Clear Skin Secrets: How to Prevent and Treat Clogged Pores

Tired of Clogged Pores and Constant Blackheads?

Clogged pores are one of the most common skincare issues people face—but they don’t have to be a permanent part of your routine. Whether you're battling blackheads, whiteheads, or textured skin, understanding how to properly care for your pores can transform your complexion. 

1. Understand What Causes Clogged Pores

Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand why pores get clogged in the first place. Common causes include:

  • Excess sebum (oil) production
  • Dead skin cell buildup
  • Improper cleansing
  • Comedogenic (pore-clogging) skincare or makeup
  • Environmental pollutants

Clogged pores can lead to acne, dullness, and rough texture—making it essential to treat them early and effectively.

2. Cleanse Properly (But Gently) Twice a Day

A gentle yet effective cleansing routine is the first line of defense. Cleansing helps remove dirt, makeup, excess oil, and pollution that accumulate throughout the day.

✅ Esthetician-Approved Tips:

  • Double Cleanse at night: Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down SPF and makeup, then follow with a water-based cleanser. For Dry skin, try a soap-free cleanser
  • Avoid Hard Scrubs: Physical exfoliants can cause micro-tears and worsen congestion.

🛍 Our Recommended Products:

  • Heimish All Clean Balm (for oil-based cleansing)
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (for sensitive skin)

3. Exfoliate Regularly—Don’t Overdo It

Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells that can trap oil and dirt in your pores. But over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier and trigger more oil production.

✅ Esthetician-Approved Tips:

  • Use Chemical Exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs) 2–3 times per week.
  • Choose salicylic acid (BHA) for oily and acne-prone skin.
  • Opt for lactic acid or mandelic acid if you have sensitive skin.

🛍 Our Recommended Products:

  • Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
  • The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

4. Incorporate Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers

Even oily or acne-prone skin needs hydration. Dehydrated skin can overcompensate by producing more oil—leading to more clogged pores.

✅ Esthetician-Approved Tips:

  • Look for “non-comedogenic” on the label for your skincare products.
  • Use gel-based moisturizers if you have oily or combo skin.
  • Don't skip moisturizer, even if your skin feels greasy (instead find a moisturizer that targets oily skin).

🛍 Our Recommended Products:

  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
  • CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

5. Use Clay Masks Weekly to Draw Out Impurities

Clay masks can act like magnets, drawing out excess oil and debris from deep within your pores.

✅ Esthetician-Approved Tips:

  • Apply to areas prone to congestion (T-zone, chin).
  • Limit use to 1–2 times per week to avoid drying out the skin.

🛍 Our Recommended Products:

  • Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (with apple cider vinegar)
  • Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

6. Try Retinoids for Long-Term Pore Refinement

Retinoids increase cell turnover, reduce oil production, and prevent dead skin buildup—all of which help minimize clogged pores and improve skin texture over time.

✅ Esthetician-Approved Tips:

  • Start slow: 1–2 times a week, gradually increasing frequency.
  • Always follow with sunscreen during the day.

🛍 Our Recommended Products:

  • The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
  • Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1%) – OTC retinoid

7. Don’t Skip Sun Protection

Sun damage can thicken the outer layer of the skin and make pores appear more clogged and noticeable. Plus, some acne treatments (like retinoids and acids) make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

✅ Esthetician-Approved Tips:

  • Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+, even on cloudy days.
  • Use oil-free or gel-based sunscreens for acne-prone skin.

🛍 Our Recommended Products:

  • EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch SPF 60

8. Maintain a Clean Lifestyle (Your Pillowcase Could Be Sabotaging You)

What touches your face can also affect your pores—think phones, pillowcases, makeup brushes, and sweaty headbands.

✅ Esthetician-Approved Tips:

  • Wash pillowcases and towels weekly.
  • Clean makeup brushes at least once a week.
  • Avoid touching your face throughout the day.

9. Consider Professional Treatments for Deep Congestion

When home care isn’t enough, seeing an esthetician can provide the deep cleansing your skin needs.

🧖‍♀️ In-Clinic Options Include:

  • Hydrafacials
  • Extractions
  • High-Frequency or Ultrasonic Facials
  • Chemicals Peels

These treatments can safely clear clogged pores and reset your skin without damaging the skin barrier.

10. Consider Skin Scraping or Gua Sha

While not a pore extractor specifically, regular usage of (Electric) Gua Sha stones and scrapers can help loosen dead skin and surface oil that would otherwise contribute to clogging. Additionally, Gua Sha can:

  • Increase product absorption leading to better treatments for your clogged pores.
  • Prevent future clogging by controlling skin oil levels.
  • Force clogged pores to open up with physical gliding of Gua Sha stones.
  • Open pores when using the heating function on an Electric Gua Sha.

About the Author

Elena Hart

Lead Esthetician & Product Testing Director
With over 14 years in the skincare industry, Elena blends clinical precision with holistic intuition. Specializing in advanced skin treatments and product formulation analysis, she leads our product testing protocols and ensures every review meets our standards.
Elena is the calm voice of reason in a noisy industry. Her reviews are thorough, data-driven, and always focused on real-world results. She believes great skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency, knowledge, and the right ingredients.