How to Get Rid of Clogged Pores

Clogged pores are usually a result of skin cells that shed too quickly. The shed skin cells get stuck in the pores instead of coming to the surface. Over time, oil and dirt become attached to the skin cells stuck in the pores, turning them into blackheads and whiteheads. Whiteheads are clogged pores that are still covered by a small layer of skin; blackheads are clogged pores that have opened and oxidized, giving them a dull, gray color. Both types of clogged pores can become infected and turn into inflamed pimples.

Instructions

1. Get a microdermabrasion treatment. This is a treatment involving specialized machines and crystals that go deep into pores to clean out and get rid of clogged pores. The microdermabrasion machine sloughs off the uppermost level of skin, clearing blackheads and whiteheads and removing dead skin cells threatening to clog pores.

2. Use a glycolic acid cleanser twice a day, every morning and every night before bed. Glycolic acid is a type of naturally-occurring acid that serves as a chemical exfoliant to slow down the shedding of skin cells and prevent them from clogging facial pores. Rub the cleanser into dry skin in the morning and allow it to mellow for about 3 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat the process in the evening before bed. Try Mario Badescu's Foaming Glycolic Acid Cleanser.

3. Get an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) facial peel. This is a type of facial peel that must be administered by a professional. It also uses naturally-occurring acids that serve to exfoliate the skin, sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal healthy, radiant skin underneath and get rid of clogged pores. AHA peels are available at any dermatologist's office or spa salon.

4. Use a cleanser, scrub and moisturizer containing salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in most acne medications. It works by allowing skin cells to shed more readily and prevents them from getting stuck in pores. Use the cleanser and moisturizer on a daily basis, but use the scrub about 3 times a week to prevent the harsh abrasives from causing a rash, itching or other discomfort. Try Clean & Clear's salicylic acid skincare kit.

5. Have the clogged pores manually extracted by an esthetician. An professional esthetician uses blackhead extraction tools to dig into the clogged pores and remove the obstructions directly from your skin. The tools used have the potential to scar if used incorrectly that's why they must be used by a licensed professional. You can receive this treatment at a dermatologist's office or spa salon.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't ever attempt to remove the clogged pores by yourself; prodding your skin with your fingers will lead to further infections and even scarring.

Resources

• Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
• Clean & Clear products for clogged pores