Clogged Pores 101: How to Unclog Your Pores

Dealing with clogged pores? Trust me, you're not alone—it's something we all face! Here’s a little secret: clogged pores are totally normal and nothing to stress about!

We’re constantly told by the beauty industry to be pore-perfect, but let’s be real—pores (and yes, clogged pores) are just a part of life, and that’s perfectly okay! If you want to dive deeper into pore care, check out our post on big pores for more tips.

What Causes Clogged Pores?

Pores are those tiny openings in your skin that house hair follicles and oil glands. When they get clogged, you might notice some skin issues popping up. A variety of things can block those pores, including leftover makeup, oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and sweat. Here’s a quick breakdown of the usual suspects:

Makeup Residue: Not fully removing your makeup can leave behind debris that clogs your pores. Clean skin = happy pores!
Oil, Dirt & Debris: Oil from your skin, combined with dead skin cells and dirt, can lead to clogged pores. Your phone, pillowcase, and even your hands are sneaky sources of debris.
Environmental Factors: Toxins in the air, oil from touching your face, and sweat buildup can all contribute to clogged pores. (Pro tip: Wash your hands before touching your face!)

How to Unclog Pores?

You’ve probably seen countless tips on “how to permanently unclog pores,” but here’s the truth: You can’t. However, you can manage and minimize them with a few key steps:

Exfoliation: Whether chemical or manual, exfoliation helps clear away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs (think glycolic or salicylic acid) can reduce oil, dissolve debris, and boost collagen, though they might cause dryness, so start slow.
Pore Strips: These can help pull out debris, but don’t overdo it—once a week is enough. Cleanse afterward and follow up with a light moisturizer.
Clay Face Masks: and one standout is M Bernstein’s Vitamin C Clay Mask for Face with French Green Clay. This mask not only deeply cleanses pores but also combats aging with its powerful combination of French Green Clay and vitamins C+E. The Mediterranean Sea Clay works to remove impurities, while Vitamin C helps boost collagen, leaving your skin looking firm and refreshed. Plus, it visibly reduces redness and helps prevent future breakouts, making it a great addition to your skincare routine. After using, cleanse your skin and follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Professional Extraction: For a deeper clean, leave extractions to the pros! They can clear out pores without causing scarring or infection.

How to Tackle Clogged Pores?

While clogged pores can’t be entirely avoided, they can be managed! Here are a few tips to keep your skin in check:

Cleanse daily with a gentle cleanser.
Keep your skin hydrated with a good moisturizer. Try Dr. M. Bernstein's Anti-Aging Moisturizer enriched with unique algae, Hyaluronic acid, and Shea Butter.
Opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free makeup and skincare products.
Steer clear of oils on areas prone to clogged pores.
Exfoliate once or twice a week.
Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
And please, no picking or popping pimples—it’s just asking for trouble!

By sticking to these tips, you can manage clogged pores and keep your skin looking fresh. Embrace your pores—they’re totally normal, after all!