How to Prevent and Get Rid of Clogged Pores

Whether it's due to stress or having oily skin, most of us have battled with clogged pores. Here are some helpful tips for fighting, preventing and getting rid of clogged pores, once and for all.

Pores are tricky. Even if the rest of your face is smooth, even and clear, you may still be struggling with clogged pores. Clogged pores are caused by a combination of dead skin cells, dirt and excessive sebum/oil on the skin. Oil production may rise in response to the weather, or even due to internal changes in hormones, diet, even physical and emotional stress. In order to prevent or get rid of clogged pores, here are some helpful tips you can follow:

#1 Watch what you eat

The food you eat can have a huge impact on your skin, whether you’re dealing with clogged pores, acne or even rosacea. Other than the obvious oily, high-sugar and junk food, consumption of dairy products such as milk, butter, and cheese have also been known to lead to increased oil production and blocked pores.

To eliminate or prevent clogged pores through diet, maintain a low-glycemic diet. Some examples of low-glycemic foods include whole grain foods, cruciferous and dark leafy green vegetables and fruits such as cherries, grapefruit, apples and peaches.

#2 Make acids your best friend

When it comes to what skincare ingredients to look for, you need acne-fighting acids like salicylic acid. This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) removes excess oil from the skin and gently exfoliates dead cells that block the pores. Cleansers like the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser, which has 0.5% salicylic acid, can help remove dirt and oil and keep your skin clog-free.

#3 Triple Cleanse

In addition to pore clearing acids, you should also use a cleansing water or a toner as a third cleanse to remove any stubborn, remaining impurities on your skin. Look for a low pH product that doesn’t irritate or strip the skin of moisture. The Son & Park Beauty Water has a pH of 4.5, and contains papaya extract to gently exfoliate skin and rosewater to hydrate.

#4 Avoid products with occlusives

Occlusives are products that form a protective layer over the skin to protect and lock in moisture, so they are great if you have dry skin. But when it comes to fighting excess oil and clogged pores, you need to avoid using occlusive products because they can clog your pores.

However, this does not mean that you can ditch the moisturisers completely! If you try to deprive your skin of moisture, it will be dehydrated and that is another problem entirely. Instead, look for hydrating products that won’t weigh down your skin. The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a great option for its lightweight, gel-like consistency. It’s an easy way to hydrate skin and help repair skin damage without clogging your pores.

#5 Clay mask your problems away

Clay is indeed a skincare superstar for congested complexions. The pore-clearing clay in Neogen Dermalogy Canadian Pore Clay Cleanser and Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask works magnetically to draw out excess oil, pollutants, and other waste materials that get trapped inside pores. I personally like to clay mask at least once or twice a week to detoxify my skin from all the built-up junk.

Pore care is always a challenge. You may not find the one magical product that keeps your pore sparkling clean and clear for eternity, but with consistent care and the right ingredients, you can keep clogged pores at bay. And, you get to look like a cloud! :D