8 Ways to Unclog Pores From Home Options to Professional Extractions

If great skin is your objective (which it likely is because you’re here!), you may want to pay extra attention to those pores. When they’re clogged, a host of issues can manifest, including some of the most annoying of them all: blackheads and whiteheads. The truth is on any given day, our skin is battling sweat, pollution, and pore-clogging face makeup. And for those with oily or acne-prone skin which more than half of women over 25 do—keeping your pores squeaky clean and free is especially hard work. Keep scrolling for 10 foolproof ways for how to unclog pores and keep them clean.

What Causes Clogged Pores?

In short, clogged pores are the result of dead skin cells and sebum that have accumulated over time. But what about the pores themselves? Pore sizes and numbers vary largely by gender, locations on the body, and by ethnicities. Like many other traits, they are a result largely of genetics.

Blackheads specifically arise when there are clogs in your pores. It’s caused by obstruction of the pilosebaceous canal due to the shedding of the keratinocytes which clog the canal. This results in an increase in sebum production, inflammation, and increase in C. acnes. When sebum accumulates, a microcomedo is formed. There are two types of comedones—closed comedones (whiteheads) and open comedones (blackheads). Blackheads are not due to dirt as they are instead caused by oxidized melanin. Oily skin types are more prone to experience blockages in their pores; however, every skin type is susceptible to clogged pores. 

Keep scrolling to learn about the best DIY, over-the-counter, and professional remedies for how to unclog pores.

1. Cleanse with Baking Soda

Before heading to the pharmacy, check your kitchen for ingredients that may unblock clogged pores, such as baking soda. It turns out that the standard household ingredient makes for an easy deep pore cleanser meant to gently exfoliate, too. 

For those with truly congested skin, try a DIY baking soda cleansing scrub. Follow these simple steps:

• First, mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water to make a paste.
• Scoop the mixture with your fingers and, using circular motions, gently massage the baking soda paste onto your face.
• Leave it on the skin to set for five to 10 minutes.
• Rinse clean.

However, for many people, baking soda can be irritating to the skin. Try using conservatively and monitor for redness, itching, or signs of inflammation. To prevent drying and optimize the benefits of your face mask, make sure to follow up with a toner and moisturizer right away.

2. Exfoliate with Lactic Acid

For clean pores, raid your fridge. When it comes to exfoliation, you have two main options: physical exfoliators (which we’ll get into a little later) or the chemical kind. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that may be gentler than other exfoliating agents, like citric acid. It works by dissolving away debris from within the pores.

Try using Greek yogurt, which contains lactic acid enzymes to break up dead skin cells, and it may be more useful for improving clogged pores without the high risk of irritation.

3. Deep Clean with Pore Strips

Back in the day, pore strips were the be-all and end-all for removing blackheads and buildup around the nose. These days, there are gentler and more effective ways to unclog the pores around the nostrils, but some have found success with strips and experience no irritation. 

4. Try a Mechanical Exfoliator

As we mentioned before, the power of exfoliation can never be overstated. It’s one of the simplest and most fundamental ways to unclog pores and keep them that way. That said, repeatedly disturbing the skin barrier may worsen any issues you are having. Make sure to keep exfoliation to just a few times a week to give your skin time to rebalance itself.

If you love using a physical exfoliator (also known as manual or mechanical) and your skin can handle it, at least opt for a less harsh tool, such as a brush or cloth, rather than a scrub if you have acne-prone skin. Gritty scrubs may actually spread bacteria, which is the exact opposite of what you want when unclogging pores.

And if your manual exfoliators aren’t cutting it, try the combination of a cleansing device with a chemical exfoliator. For those with sensitive skin, skip the physical exfoliants (which are known for being more abrasive) and stick with a gentler chemical exfoliant, as recommended by your dermatologist.

5. Apply a Bentonite Clay Mask

Charcoal masks, while popular, do not have much evidence behind their efficacy in removing oil and debris. Alternatives like masks with bentonite clay have shown success at absorbing oils. 

6. Get an Extraction from a Professional

Visiting a clinic or spa for a facial is a great step to open up your pores. Once the pores are opened, your facialist will perform extractions. Manual extraction is a physical modality to remove debris from pores, decongesting them and making them look smaller.

Extractions are ideal for those prone to acne. Sometimes the extractions can be painful, but if you get regular extractions—once every five to eight weeks—you are helping to prevent breakouts.

7. Try a Retinoid

If you haven’t jumped on the retinoid bandwagon yet, you might want to reconsider (if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding, that is). The powerful ingredient is commonly praised for its ability to fight signs of aging. Retinoids help to stimulate collagen production, which in turn also tightens skin and minimizes pore appearance.

But like all powerful skincare ingredients, take caution when using retinoids. If retinoids are overused, the oil gland activity can decrease too much, and skin can become too dry, so use sparingly. After a few weeks of use, the blackheads will typically pop out with gentle pressure. If they’re not budging, see your dermatologist or esthetician to avoid damaging your tissue and creating scars.

Also, because retinoids may make your skin more sensitive, be diligent about wearing sunscreen during the day. Talk to your aesthetician about trying a retinoid to see if it’s the right choice for your skin.

8. Use an AHA/BHA Exfoliant

Using an exfoliant with alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) will help clear up clogged pores. 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 these ingredients.

Unclog Pores at Botanica Spa

When it comes to unclogging pores, skin hygiene is very important. Using skincare products with ingredients like retinoids, bentonite clay, AHAs, and BHAs can help you clear your pores at home. However, if you’re looking for professional treatment, consider visiting an esthetician for a standard facial (with extractions). 

For the best facials to unclog pores in the Tampa Bay area, book with Botanica Spa! Call us at 727-441-1711 or book online today.