How to Unclog Pores

Dirt, oil, dead skin and makeup clog facial pores. There are several treatments designed to unclog pores, from facial scrubs to medicated ointments. Follow the tips below to cleanse your pores and leave your skin looking radiant.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gel or foaming facial cleanser
• Pouf or sponge
• Towel
• Astringent toner
• Cotton balls
• Non-comedogenic moisturizer
• Exfoliating facial scrub or masque

1. Wet your face with warm water and apply a gentle gel or foaming cleanser to remove makeup, surface dirt and oil.
2. Wash with a pouf or sponge to exfoliate dead skin.
3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Blot your face dry with towel.
4. Apply an astringent toner with a cotton ball.
5. Moisturize with a skin cream labeled "non-comedogenic" (meaning it won't clog pores).
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 twice daily to keep those pores unclogged.
7. Exfoliate with a facial scrub or face masque once a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
8. Prevent future clogged pore problems by drinking lots of water, maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercising and sleeping.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are still having trouble unclogging pores, try facial cleansers containing salicylic acid.
• Spot-treat acne problem areas with products containing benzoyl peroxide.
• In extreme cases, visit your healthcare professional or a dermatologist and ask about retinoid products.
• Try these makeup tricks to cut down on clogged pores: skip the liquid foundation or mix it with a little moisturizer; use a powder or mousse foundation; use a pore-friendly concealer (look for "pore minimizer" or "pore refining" on the label); use blotting powder; and, finally, remember that less is more, so apply makeup sparingly.
• Treat yourself to a steam facial once a month to open and unclog pores.
• Keep water temperatures lukewarm, not hot (hot water strips away natural oils, dries your skin, and kicks your pores into overdrive).
• Only use acidic products (those containing salicylic and glycolic acids) as needed, and moisturize after use as they severely dry out skin.
• Avoid alcohol-based and scented products.