Our Top 10 Products for Removing Clogged Pores in 2020
If you struggle with blackheads and congestion, it can feel like a never ending crisis without a fix. It is that one skin concern that most people feel like they will never get a handle on, even in adulthood. However, with the right balance of cleansing, exfoliation and hydration, it is something we can reduce and prevent, even if we never have perfect pores. Create a clearer complexion with our top exfoliating and clearing products, designed to unclog pores and keep them clear.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliantcombines physical and chemical exfoliants (Salicylic acid and rice powder) to buff and purify the skin on multiple levels
Once cleared of debris, your skin is fresh and ready to absorb your moisturiser or serum. In essence, an exfoliator helps treatment products work more effectively on your skin.
Older and stressed skins will also love this cleanser/exfoliator. The Glycolic Acid works on the surface of the skin to lighten pigmentation and other signs of sun damage, and promotes the renewal of skin cells. Got fine lines or general dullness? Add Glycolic Cleanser 12% to your morning routine to give it a beautiful wake-up call.
Alpha-H Balancing and Pore Refining Mask with Jojoba Oil 100g
Deep pore cleansing is a critical step to prevent future breakouts. But if you’re currently suffering from acne, Alpha-H Balancing and Pore Refining Mask with Jojoba Oil also helps the skin recover more quickly from a bad spell. As well as being one of the best products for removing clogged pores, Balancing and Pore Refining Mask also rebalances oil levels in the skin. The less oil there is, the less likely the skin will get congested in the first place.
Congested skin can benefit from a treatment mask in addition to a daily cleansing ritual. This clay-based, refining mask can be used a couple of times a week (for 10 minutes or as an overnight spot treatment) to unblock clogged pores, clean them out, and remove blackheads.
$45.22$55.28
This exfoliator from asap is a pretty smart scrub. It combines two sloughing mechanisms: physical exfoliation (via biodegradable microbeads) and chemical exfoliation (via Glycolic Acid, which breaks down dead skin cells). Massage this asap scrub into the skin for 30 seconds. Then, rinse and chase with your favourite moisturiser. You'll start your day confident that your skin has been thoroughly cleansed.
On the one hand, asap daily exfoliating facial scrub solves issues like clogged pores, makeup build-up, and dull skin. On the other, daily exfoliating facial scrub can help work away the appearance of hyperpigmentation and other imperfections associated with ageing skin. It sounds potent, but asap has delivered a skin solution that’s gentle enough for everyday use.
Simplicity is at the core of The Ordinary’s product line, so don’t be confused by this complex-sounding product for removing clogged pores. Lactic Acid is a compound that occurs naturally in many foods. Used in skincare products, it breaks down dead cells to expose a fresh, new layer of skin underneath. The win with Lactic Acid, as compared with similar ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, is that the former is a lot gentler. That makes Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% a great option for sensitive skins.
Lactic Acid is also known to prevent congestion, reduce pigmentation, and increase water retention. The takeaway here is that this exfoliator deals with issues like blackheads and congestion but also leaves the skin in robust condition. A healthy, strong skin barrier is all about #skingoals.
Clay can draw out impurities in the skin and remove dead skin cells. But Clay also removes excess oils, the root cause of clogged pores. This leaves the surface of the skin with a smooth, matte appearance. In a hurry? Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment can also be used as a spot treatment.
This foaming cleanser from Kiehl’s unclogs pores effectively and is designed for daily use on all skin types. Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser is better suited to users who want a gentle daily exfoliator than to those with tricky or excessively oily skins.
The Aloe Extract in this daily cleanser has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Once the exfoliator has done its work, the Aloe soothes and softens skin, so you're left with a radiant complexion that’s primed to receive your daily toner and moisturiser.
Unclogging pores is one step in the process of combatting congestion and breakouts. But what about the overall appearance of your skin? Enlarged pores impact on the smoothness of your skin.
The beauty of serums is that they can be added to your skin regimen as needed to support your skin during particular phases or challenges. If you’re suffering from clogged pores and congestion, this night serum from Aspect is a winner. The skin’s ability to regenerate fires up during the night (that’s one reason it’s called ‘beauty sleep’). So, the after-dark usage of Exfol L 15 is well timed.
It takes between 15 and 30 minutes (it won't set hard) for SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque to work its magic, so it's not an option if you're in a hurry. However, if you can invest in a touch of ‘me-time', your complexion will love you for it. Use this product weekly to prevent the build-up that causes pores to clog.
So, let's recap our Top 10 Products for Removing Clogged Pores
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
This article has been updated on 26/02 to replace discontinued products with our recent product recommendations. Brooklyn from our Customer Service team has helped to bring you our most recommended products and up-to-date information.
