoliating with a beta hydroxy acid such as salicylic acid helps flush out and purify clogged pores.
Facials: Regular facials or extractions by a licensed esthetician can help clear clogged pores. Chemical Peels: These treatments can promote deeper exfoliation and improve skin texture. Microdermabrasion: This can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin appearance.
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 both of these ingredients combines their complementary powers: While AHAs melt away dead skin ...
Acne facials are an effective and great way to unclog pores, just ask any dermatologist. "In office treatments, such as Hydrafacials and microdermabrasion are good examples of less aggressive in-office treatments that can improve the appearance of pores by mechanically exfoliating the skin," says Dr. Marchbein.
What serum should I use to shrink pores? 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.
When these pores become clogged with dead skin cells or oil, your pores become bigger and more noticeable. Topical retinol treats large pores by increasing skin cell turnover — which makes your skin thicker — and preventing the development of clogged pores.
Prolonged exposure to the air causes the blockage to oxidize and darken. Because the pore gets stretched out of shape, it will fill back up again even after it is emptied. These stubborn pores are most likely to occur on the face, chest and back. However, they can also emerge on the ears, neck and scalp.
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.
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.
✔️ Ingredients: "Look for products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids (such as adapalene), azelaic acid, alpha hydroxy acids or sulfur," says Butler. "All of these ingredients help loosen up dead skin cells and prevent them from clogging pores."
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.
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.
Exfoliate: Use chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid rather than physical exfoliants, to gently dissolve dead skin cells.
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.
"At-home pore vacuuming devices have only shown to help with blackheads that are already loosened in the skin,” says Dana Rice, master esthetician in the Department of Dermatology at University of Utah Health. “They can cause damage to the skin with excessive exfoliation and suction."
Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.