How To Unclog Pores At Home (13 Ways For Removing Blackheads)

How to unclog pores

As you get out of the shower and clear the steam off your bathroom mirror, you notice the humongous pink dot on your nose. It feels a bit sore, and it doesn’t look good at all. You wipe the mirror again…  Maybe you made a mistake.

You lean forward towards the mirror to take another look, but you were right the first time. Something is definitely there on your nose, growing into what feels like a mountain. But what the heck is it?

You get paranoid and start looking around on the surface of your face. You have pores that look dirty and dark. You also have pores that look greasy and white. You move your chin up a bit to take a look at your skin and you see a few whiteheads coming out from underneath the bottom of your lip, and you think to yourself: “Oh no, every pore on my face is clogged”.

This doesn’t look good because you are meeting with friends this weekend and you want your skin to look flawless. Does this sound familiar?

*Please note: This post contains affiliate links. Several links in this post will take you to Amazon.com or to other sites where you can find out additional information about some of the products mentioned here, read reviews, and check out prices.

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The connection between large pores, acne, and sebum

A pore is the tiny opening in the surface of the skin. We literally have close to 20,000 pores on our face alone and 5 million pores in all of our body.

In scientific terms, a pore is a part of the skin that is attached to a microscopic gland. This gland produces oily matter called “sebum”, which is a waxy material that helps lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.

Acne is the general term that people refer to when they have problems with their skin. It is the catchall term that includes many symptoms such as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.

What causes large pores?

Genetics usually determine if you will get large pores. Sometimes large pores can be caused by excess oil or oily skin that sits around the pores, making them look enlarged.

People with oily skin, sun damage, or those who are getting older are more prone to getting enlarged pores. Why do pores appear more enraged on people with oily skin, you may ask? Well, it’s because the skin around the pores of an oily skin person thickens with time. This makes the pores appear larger than normal.

Sometimes applying too much makeup can also make the pores look larger. Too much makeup on the skin can attract dirt and oil, making large the pores appear even larger than usual because of the shine they get. The oil effect is like someone saying “Hey, hello… pay attention to me, I have shine, me, me, me”.

What causes an overproduction of sebum?

In scientific terms, the cause of an overproduction of the oily matter sebum, which is produced by the Sebaceous glands, really depends on the person’s genetic makeup.

If the person’s genetic makeup has an excess of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), then the glands produce excess sebum.

What are blackheads?

Skin problems can follow anyone in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and beyond! Men and women can flare up with acne at any age. Some people continue to have bad skin, clogged pores, and acne well into their 60’s.

What do the specialists say about this? In her book Secrets of Ageless Skin: Younger Skin in 8 Weeks, Dr. Adrienne Denese confirms that “Our pores enlarge throughout our lives.

If you think it’s bad now, it will only get worse.” With enlarged pores, you will get more blackheads and debris on the skin. Luckily, there are many great remedies for clogged pores that you can make or use at home and we will show you how in this post.

Blackheads are very blocked pores. Technically speaking, they are dark lesions that show up on our skin. The substance inside a blocked pore is very solid, making the surface of the pore wide and large.

Blackheads are mostly visible on noses and necks. These lesions can appear without any signs of acne (meaning, they are just there) or can be accompanied by acne in the face and neck.

Clogged pores are sometimes referred to as “comedos”. A comedo is a pore clogged. It is sometimes referred to as a hair follicle. It is part of the skin system. The reason these pores get clogged is because the Keratin (which is the skin debris) and the skin oil block the pore.

An open comedo takes the form of a black head. When the skin closes the comedo, the pore then takes the form of a white head.

What are causes of blackheads?

A dark pigment called melanin occurs normally in our hair, skin, and iris of the eye. This is common between animals and humans. This substance is responsible for the skin turning from a light color to a tanned color when the skin is exposed to the sun.

This substance is also responsible for blackheads in our pores.

What does a clogged pore look like?

What blackheads look likeA lot of people wonder what is in a clogged pore. A clogged pore looks and feels bumpy. It is usually filled with oxidized melanin. It is ugly and usually looks dark. You will probably get acne if every pore is clogged on your face. The blackheads can make the skin look dirty. Sometimes you feel that there’s a swollen pore on your face and they you might get acne or a zit that shows up unannounced.

Although clogged pores are usually harmless, they can result in embarrassment and shying away from being around people.

If that’s the case for you, don’t worry. If you don’t want to invest money in expensive clogged pore treatments at the spa, there are many natural pore cleansers you can put together at home. A deep clean pore is a healthy pore, no matter how you get the job done.

What should the best pore cleanser treatment include?

That really depends on what your preference is. You can make your own treatments at home, buy products that treat your skin, or undergo procedures in a clinic. But honestly, there’s no need to spend so much money at a spa. You can literally save 90% of the cost by just doing things yourself right at home, and repeat the routine over and over.

