How to Clean Clogged Pores

If you’re struggling with acne, you may have dirt, oil, or other grime trapped in your pores. While the actual size and appearance of your pores are genetic and can’t be changed, there are a few ways deep-clean your skin and remove the blackheads that can make your pores seem more visible. To soften dirt and grime, for instance, you might try steaming your face before you wash it, although this can dry your skin if you do it too often. You can also use masks or peels to get your skin really clean.

EditSteps

EditSteaming Your Skin

1. Wash your face with your favorite cleanser. To get the best benefit from your steam treatment, start by washing your face. That will allow the steam to penetrate deeper into your pores, helping flush out dirt and oils that may have gotten trapped inside.^[1]
   
   • If your skin is dry or you’re prone to rosacea, you may not want to use steam. It can potentially dry out your skin and worsen redness.^[2]
2. Fill a large stockpot with water and heat it to a boil. Find a large pot, like the one you’d use for pasta or making a big batch of soup, and fill it about 2/3 of the way full of water. Place the pot on the stove on high heat, and bring the water just to a boil.^[3]
   
   • Avoid filling the pot all the way to the top. It might boil over, and it will be hard to move the pot without spilling any water.
3. Place the pot on a heat-safe mat or folded towels. Try to find a place where you can comfortably sit, stand, or kneel when you’re deciding where to place the pot. However, make sure to place a folded towel beneath it so the hot pot doesn’t scorch whatever surface you use.^[4]
   
   • For instance, you might want to kneel in a chair at your dining table, or you might want to place the pot on your bathroom counter.
4. Drape a towel over your head. Take a large, thick towel and drape it over the top of your head, but arrange it so it doesn’t cover your face. This will help trap the steam, allowing more of it to come into contact with your skin.^[5]
   
   • A thick towel will hold in the steam better than a thin one, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
5. Hold your face as close to the steam as you can for 5-10 minutes. Lower your face toward the pot so the towel is draped down on either side of it. Do not hold your face any closer than from the water or you may scald your skin. Aim for about away from the water. Stay there for about 5 minutes, or 10 if you’re comfortable enough.^[6]
   
   • If you’re too uncomfortable to hold your face from the water, it’s fine to back up a little.^[7]
   • Contrary to popular opinion, steam does not open your pores. It relaxes the muscles under your skin and makes it easier to clean, so it can help you get out dirt that’s trapped deep inside.
6. Wash your face again with a gentle cleanser. Steaming your face can flush out dirt and oils onto the surface of your skin. In addition, it causes you to sweat, which can also push impurities out of your skin. To make sure these don’t work their way back into your pores, follow up with a gentle cleanser.^[8]
   
   • Try using a mild, unscented face wash for this.
7. Moisturize your face to counteract any dryness caused by the steam. Since heat can be very drying for your skin, it’s important to moisturize after you’ve finished steaming and washing it. You don’t have to use a special moisturizer for this; any lightweight facial moisturizer will work.^[9]
   
   • Unless you have very dry skin, you can repeat this treatment up to once a week.

EditDeep-Cleaning Your Face

1. Cleanse your face to remove dirt from your pores. If you’re noticing a lot of blackheads, which occur when oils and grime get trapped in your pores, start by cleaning your skin. Gently wash your face with your normal cleanser and lukewarm water to get rid of dirt down in your pores.^[10]
   
   • Follow your face wash with a toner to help rebalance the pH of your skin.
   • Avoid double-washing your face since this removes too much of the natural oil from your face and can cause your skin to become too dry.
2. Exfoliate your face 2-3 times a week to remove dirt and dead skin. Exfoliating means to gently scrub away the old dead skin cells, oils, and dirt that collect on the surface of your skin. There are a number of ways you can do this. However, it is best to use a chemical exfoliant if you have acne-prone skin. These products are more effective than physical exfoliants at removing dead skin cells and cleansing your pores without causing irritation.^[11]
   
