How To Unclog Pores: Best Techniques And Products By Dermatologists

There are several niche corners of the internet and one of them is dedicated to popping blackheads. So, we know many out there will agree that attempting to squeeze and pop blackheads (even if in vain) is oddly satisfying. You enjoy it too, don’t you? Well, we’ve got bad news. Not to interfere with your cathartic experience but unlike most other zits, blackheads don’t like to be messed with and popping them can make it worse for your skin. (RE: skin damage) That being said, it’s perfectly possible to extract blackheads without ruining your skin. Lucky for you, we’re about to show you the right ways to do it.

Your pores get clogged by dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and impurities and simply cleansing your face will not cut it. Clogged pores occur over time as debris accumulates on the skin’s surface. Excess sebum products, makeup residue, and pollution also cause the pores to clog. In addition to external factors, hormonal changes and genetics can also affect your skin. To make matters worse, if you don’t unclog pores, they enlarge over time and appear larger. If you want to improve your skin health, understanding what clogged pores are and learning how to unclog pores are crucial. Read on to learn more.

What Are Clogged Pores

Pores are tiny openings in the skin that allow the release of sweat and oil and let your skin ‘breathe’. They are virtual to keep the skin hydrated and protect your skin. However, when excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells, or makeup residue accumulate, it leads to clogged pores. It is a common condition and can be caused by hormonal factors, genetics, improper skin care, and frequent use of heavy makeup. Your skin’s natural oils and sebum also mix with these external elements and harden in the pores causing blockage. Over time, these blocked pores become visibly enlarged and the blockage also leads to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. It is important to unclog pores as clogged pores affect the skin’s appearance as well as its overall health. They hinder skin cell turnover, lead to rough skin texture, and make your complexion appear dull.

Signs & Symptoms Of Clogged Pores

Recognising clogged pores can help you effectively treat your skin and take precautions. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

1. Enlarged Pores: While pores start off tiny, the accumulation of dirt and debris stretches the pores and makes them appear larger. When mixed with sebum, the dirt hardens and further causes the pores to enlarge.

2. Blackheads and Whiteheads: When pores are clogged and stretched out, the trapped oil and debris oxidise, leading to blackheads. Debris that stays beneath the surface of the skin form into whiteheads.

3. Inflammation And Breakouts: Severe blockage in pores often causes inflammation, redness, and swelling. Unclogged pores also trap bacteria, leading to acne including pustules and cysts.

4. Dull Skin: When your pores are clogged, your skin can lose its natural shine and dewy look. This occurs because unclogged pores prevent the natural shedding of dead skin cells.

5. Greasiness: The excess sebum trapped in your pores makes the skin appear oily. This leads to a greasy appearance unless you unclog pores.

How Can You Treat Clogged Pores

To unclog pores, you need to implement a combination of skincare practices and use targeted treatments. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Cleansing And Exfoliation : Cleanse your face twice a day to ensure you are removing all dirt and impurities accumulated on the skin’s surface. Incorporating a scrub or chemical exfoliant in your skincare routine once for twice is also key to unclog pores.

2. Removing Impurities : Using clay masks and charcoal-based products will help draw out impurities from the pores. Use them once or twice a week to deeply cleanse the skin and absorb excess oil.

3. Lightweight Hydration : Lightweight moisturisers and oil-free skincare are a must if you are trying to unclog pores. While hydration is key to soft, dewy skin, heavy oil-based formulations can clog the pores.

4. Using Non-comedogenic Products : Non-comedogenic products are formulated to not sit on the surface of the skin and clog the pores. Using non-comedogenic moisturisers, sunscreen, and makeup is especially important for those with oily skin.

5. Being Consistent : Using a few products to unclog pores every now and then is not going to provide effective results. Consistency is key when it comes to skincare and regularly applying products and remedies gives you the best chance if you want to get rid of clogged pores.

Products To Remove Blackheads

1. Nose Strips

Nose strips are a quick way to remove blackheads on the surface of the skin. They help you get rid of the trapped dirt and consequently make the pores appear smaller. However, the results are temporary as it doesn’t prevent the formation of new blackheads. Think of it as an instant and on-the-go rescue to clear the pores on your nose regularly. Although nose strips don’t feature in the one-and-done list of best blackhead removal products, these satisfying-to-use strips effectively target the pores on the nose.

Blackhead remover strips are designed to draw out the buildup in pores. This buildup could be excess oil, dirt, bacteria and everything that causes blackheads to form. On the plus side, nose strips when used right can sometimes also help pull out hair from the surface of the nose. This makes the skin appear much clearer. Nose strips superficially clean the surface of the nose thereby, making the large pores appear smaller or less noticeable.

Since nose strips effectively pull off a layer of debris to leave skin squeaky clean, it’s advisable to not use them more than once a week. Avoid using them if you have extremely sensitive or allergy-prone skin as the adhesive on the strip may cause irritation in certain cases. Here’s how to effectively use nose strips:

Step 1Cleanse your face as usual. Let the skin remain damp as this will make it easier to apply the strip.

