Clean and well-cared-for pores are essential for maintaining your skin’s overall health and appearance. When the pores become clogged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, they can appear enlarged and lead to various skin concerns. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and professional help, it is possible to keep your pores clear and achieve a smoother, clearer complexion.

What are pores?

Pores are tiny openings on the skin's surface that house hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that helps moisturise and protect the skin. However, when excess oil, dead skin cells, and impurities accumulate, they can clog pores, leading to issues like acne, blackheads, and dullness.

Self-care tips for your pores

There are many things you can do yourself to keep pores clean. Here's a short overview:

• Gentle cleansing twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
• Regular exfoliation with a chemical exfoliant, such as a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), to unclog pores and promote cell turnover.
• A steam facial once a week, using a bowl with hot water and a drape towel, helps to open up pores and loosen debris trapped within them.
• Clay masks are excellent for absorbing excess oil and impurities from the skin, making them an ideal treatment for congested pores.
• Oil cleansing can be beneficial for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. Oil dissolves oil, making it an effective way to remove pore-clogging impurities without stripping the skin.
• Some lifestyle habits can help keep the pores cleaner. For example, staying hydrated, protecting the skin from UV radiation, and cleansing the skin after exercise are a few useful routines.

Professional treatment options to clean pores

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation procedure that uses a handheld device to gently remove the outer layer of dead skin cells. This treatment can help unclog pores, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, and improve overall skin texture and tone.

Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. Certain types of chemical peels, such as those containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid, are particularly effective for cleaning out pores and reducing acne breakouts.

Various laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, can help improve pore size and overall skin quality. These treatments work by stimulating collagen production, reducing oil production, and targeting pigment irregularities and bacteria that contribute to pore congestion.

HydraFacial is a popular facial treatment that combines exfoliation, extraction, and hydration to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. During a HydraFacial treatment, a handheld device is used to cleanse the skin, extract impurities from pores, and deliver hydrating serums containing antioxidants and peptides.

Achieving clean, clear pores is an essential aspect of any skincare regimen, regardless of age or skin type. By incorporating gentle cleansing techniques, exfoliation, and pore-clearing treatments it is possible to minimise pore size and achieve a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Learn about maintaining your skin health in your FREE skin consult with our dermal clinicians.

References:
Shah M, Crane JS. Microdermabrasion. [Updated 2023 Jun 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535383/

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Chung H, Goo B, Lee H, Roh M, Chung K. Enlarged pores treated with a combination of Q-switched and micropulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser with and without topical carbon suspension: A simultaneous split-face trial. Laser Ther. 2011;20(3):181-8. doi: 10.5978/islsm.20.181. PMID: 24155527; PMCID: PMC3799029.

Storgard R, Mauricio-Lee J, Mauricio T, Zaiac M, Karnik J. Efficacy and Tolerability of HydraFacial Clarifying Treatment Series in the Treatment of Active Acne Vulgaris. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 Dec;15(12):42-46. PMID: 36569524; PMCID: PMC9762628.