How to Clean Pores

If you’re suffering from acne, it’s possible that your face has dirt, oil, or other debris stuck in your pores. Although the size and shape of pores is genetic and cannot be changed, there are a few ways to deep clean the skin and remove blackheads that make pores more visible. To soften dirt or grime, for example, you can try steaming your face before washing your face, but don’t apply it too often to avoid drying out your skin. You can also use masks or peels to get clean skin.

Table of Contents

Facial steaming

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Wash your face with your favorite cleanser. To get the most out of steam therapy, start the process with a face wash. This step helps steam penetrate deep into the pores, pushing out the dust and oil trapped inside. ^{[1] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

If you have dry or reddened skin, you probably shouldn’t be in the sauna. Your skin may become drier and redder. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Pour water into a large pot and bring to a boil. Find a large pot like the one you usually boil noodles in or make a large batch of soup and fill it 2/3 full with water. Put the pot on the stove, turn up the heat and cook until the water just boils. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Avoid filling the pot with water. Water can spill out when it’s boiling, and it’s also hard to move the pot away without spilling the water.

Tip: Add a few petals of rose, lavender, rosemary or eucalyptus leaves to the water for fragrance and detoxification. You can also use essential oils if you like.

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Place the pot of water on a heat-resistant pot base or a double towel. Try to find a spot where you can sit, stand or kneel comfortably when choosing where to place the pot. Be sure to spread a folded towel over the bottom of the pot so you don’t scorch the surface underneath. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

For example, you can sit on a chair at the dining table or place a pot on a shelf in the bathroom.

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Put a towel over your head. Take a large, thick towel that covers your head but does not cover your face. The towel will trap the steam, allowing more steam to come into contact with the skin. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Thick towels will hold the steam better than thin towels, but you can use whatever is available.

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Leave the side over the steam as close as possible for 5-10 minutes. Face the pot of water so that the towel covers the sides of the pot. Don’t put your face too close to the water. The distance from the face to the water surface should be at least 45 cm to avoid skin burns (about 50-60 cm is moderate). Steam for about 5 minutes, or 10 minutes if you feel comfortable. ^{[6] X Research Source}

If at a distance of 50-60 cm is still uncomfortable, you can step back a bit. ^{[7] X Research Sources}
Contrary to popular belief, steam does not open pores. It relaxes the muscles under the skin and makes it easier to push out the dirt trapped deep below.

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Wash your face again with a mild cleanser. The steaming process helps push dirt and oil to the surface of the skin. What’s more, it makes you sweat, which in turn also helps push impurities out of your skin. To make sure dirt and sweat don’t get back into your pores, wash your face with a mild cleanser after steaming. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Use a mild and fragrance-free cleanser to wash your face.

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Moisturizing facial skin to combat dry skin caused by sauna. Heat can make skin very dry, so moisturizing after steaming and washing your face is important. You don’t need to use any special moisturizer; Any lightweight facial moisturizer will work. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Unless you have very dry facial skin, you can repeat this treatment once a week.

Deep clean facial skin

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Wash your face to remove dirt from the pores. If you notice a lot of blackheads on your face (which are caused by oil and dirt trapped in your pores), start by washing your face. Gently wash your face with your regular cleanser and warm water to remove dirt in the pores. ^{[10] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

Use toner after washing your face to rebalance the pH of your skin.
Avoid washing your face twice, as this will strip away too much of your face’s natural oils and can make your skin too dry.

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Exfoliate your face once a week to remove dirt and dead skin. Exfoliating means gently scrubbing away dead skin cells as well as oil and dirt accumulated on the surface of the skin. There are many ways you can do this, but it’s best to use a chemical exfoliant if you have acne-prone skin. This product is more effective than physical exfoliators at removing dead skin cells and clearing pores without irritating the skin. ^{[11] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

Be careful not to rub too hard to avoid irritating the skin.
If you have sensitive skin, you shouldn’t exfoliate more than once a week or every two weeks.
Always moisturize the skin after exfoliating.

Do you know? You can make your own face scrub with ingredients like green tea, honey, and sugar, or with coconut oil, sugar, and lemon.

