How To Prevent & Get Rid Of Clogged Pores

First, Understand What Pores Are 

“You have pores all over your body which are tiny hair follicles that contain a sebaceous gland,” explains skincare expert and holistic facialist, Nataliya Robinson. “These glands produce sebum (oil) on the surface of the skin to protect it from external aggressors, but they can become clogged if there’s too much oil. This results in visible pores and a congested complexion.” If pores are blocked for a long time, it can also lead to breakouts. “Having a good skincare routine and using the right products is key to ensure all traces of dirt and make-up are removed every day. It’s the simplest and easiest way to prevent a build-up of bacteria from getting ingrained,” says Nataliya.

Use Acids Not Exfoliators

One of the best things you can do is look for skincare that contains the right ingredients, like acids. Physical exfoliators can work to help get rid of blackheads for example, but overusing them can lead to further problems down the line. “Acids are much more effective at tackling clogged pores than standard exfoliators,” explains skincare expert and global director of education at Pixi, Amanda Bell. “Salicylic acid is great at getting rid of excess oil and dissolving impurities, especially when it’s left on the affected area. This is because it is a beta hydroxyl acid and has a larger molecular size, so it stays on the surface for longer, giving better results. Look for products with at least 2% of salicylic acid and use it regularly in the morning and night. Once your skin looks clearer, continue using it to prevent your pores from re-clogging. The only downside of salicylic is that it can be quite drying, so if your skin is one the drier side, glycolic acid is a better option.”

You should also look out for light-weight textures to prevent the problem happening in the first place, says the founder of Adonia Medical Clinic, Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme. “Benzyl peroxide helps to decongest the skin, while vitamin C, niacinamide and glycolic acid help stimulate collagen and improve elasticity, resulting in greater cell turnover. Just remember, consistency is key, so you have to use these regularly to see visible results.”

Avoid Scrubbing & Picking 

Clogged pores can result in blackheads, whiteheads and papules (tiny inflamed bumps), but attacking them with your fingers can make problems worse. “Don’t try and scrub off or squeeze your breakouts, as this will just irritate the skin and make them worse,” says Sonia Deasy, founder of Pestle & Mortar. “Instead, build a good, daily cleansing routine and stick to it. Skin loves monotony and you’ll notice a big difference if you keep it up. Avoid overly astringent products too (this includes fragranced products and anything with sulphates) as these will just dry out the skin, triggering more sebum production, resulting in further breakouts.” If you have particularly oily skin, try using a clay mask to help congested pores, says Amanda. “They’re a gentle and affordable way of removing toxins and impurities, without stripping the skin completely. Medik8’s Natural Clay Mask is an industry go-to.”

Use A Facial Steamer

Steaming has numerous benefits, including warming and softening dead cells sat on the skin’s surface, explains facialist Sarah Chapman. “If your skin feels congested, steam is especially good at loosening blocked pores and minimising breakouts and blackheads. It softens the oil trapped in pores and makes extraction much easier, so any products you put on top will work more efficiently. Combine steaming with a thick, balmy cleanser if you’re after a deeper clean. The heat from the steam will loosen the dirt and sebum in your pores, while your fingers can push the formula into the dermis. There are so many DIY steamers on the market now, it’s easier than ever to make the most of this professional technique at home. Try steaming for a maximum of two or three ten-minute sessions a week, but avoid touching your face afterwards to avoid reintroducing bacteria onto the skin.”

“Immediately after steaming your face, wash your face with cold water and pat dry instead of rubbing it to reduce redness and irritation,” says Sonia. “Also, avoid any harsh active skincare straight afterwards (i.e. retinol, AHAs or chemical exfoliants) as this may irritate your skin. Instead, opt for nourishing actives like vitamin C serums, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide that can help reduce redness and inflammation. These actives may also work better as your skin is cleansed and much more porous after steaming, helping to increase their absorption.”