Step 2Now, peel the plastic cover off the strip and discard it. Position the strip on your nose with the adhesive side facing the skin. Ensure the pointed tip on the strip covers the tip of your nose.

Step 3Using your fingertips, press the strip against your nose and smooth it out. Leave it on for 10 minutes.

Step 4Gripping one end of the strip, gently peel it off completely. Once removed, discard the strip.

Step 5Rinse your face to get rid of any product residue. Don’t forget to layer your nose with a hydrating moisturiser.

2. Blackhead Remover

Pimple poppers in the house, we’ve found you a safe-to-use tool to extract pimples, blackheads and the deepest of impurities camping on your face. The dual-ended Bare Essentials Pimple & Blackhead Remover includes a loop on one end (to lift blackheads by pressing and extracting) and a needle on the other (to poke and assist with the deep cleaning). What’s more? It’s built from high-quality stainless steel so you don’t have to worry about it rusting. Simply wash and sanitize after every use.

3. Dermasuction Machine

If decongesting your skin is starting to seem impossible, it’s time to let go of the smaller solutions and think big. Bronson Professional Blackhead Remover Dermasuction Machine, designed to gently remove blackheads and impurities from pores without squeezing can be your end-all solution. It comes with 4 different waterproof suction heads, each meant for a different concern (fine lines, blackheads, exfoliation and massage) with adjustable speed settings. P.S. This blackhead remover machine operates on batteries so you won’t be troubled by tangled wire knots when combating blackheads head-on.

4. Clay Mask

Sometimes, facial cleansers can’t do enough to get rid of the clingy blackheads. This is why, it’s important to treat your skin to masks that do a far better job at driving ‘em pesky blackheads away. Meet the Nykaa Clay It Cool Oil Control Clay Mask. It contains the hero ingredient Salicylic Acid which dives below the skin surface to dissolve the gunky oil and dirt in your pores. Add to that, Willow Bark extracts and Fennel Seed Oil deeply refine pores to boost the skin’s overall texture. Plus, the colourful jars look cute on the bathroom vanity so why not?

5. Scrub

If your skin is on the sensitive side, invest in a mild scrub for blackheads like The Face Shop Smart Peeling Honey Black Sugar Scrub which is gentle on the skin. Packed with Black Sugar and Honey extracts, it removes the dead skin cells and buffs away the blackheads without stripping the skin of its natural oils. What’s more? It promotes cell turnover and keeps skin hydrated and soft (thank you, honey). Use it on freshly cleansed skin, twice a week and notice your complexion improve.

6. Serum

The name is a dead giveaway that this serum means serious business. After all, it houses 2% BHA which flushes out oil and dirt from pores, and Salicylic Acid which penetrates the pore lining and scoops out the debris. In other words, this non-comedogenic serum is a potent exfoliant that clears existing blackheads and prevents future ones from appearing. Wait, there’s more good news for oily skin peeps: It effectively controls oil production, reduces acne redness (hi, aloe) and leaves a matte finish.

7. Deep Cleansing Face Wash

The combination of Tea Tree and Rosemary in the Lotus Professional Phyto-Rx Deep Pore Cleansing Face Wash gently clears away excess oil, deep-rooted dirt and blackheads from the skin. Free from unnecessary fragrance and colour, this potent formula nourishes complexion to keep it free from blemishes too. Perfect for acne-prone skin, it works great at combating breakouts every day without stripping your skin.

8. Night Gel

How about busting blackheads as you snooze? The blackhead remover gel, Plum Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel works at night to improve your complexion so you can wake up in the morning to an even more beautiful you! Here’s to the team of hard-working ingredients in this container: Glycolic Acid sweeps away skin debris and blackheads, Argan Oil regulates sebum production, and Green Tea halts the acne formation cycle. The result? Clear and glowing skin minus the greasiness.

Parting Thoughts

Clogged pores are a common skin woe that can be easily treated and prevented. You can unclog pores by understanding the signs and symptoms and what causes clogged pores. Regular cleansing, exfoliation, and using non-comedogenic skincare products are some ways you can unclog pores to keep your skin looking clear and healthy. If your pores continue to appear enlarged, consider consulting a dermatologist to address underlying skin conditions.

FAQs

1. How can I unclog my pores effectively?

   Here are some steps you can take to unclog pores effectively:

   • Cleanse twice every day
   • Exfoliate your skin weekly
   • Use salicylic acid products to remove impurities
   • Apply clay-based masks once a week to absorb excess oil

2. Do clogged pores require professional treatment?

   You can unclog pores with at-home remedies and over-the-counter products. However, it is best to consult professionals if the problems persist.

3. Can makeup clog pores?

   Makeup when not removed properly can clog pores.

4. Are blackheads permanent?

   Regular exfoliation and use of blackhead treatments can help eliminate them over time.

5. What do clogged pores look like?

   Clogged pores look enlarged and can make the skin feel bumpy.