Use salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is the finest muck buster for pores. "Gentile exfoliating cleansers of the salicylic acid variant are great because salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that cuts through sebum and breaks it down," adds Gohara.
Mask with charcoal or clay once a week
Unclogging pores is no surprise with these OG acne-fighting warriors. "Clay or charcoal masks can help draw impurities, bacteria, and sebum/oil out of pores," explains dermatologist.
Invest in a comedone extractor.
As gratifying as it is to squeeze a blackhead, it is the worst technique to cure a plugged pore. Comedone extractors are safe, effective, and dermatologist-recommended.
Use retinol in your routine.
For breakout sufferers or those with pore insecurities (shout out to my huge pore folks!), Dr. Marchbein recommends Retin A or Differin gel.
Indulge in a weekly pore strip.
Derms endorse those pleasant pore strips! Dr. Marchbein: "Adhesive pore strips temporarily unclog pores by eliminating debris and oil. These treatments must be done weekly since pores naturally fill back up."
Opt for in-office acne facials.
They enable salicylic acid to penetrate deeper into the skin, "which can further contribute to glowing skin, even pigmentation and the appearance of smaller pores," she says.
Try microneedling.
Microneedling works wonders for congested pores, despite your expectations. "Needles go into the skin to create these little micro channels of injury, which can physically break up pores."
Use a non-comedogenic cleanser regularly.
People wash their faces once or twice a day. To reset your skin, you must cleanse. "Cleansers are designed to form little microscopic spheres around the dirt, oil, extra debris, and makeup that might be on the skin," he explains.
Exfoliate with an AHA.
Alpha hydroxy acids remove dead skin and open pores. Common acids include glycolic, lactic, and citric. Lactic acid is mild, hence Dr. Tolpinrun recommends it for delicate skin.
Consider using azelaic acid or sulfur.
Dr. Tolpinrud claims grain-derived azelaic acid, which is neither an AHA nor a BHA, may cure acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation while unclogging pores and exfoliating the skin.