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.
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Clogged pores can look enlarged, bumpy, or, in the case of blackheads, dark in color. The more oil that a person's skin produces, the more likely it is that their pores will become blocked. A person can use skin care techniques and products to manage or clear clogged pores.
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.
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 ...
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.
What does retinol do for your skin? Retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.
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.
Exfoliate: Use chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid rather than physical exfoliants, to gently dissolve dead skin cells.
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.
✔️ 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."
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.
Regular cleansing with non-comedogenic skin care products usually resolves clogged pores. Some people need special skin ointments that contain retinol or salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid at 2% is ideal and safe for all skin types. Apply 2-3 drops to a cleansed face at night to slough off clumped dirt, debris, and sebum from the pores. While using this serum, don't forget to use sunscreen every day.
"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."
“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 works to treat acne by unclogging blocked pores. It does this by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells so that they can release from the pore more easily, and breaking down oils, such as sebum. Salicylic acid also decreases the skin's sebum production, leading to fewer breakouts.
Do pore strips actually work? Essentially, yes. "They work and you can visibly see that they do work in terms of taking the clogged pores out," Tzu said. "But they work to a limited extent." They likely won't remove all of the blackheads that you're seeing (especially if you're not applying the strip correctly).