What’s the Best Way to Clean Pores?

Patients ask me nearly every day what they can do to clear their pores and keep them clean and free of blackheads and whiteheads. While I prefer using chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid for this, physical extraction devices can also work. In this guide, I will explain what causes clogged pores, the best methods for cleaning them, and how to prevent them from becoming clogged in the first place.

There are two ways to clean pores: chemical exfoliation and physical extraction.

Prevent clogged pores with retinol and the right skin care regimen for your skin type.

Unclog pores with salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, or clay masks

What Causes Clogged Pores?

Pores become clogged when dirt, oil, makeup, and/or bacteria on the skin becomes trapped inside the pore. This can result in a whitehead, blackhead, milia, or acne papule or pustule. Hormonal changes, certain skincare products, and environmental pollutants can also contribute to pore congestion. For more information, check out our comprehensive guide on what causes clogged pores .

How to Clean Pores

There are 2 main options when it comes to getting clean pores: chemical exfoliation and physical extraction. In my opinion, the best and safest way to gently clear pores is with chemical exfoliation. To do this, use products that contain one of the following:

Benzoyl peroxide

Retinoids

Salicylic acid

These ingredients are much safer than physical extraction methods like a comedone extractor or even your fingers.

Chemical exfoliation involves using products that contain active ingredients to dissolve the debris clogging your pores. Salicylic acid is an effective option because it can penetrate deep into the pores and break down excess oil and dead skin cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce redness and irritation caused by clogged pores and pimples.

Other common hydroxyacid exfoliating ingredients include glycolic acid and lactic acid, which help to exfoliate the surface of the skin and improve overall texture. However, salicylic acid works better because it is lipophilic and can penetrate deep into the clogged pores while glycolic acid and lactic acid cannot.

Take the skin type quiz to see which of these options is best for your skin concerns.

Benzoyl Peroxide Products

Benzoyl peroxide clears pores by releasing oxygen to kill acne-causing bacteria. It also exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells that block pores. This reduces existing comedones and stops new ones from forming. Some dry, sensitive skin types cannot tolerate benzoyl peroxide so make sure you know your skin type before you purchase any BP products.

Salicylic Acid Products

Retinol Products

Retinol dissolves comedones by speeding up skin cell turnover, which clears out clogged pores. It helps to remove dead skin cells and prevent new blockages, reducing acne.

Always start with a low strength retinol as seen in the collection below and work your way up to a stronger retinol.

Pore Clearing Masks

Mud, clay, and charcoal clear pores by absorbing excess oil and impurities from the skin. They draw out toxins and dirt, unclogging pores. These natural ingredients help to deep clean, leaving skin refreshed and less prone to breakouts. These can be used once a week but are best for oily skin types.

Physical Extraction

Physical extraction involves manually removing the debris from your pores using special tools like comedone extractors and mini pore vacuums that use suction to remove buildup inside pores. While physical extraction can be effective, it is crucial that you use the proper technique to avoid damaging the skin. Additionally, all extraction tools must be sterilized before use – otherwise, they can push dirt and bacteria further into the pore and lead to an infection or cyst.

Devices such as the Forneo are another way to clean pores.

Avoid using a tool such as a comedone extractor that can break the skin, push debris deep in the skin, and cause cysts and scars.

Pore Cleaning Hacks to Avoid

There are so many at-home hacks to clear your pores on social media, but some of them may cause damage to your skin. Avoid trying these DIY hacks to clean your pores :

Baking soda scrub. Some TikTok influencers suggest creating a paste of baking soda and water and rubbing it on your face to remove blackheads from pores. This is not a good idea, however, because baking soda is abrasive and can damage your skin, as well as change the pH of your skin.

Lemon juice. Other social media influencers have been rubbing lemon wedges or lemon juice on their faces in an attempt to deeply cleanse their skin and pores. This is not a good idea because lemon juice is acidic and can damage your skin and throw off its natural pH balance. Additionally, there is a condition called phytophotodermatitis that is caused by an interaction between lemon or lime juice on your skin and the sun. It can cause painful blisters and burns.

Toothpaste. It is a longstanding myth that toothpaste can clear acne or unclog pores. Recent TikTok videos have resurfaced this myth, using toothpaste to attempt to remove blackheads from pores on the nose. However, toothpaste contains ingredients that can irritate and dry your skin, which could make acne and clogged pores worse.

Comedone extractors. There are many types. Usually made of hard metal with a ring. These are so dangerous that I rarely used them in my dermatology office so please do not use these at home!

How to Prevent Clogged Pores

Preventing clogged pores with the correct skin care routine using products is better than having to clean pores once they become clogged. While your skin care routine should be customized to your specific skin type and needs, here are some general tips you can follow to help keep your pores clean:

Incorporate retinol into your regimen. Retinol helps to increase cell turnover and prevent dead skin cells from clogging pores.

Cleanse your skin regularly. Use a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin at least once per day, depending on your skin type. Always remove makeup before going to bed.

Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating your skin using a hydroxy acid cleanser can help to keep your pores free of debris. However, over-exfoliating your skin can cause dryness and flaking, so gradually introduce exfoliating products into your regular routine.

Avoid comedogenic products. Comedogenic ingredients are known to clog pores. Some common ones to avoid to keep pores clean include almond oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, cotton seed oil, lanolin, and some dyes.

Avoid touching your face. Touching your face or picking at pimples can transfer dirt and bacteria from your hands onto your skin, causing clogged pores and acne breakouts.

Bottom Line

Preventing clogged pores is always better than cleaning pores once they’ve already become clogged with dirt, oil, and bacteria. However, if you are struggling with blackheads, whiteheads, or acne, using a salicylic acid cleanser, toner, or mask or carefully using physical extraction devices can help you to restore clear, clean pores. Before using any new skin care product, make sure it is a fit for your skin type so that you do not unknowingly contribute to clogged pores and acne by using the wrong ingredients for your skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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