SKIN CARE

2 min read

Pore Chores: 6 Ways to Unclog ‘Em

August 30, 2017

By: tonkec

How to Get Rid of Blackheads
Are you using the most effective method? Pores are the tiny openings through which the oil, or sebum, produced by your body is transmitted to the surface of your skin. Your pores can become clogged for a number of reasons - excess oil resulting from hormonal changes, dry skin, a buildup of dead skin cells, or dirt and oil becoming stuck beneath the surface. Clogged PoresWhen the skin closes over the top of  a clogged pore, you get a pimple - aka a closed comedone. When it doesn’t, you get a blackhead - aka an open comedone. There is a specific set of rules for popping pimples, but there are many ways to unclog pores and get rid of blackheads. We’ve scored each so you can minimize pores with minimal effort.  

Pore Strips

There’s something oddly rewarding about peeling off a pore strip and examining all the gunk you’ve just pulled out of your face. But their effectiveness holds far less satisfaction. Pore strips contain water-activated ingredients that adhere to the top layers of dirt, oil and dead skin cells. What you see in the marvelous display of debris on a used strip is merely what’s on the surface of your skin. So, while they’re undeniably fun and cost-effective, pore strips are not the best long-term solution for eliminating clogged pores. Pore Score: 4/10  

Masks

Where sheet masks lock moisture in, clay masks soak up excess oil in the hopes of cleaning out pores. Unfortunately, this method can strip your skin of necessary moisture, so stick to proven formulas that contain ingredients like sulfur, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, and only use once a week. Pore Score: 5/10  

Scrubs

Choose a scrub with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. The exfoliators help remove the top layer of dead skin cells, dirt and oil, and the salicylic acid will help draw out impurities from deep within clogged pores. But don’t go overboard trying to see results faster; you can damage your skin scrubbing too hard or too often. Scrubs are a once-a-week only kind of method. Pore Score: 6/10  

Extraction Tool

A comedone extractor unclogs pores in a precise manner - aka without using your fingers. The small loop targets whiteheads, while the flat loop helps get rid of blackheads. It is undeniably effective, but the technique can be difficult to master. If done wrong, you might do more harm than good, leaving scars or forcing impurities deeper into the pore. Translation: do your homework before you decide to go down this route. Pore Score: 8/10  

Facial Cleansing Brush

Keep your pores from clogging in the first place by adding a sonic face brush to your cleansing routine. The T-Sonic pulsations of LUNA exfoliate dead skin cells and lift away impurities that can clog your pores. It’s gentle enough to use twice a day every day, so it’s like giving yourself a mini-facial at home. Pore Score: 9/10  

Professional Facial

The most effective way to extract gunk from clogged pores is to schedule an appointment with a professional. They know exactly how to get rid of blackheads, and can do so without damaging the surrounding skin while you lay back and relax to soothing spa sounds. Pore Score: 10/10

Comments

36 comments

MYSA user avatar
Jordan mckay 02/10/2019
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I wash my face 3 times a day but is till get acne and I hate looking in the mirror now because my face looks terrible. I need help plz

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FOREO 04/10/2019
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Hi, Jordan!
What do you use to wash your face? Maybe your skincare products don't work for you?

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MYSA user avatar
Karrie 22/12/2022
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I am no expert, but I have family in the industry. Part of the problem may be washing 3 times a day. You are stripping your oils, causing your skin to make more at an excessive rate, causing oil build up (clogged pores or acne). If you can afford it, talk to a dermatologist or esthetician to set you up with a skincare routine and products. On the cheaper side, I love the Pacifica Acne line (had a rainbow cover on it). I wash two times a day, use the moisturizer, and apply a facial sunscreen. I do recommend adding a toner, which I have not yet done, but my pores have shrunken and I only get hormonal acne around that time of the month. Hope this helps!

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Karrie 22/12/2022
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And I wash with a charcoal facial bar soap 1-2 times a week.

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Teighan 19/10/2019
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I wash my face twice a day and i drink plenty of water and all the other things everyone should know i do , but i still have bad acne and blackheads and my pores are getting bigger on my cheeks and they’re becoming more noticeable.

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JA Morris 24/11/2019
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I have huge blackhead/ clogged pore( actually can feel something below , dirty blackhead is what it appears ( huge) surrounded by small ones, can’t get gone ? Plz I hate this nasty mess, would cutting/ lancing help?tried all

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FOREO 04/02/2020
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Don't worry, we can help you! :)

Please check our new and amazing Luna 3, T-Sonic pulsations will help you unclog your pores and cleanse your skin more than anything. In addition, you check the makeup or cleansers you usually use for your skincare routine and see if they are causing your pores to clog more than they would. Luna 3 => https://www.foreo.com/luna-3

However, please note that if you have any medical concerns will strongly recommend consulting with your dermatologist.

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Jainie 15/03/2020
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Sometimes washing your face too much also causing blackheads and acne, as you’re stripping your skin of the natural oils it needd

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FOREO 17/03/2020
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This is indeed correct, thank you for sharing. :)

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Ukeithia Rainey 04/06/2020
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I have pimples and very large open pores on my cheeks and nose. I wash my face twice a day but I have yet to see results.

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