Best Ways to Clean Your Pores: From An Esthetician

As a Professional Skin Therapist, one of the most common concerns my clients face is clogged pores. Keeping your pores clear is one of the secret ingredients  for maintaining healthy skin. So, let’s dive into why pores get clogged, how to effectively clean them, and the importance of using the right products and techniques.

Why Do Pores Get Clogged?

Pores can become clogged for various reasons, and understanding the root cause is key to preventing future issues:

1. Excess oil production: Skin naturally produces sebum (oil) to maintain moisture. However, overproduction can lead to clogged pores, especially for those with oily skin which creates a sticky environment that makes it hard for dead skin cells to naturally fall off, leading to clogged pores. 
2. Lack of exfoliation: If your skin isn’t properly exfoliated, dead skin cells accumulate and mix with oil, leading to blockages.
3. Environmental factors: Dirt, pollution, and makeup can settle into your pores, causing them to clog. This is especially common if you live in a big city!
4. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations can increase oil production, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and even stress..

Why You Should Be Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is a game-changer when it comes to maintaining clean pores. This two-step process effectively removes surface dirt, makeup, and excess oil, while also providing a deeper clean that targets impurities stuck in your pores.

1. Your first cleanse should start with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Apply to dry skin and massage before adding water to emulsify and further breakdown makeup and debris.

2. Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser that caters to your skin type. This second step ensures you’re cleaning deeper into the pores, removing any remaining dirt and sweat.

Pore Clearing Ingredients

When building out your skincare routine it’s important to be intentional about the ingredients you’re incorporating to give you the results you need:

• Salicylic Acid: This BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) is oil-soluble, making it one of the best ingredients for clearing clogged pores. It penetrates deep into the pore lining, exfoliating from within. I recommend the Clean Slate Clearing Mist [from Clean Skin Club], as it contains salicylic acid to help combat excess oil and breakouts.
• Niacinamide: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide, found in the You Dew You cleanser that helps regulate sebum production, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
• Glycolic Acid: This AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) gently exfoliates the skin's surface, promoting cell turnover and preventing dead skin cells from building up in your pores.
• Clay: Kaolin or bentonite clay are excellent for drawing out impurities and absorbing excess oil, making clay masks an excellent weekly treatment for those with congested skin.

How Clean Towels Maintain Clear Pores

Another aspect of keeping your pores clear is ensuring that you’re not reintroducing bacteria or dirt onto your freshly cleansed skin. Traditional towels can harbor bacteria, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. That’s why I highly recommend using Clean Towels. These 100% bio-based, compostable, single-use towels are a must-have for wiping away makeup, cleansers and masks, or drying the face in a cleaner way.

For an extra boost of exfoliation, the Clean Towels XL Supreme can be used to gently buff away dead skin cells, leaving your pores clear and your skin smooth without causing irritation. Incorporating these into your routine ensures you’re not undoing all the hard work of your cleansing regimen.

Maintaining clean pores is an essential part of achieving healthy, radiant skin. By understanding what causes your pores to clog, implementing effective techniques like double cleansing, and incorporating pore-clearing ingredients, you can keep your skin clear and prevent breakouts. Your skin deserves the best care, and taking these steps will ensure your pores stay fresh, clean, and free from congestion!

Thank you for reading!