How to Clear a Clogged Pore

Washing your face consistently can help prevent clogged pores.

Clogged pores fall into the category of things we just want to go away. We are often advised not to touch, pick at or obsess over blemishes and other imperfections on our skin. But, only a strong-willed person refrains from attempting to get rid of a blemish on their face. The clogged pore is likely invisible or inconsequential to others, but it's painfully obvious to its host.

Things You'll Need

• Cleanser containing salicylic acid
• Washcloth
• Metallic pore extractor
• Cleanser with AHA or BHA

Instructions

1. Wash the affected area with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid. This removes surface dirt and oil, giving you direct access to the plug of dirt. Rinse the lather from your skin using warm water.

2. Wet a clean washcloth with very warm to hot water. Wring excess water from the cloth. Apply the heated, dampened washcloth to the clogged pore and hold it there for five minutes. The heat and moisture help loosen and soften the plug of dirt in the pore.

3. Find the end of the extractor with the small, round opening. Holding the extractor parallel to your skin, position the circular metal loop around the clogged pore so that when you look through the opening, you are looking directly at the clog.

4. Press the metal loop down into the skin surrounding the clog. Press very slowly and gently. Continue pressing until the pressure from the loop on the skin surrounding the clog pushes the clog completely out of the pore.

5. Wash this area again using a cleanser that contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA). These acids exfoliate the inside of the pore and the surrounding skin, making it difficult for sebum and dirt to collect there.

6. Establish and practice an effective, consistent skin care routine to prevent future clogged pores. Wash your face each morning and evening, making sure to remove all traces of makeup. Use products containing ingredients that kill bacteria on the surface of skin and in pores. Exfoliate your skin about once a week.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wash your skin before and after extracting a clogged pore to kill bacteria and prevent a pimple from forming.

• Use caution when using a metal extractor by taking your time. Do not pull or push the extractor across your skin. This may cause injury and scarring.

References

• Skin Care Tips: Blackheads - Cause, Prevention, and Removal of Blackheads
• Skincare-news.com: Pore Extractions for Clogged Pores

Resources

• Sephora: Complexion Extractor with Lance