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Use a facial mask to draw impurities from the skin. Many mask products when dry will tighten and pull impurities out of clogged pores. Visit the department store or cosmetic store to find a mask that works best for your skin type. Apply the mask and store it on the skin according to the instructions on the package. You can then peel or wash off the mask, or just peel it off if you’re using a sheet mask. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Clay masks are especially rich in nutrients, while activated charcoal masks are very effective in detoxifying the skin. ^{[13] X Research Source}
If you like, you can make your own face mask at home!

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Try chemical peels to peel off the top layer of skin. This product uses strong chemicals to dissolve oil, dirt and cells in the top layer of the skin, leaving you with clear and fresh skin. If you’ve never used chemical peels before, it’s best to see a dermatologist or esthetician. However, you can also purchase chemical peels to use at home. ^{[14] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

If you want to do a chemical peel at home, you need to follow the instructions exactly. Otherwise, you may cause skin damage, redness, and irritation.
Whether you have a chemical peel at home or visit a professional, you will notice painful and sensitive skin for the next 1-2 days.

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See a dermatologist for a pore-cleansing if you have severely clogged pores. The doctor can use a suction tool to remove dirt from the pores quickly and accurately. If you have blackheads or pimples, your doctor may recommend a special skin care treatment. ^{[15] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

Dermatologists can also offer blackhead treatment services, including microneedling, where tiny needles are inserted into the skin, or microdermabrasion, where the doctor uses a handheld device. Use small hands to remove the top layer of skin. ^{[16] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}
To avoid the risk of irritation, burning pain, even infection, you should not use this remedy at home.

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Ask your dermatologist about potential causes of clogged pores. Pores can become clogged with sweat, hormones, or medication. Let your dermatologist know if you have more breakouts or more clogged pores than usual so they can find a solution. Your dermatologist may recommend acne medication, a change in your cleansing routine, or a special skin care product to help reduce clogged pores. ^{[17] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

For example, if your pores are clogged from excessive sweating, your doctor may recommend washing your face more often.
If your pores are clogged with age and loose skin dilates your pores, your doctor may recommend skin tightening treatments.

Try natural remedies

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Use boiled parsley leaf juice to draw impurities out of the skin. Put a handful of parsley leaves in a saucepan of water and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat when the water is boiling and wait for the water to cool down. While the water is still comfortably warm, dip a washcloth into the pot, wring out the excess water, and place the towel over your face for 10-15 minutes. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Parsley has astringent properties, i.e. cleans and tightens the skin. Parsley extract is even used in some cosmetics. ^{[19] X Research Source}
You can also use thyme if you like. ^{[20] X Research Sources}
You can do this therapy once every 2 days.

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Mix the baking soda mixture to clean the skin. Mix 2 teaspoons (10 g) of baking soda and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of water in a small bowl until a paste is formed. Rub the mixture on your face and let it sit for 5 minutes, then wash it off. As the baking soda dries, it draws impurities out of the skin. ^{[21] X Research Source}

You can do it once a week.

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Rub lemon juice on your face as a mild peeling agent. Cut a lemon in half, then rub the cut side of half a lemon over the skin with clogged pores or blackheads. Leave the lemon juice on your skin for about 5 minutes, then wash your face with cool water. ^{[22] X Research Source}

The acidity of lemon juice will help dislodge dirt, grime and dead skin cells. However, it can cause skin irritation if you leave it on your skin for longer than 5 minutes.
If you feel discomfort in less than 5 minutes, rinse your skin with cool water.

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Use rose water as toner. Dab a little rose water on a cotton ball to moisten, then rub it on the skin. Rose water will help balance the skin gently without causing irritation. This product has anti-inflammatory properties and can even smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

You can buy a toner or make your own.

Advice

Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep the skin moist; This will make the pores less visible. ^{[24] X Research Source}

Warning

Avoid squeezing blackheads to try to pop them. You can rupture an oil gland and make the condition worse. In addition, if you break the skin, the skin is more susceptible to infection.

Steps

Facial steaming

Deep clean facial skin

Try natural remedies

Advice

Warning

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