Suffering from clogged pores? Here is how you can unclog them

If you want healthy, nourished skin, consider taking a closer look at your pores. When clogged, your pores can cause a host of problems, but keeping them from getting jammed is no easy feat. You see, on any given day, our skin is fighting a losing battle against dead skin cells, sebum, sweat, pollution, dirt, and stubborn make-up particulates. All of these elements can clog your pores, causing whiteheads, blackheads, and pesky breakouts. 

Contrary to popular belief, pores cannot open and close. Their size too, is determined by our genetics, so we can’t change that either. But you can minimise their appearance by cleaning out your pores when they get congested.

Now picking at your blackheads can be incredibly satisfying, but we’ve all learned the hard way that just because something is fun doesn’t mean it's good for you. Below, we’ve listed a few legit ways to help unclog your pores.

Use a Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) chemical exfoliant 

Don’t let the term ‘acid’ scare you. If you haven’t introduced your face to chemical exfoliation, it’s never too late. Especially when you have enlarged and clogged pores. Now BHAs like salicylic acid are primarily used for exfoliation. However, being oil-soluble means they can deep dive into your pores and clean out all the gunk and build-up. Always remember to clean your face thoroughly before using a BHA product and follow up with a moisturiser. 

Products to try:

Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque Oil-Control Face Mask, ₹3,700 

Wishful Yo Glow Facial Enzyme Scrub, ₹2,000 

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, ₹2,480 

Use a charcoal or clay mask once a week     

One of the best ways to draw out all the impurities, bacteria, and excess sebum from your pores is to use a clay or charcoal mask once a week. Known for their cleansing properties, these two ingredients act like magnets and draw all the gunk. If you have oily or combination skin, this one is definitely for you.  

Products to try:  

Aminu Supernatural Marine Clay Mask, ₹1,850 

Marks & Spencer Clarify Deep Cleansing Clay Mask, ₹1,699  

Clinique All About Clean 2-In-1 Charcoal Mask + Scrub,  ₹5,200  

Use a pore strip once a week  

Have you seen those satisfying reels on social media of people using pore strips? As it turns out, those work. No doubt, they are a temporary fix but adhesive strips can allow your skin to breathe by removing all the impurities stuck in your pores. We know that pore strips have been the topic of many debates, especially how they may irritate your skin. But let us assure you, there are a few that don’t have any irritation. 

Products to try:

Tony Moly Egg Pore Nose Pack, ₹600  

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, ₹540 

Include retinoids in your skincare routine  

A category of skincare superstars, retinoids can do more than provide you with anti-ageing benefits. Using retinol regularly can help boost collagen production, which strengthens the walls of your pores, making them appear smaller and preventing them from getting clogged. Retinol also exfoliates the skin and has a host of other skin benefits.

If you’re new to retinoids, we should warn you that they may irritate your skin initially. Always do a patch test first and gradually introduce it into your skincare routine. 

Products to try: 

Allies Of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream, ₹10,250 

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, ₹3,150 

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum, ₹8,000 

DIY masks to the rescue  

If you’re looking for easier ways to clean out your pores, you will surely find a few answers inside your kitchen cabinets. For instance, make a face mask using yoghurt, which contains lactic acid, which is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). You can also make a mask out of oatmeal and honey. These are all gentler options that can dissolve the debris in your pores swiftly and easily.

Feature image credits: Pexels 

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