   • Be careful not to scrub too hard, as you could irritate your skin.
   • If you have sensitive skin, you shouldn’t exfoliate more than once a week or every other week.
   • Always moisturize after you exfoliate.
3. Use a face mask to draw out impurities from your skin. Many masks are made to tighten as they dry, which can help pull impurities out of your clogged pores. Visit a big-box store or a beauty supply store to find a mask that’s well-suited for your skin type. Then, apply it and leave it on according to the packaging instructions. When you’re finished, you may need to peel or rinse the mask off, or you can just pull the mask off if you used a sheet mask.^[12]
   
   • Clay masks are especially nourishing, and masks made of activated charcoal are excellent at detoxifying your skin.^[13]
   • If you’d like, you can make your own face mask at home!
4. Try a chemical peel to remove the top layer of your skin. These peels involve using strong chemicals to dissolve oils, dirt, and cells on the top layer of your skin, leaving your skin unclogged and looking refreshed. If you’ve never had a chemical peel before, it’s best to visit your dermatologist or an aesthetician for one. However, you can purchase chemical peel pads to use at home.^[14]
   
   • If you opt for an at-home chemical peel, follow the instructions precisely. Failure to do so can lead to damaged skin, redness, and irritation.
   • Whether you do a peel at home or have a professional one done, your skin will likely be tender and sensitive for a day or two afterward.
5. Visit a dermatologist for an extraction if you have stubborn clogged pores. Your dermatologist can use an extraction tool to quickly and precisely remove dirt from your pores. If you’re suffering from ongoing blackheads or breakouts, the doctor can also recommend a customized skincare plan.^[15]
   
   • Other services your dermatologist might offer for blackheads include microneedling, which involves inserting small needles into your skin, or microdermabrasion, in which the doctor uses a small handheld device to exfoliate your top layer of skin.^[16]
   • To avoid the risk of painful irritation or even infection, avoid doing extractions at home.
6. Talk to your dermatologist about potential causes of clogged pores. Your pores may also become clogged as a result of sweating excessively, hormones, or medications. Tell your dermatologist if you are experiencing a higher level of acne or clogged pores than usual so that they can look for solutions. Your dermatologist may recommend a treatment for acne, a change in your cleansing routine, or possibly a special skin treatment to help reduce your clogged pores.^[17]
   
   • For example, if you are having clogged pores due to sweating excessively, your dermatologist might recommend that you wash your face more often.
   • If your pores are becoming clogged due to aging and sagging skin stretching your pores, your dermatologist may recommend a treatment to help firm up your skin.

EditTrying Natural Treatments

1. Boil parsley to draw impurities out of your skin. Place a handful of parsley in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling vigorously, turn off the heat and allow the water and parsley to cool. When the water is still warm but comfortable to touch, dip a washcloth in the water and squeeze out the excess, then place it on your face for 10-15 minutes.^[18]
   
   • Parsley is an astringent, which means it cleanses and tightens skin. Extracts from parsley are even used in some cosmetic products.^[19]
   • You can also use thyme if you prefer.^[20]
   • You can repeat this treatment every other day.
2. Make a paste out of baking soda to cleanse your skin. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tsp (12 g) of baking soda and of water until they form a paste. Massage the paste into your face and leave it on for about 5 minutes, then rinse it away. As the baking soda dries, it will draw impurities out of your skin.^[21]
   
   • You can do this once a week.
3. Rub a lemon over your face for a gentle peel. Cut a lemon in half, then run the cut side over your skin where you’ve been experiencing clogged pores or blackheads. Leave the lemon juice on your skin for about 5 minutes, then rinse your face with cool water.^[22]
   
   • The acidity of the lemon will help break up dirt, grime, and old skin cells. However, it can irritate your skin if you leave it on for longer than 5 minutes.
   • If you experience any discomfort before the 5 minutes are up, rinse your skin with cool water.
4. Use rosewater as a toner. Apply enough rosewater to a cotton ball to make it damp, then rub the cotton ball over your skin. The rosewater will tone your skin gently without causing irritation. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may even help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.^[23]
   
   • You can purchase a rosewater toner or make your own.

EditVideo

EditTips

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated, which may help reduce the appearance of your pores.^[24]

EditWarnings

• Avoid squeezing your blackheads to try to extract them. You can rupture an oil gland, creating a worse problem. Also, if you break the skin, you’ll be susceptible to getting an infection.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Wash Your Face

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary

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