Emme Diane Burg
Apr 07, 2025
The Truth About Clogged Pores (And How to Clear Them for Good!)
How to get your skin looking smooth, refined, and radiant.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt frustrated by clogged pores, blackheads, or an overall congested complexion? You’re not alone! Pore congestion is one of the most common skincare concerns, and I know how overwhelming it can be to sift through all the products and DIY tricks that claim to "shrink" or "erase" pores. Here’s the thing—you can’t physically shrink your pores, but you can keep them clear and make them look less noticeable with the right approach.
So, let’s talk about what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to get your skin looking smooth, refined, and radiant.
Why Do Pores Get Clogged?
Before we dive into solutions, let’s get to the root of the problem. Your pores are tiny openings in the skin that house hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands. These glands produce sebum—your skin’s natural oil—which helps keep your skin hydrated and protected.
But sometimes, dead skin cells, excess oil, and debris mix together and create blockages in the pores. Over time, this buildup can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. Factors like skin type, hormones, and even the skincare products you use can all impact how easily your pores get clogged.
Now, let’s talk about how to actually clear them out (and no, those viral pore vacuums aren’t the answer!).
The Best Ingredients & Habits to Keep Pores Clear
If you want to keep your pores clean and your skin smooth, you need a solid skincare routine and some good habits. Here’s what actually works:
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a game-changer when it comes to unclogging pores. Unlike other exfoliating acids, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can get deep into your pores and break down the oil and debris that’s causing blockages. If blackheads, whiteheads, or acne are a struggle, adding a salicylic acid serum—like my Purifying Serum—to your routine can make a huge difference.
Mandelic Acid
If your skin is sensitive or you just prefer a milder exfoliant, mandelic acid is a great option. It helps break down dead skin cells on the surface, preventing buildup before it can clog your pores. A lot of my clients love using Clarifying Serum (mandelic acid) to exfoliate from the top down alongside Purifying Serum (salicylic acid), which works from the bottom up. Just keep in mind that they need to be layered appropriately or used on alternating days to avoid over-exfoliation!
Bonus: Mandelic acid also brightens the skin and has anti-aging benefits, so it’s a win-win!
Clay Masks & Sulfur
When your skin feels extra congested, a good clay or sulfur mask can work wonders. Clay helps draw out excess oil and impurities, while sulfur has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. I personally love using the Sulfur Refining Mask once a week to keep my pores clear and my skin balanced.
Gentle Manual Exfoliation
While chemical exfoliants work deep in the pores, a gentle physical exfoliant—like Skin Smoothing Polish—helps remove that top layer of dead skin cells. This prevents buildup that can lead to clogging below the surface. Plus, removing this top layer of dead skin will help your treatment serums be more effective as they’re able to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Sunscreen
Even the best ingredients won’t work if you’re not protecting your skin from sun damage. UV exposure breaks down collagen, which can make pores look larger over time. So, be diligent with applying (and reapplying!) your sunscreen daily.
What Not to Do
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. Here are some common mistakes that can make clogged pores worse:
- Pore Vacuums: I get it, they look super satisfying, but they can actually cause broken capillaries and irritation. Not worth it!
- Pore Strips & Peel-Off Masks: These might seem like a quick fix, but they’re actually just pulling off the “muffin top” of the blackhead which means that the rest of the debris remains in the pore to become another blackhead the next day! Even worse, they can rip off the top layers of your skin, which is damaging and traumatic for your skin barrier. Avoid them at all costs!
- DIY Extractions: Trying to squeeze out blackheads at home can lead to scarring, irritation, and even worse breakouts. If you need extractions, you can always reach out to an esthetician for professional extractions. If you’re local to the Scottsdale area, we’d love to see you in our studio—click here to book!
Ready to Get Your Pores Under Control?
If you’re dealing with stubborn blackheads or congestion, I’ve got you covered! Get started with our free online consultation where I customize a skincare routine tailored specifically to your skin type and concerns.
xoxo, Emme