As you get older, your daily routine should include cell renewal activities to improve the collagen and elastin production on your skin. Without a proper skin routine, your pores will continue to look enlarged.

If you have a severe skin condition, be sure to consult with your physician before undergoing any of these methods.

READ MORE: Best Facial Cleansing Brush Review (Our Top 5 Picks).

How to deep clean pores: Best blackheads removal techniques

There are many masks and treatments that you cclan make at home with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here are a few effective ones:

The facial steaming treatment

This is perhaps the simplest remedy for clogged pores. You don’t need a pore mask or anything fancy. All you need are simple items that you already have in your house.

For the deep pore cleanser using water only, you will need: 

  • A bowl of water.
  • A clean pot to boil the water.
  • A clean towel.

Best facial streaming treatment method: 

  • Clean off your face thoroughly (make sure you have no dirt and no makeup on).
  • Bring the water to a boil.
  • Carefully transfer the boiled water onto a ceramic or glass bowl suited for heat.
  • Bring your face close to the bowl and then drape the towel over your head and also over the bowl to prevent the steam from escaping.
  • Place your face very close to the steam. You must feel the steam for this method to work.
  • Make sure you are not too far and not too close to the steam.
  • You don’t want your skin to feel like it is overheating. Be at a comfortable distance and let the steam work its magic.
  • Steam your face for 5-10 minutes to unclog your pores. This technique will help you release clogged pores on forehead, which are hard to remove with tools.
  • You can apply your normal moisturizer once you are done.
  • Repeat once a week for best results.  

The fresh lemon juice face mask

Lemon juice face maskThe best facial pore cleanser that can also promote hydration can be made from freshly squeezed lemon juice.

This method has many benefits and can greatly improve your skin quality. Lemon juice can help clear the skin and exfoliate it. It also can help you clean out clogged pores. No wonder a lot of the household cleaning ingredients are made out of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.

The combination of lemon juice, honey, and a cotton ball can make a powerful pore unclogging tool. You want to make sure to repeat this treatment. Once you’re done with this treatment, your face will feel refreshed and clean. This is because the citrus in the lemon juice acts as an exfoliant that removes substances on the surface of your skin. The honey is an added ingredient to help provide your skin with nutrients and a softer touch, but it’s not necessary if you don’t have it.

To learn how to how to deep clean your pores with lemon juice, you will need: 

  • 1 small lemon that you want to cut in half (you only need to use one half).
  • 2 tablespoons of pure honey. If you don’t have honey, you can skip it, but honey does provide amazing nutrients and softness to your skin.
  • 1-2 cotton balls. You can also use your clean fingers to apply the mix.

Best fresh lemon juice face mask method: 

  • Mix the honey with the juice from the half lemon using a spoon or a fork.
  • Soak one cotton ball in the fresh mix and apply the cotton ball to half your face concentrating on the affected area. You can also use your fingers if they are clean.
  • Soak the other cotton ball and repeat the process on the other side of your face (you can use 1 cotton ball if you prefer for the entire face, but make sure you have enough lemon juice and honey in the cotton ball).
  • Leave the mix on your skin for about 10 minutes.
  • Rinse your face with warm water. Apply your normal moisturizer after you perform the lemon treatment.
  • You can repeat daily as long as you moisturize after the application, but if your face feels dry from applying lemon juice, then take a break.

The facial brush for deep cleaning pores

The best skincare for clogged pores does not always have to be applied and left on the face. It is true that applying face masks using natural ingredients is fun and effective, but not everybody is patient, or comfortable touching messy substances.

Some people prefer the use of technological advances and are always on the lookout for the best pore cleaning products.

If you’re looking for the best deep pore cleanser and blackhead removal tool with a rotating motor, then you will appreciate what this facial cleansing brush can do for your skin and complexion. These products will come with their own brushes, sponges, or massaging heads and can rotate and doctors love them.  To complete the set, you will need the brush heads and the skin care essentials for the product to work.

A cleansing face brush work best with problematic conditions, such as congested skin, breakouts, excess facial hair that tends to block pores, skin with ingrowing hair, large open pores, and dull and dry skin. It is a quick and safe way to learn how to open clogged pores without mixing ingredients.

One more thing.. You want to make sure that you follow instructions on How To Clean Your Facial Brush (And 5 Best Practices For Using It).

Getting a good cleansing face brush is like having a deep pore cleansing facial at home. This device works by gently rotating the brush heads in a circular motion with little effort while catching the dead cells in the bush head. If you have ever buffed your car to help eliminate dirt from the surface and help bring out the car’s natural shine, then you will quickly understand how this method works.

RELATED: What Best Facial Cleanser To Use For My Skin (And Facial Brush)?

The baking soda scrub

Baking soda scrubThis is probably the best facial pore cleanser that will also exfoliate. Baking soda is very popular in American culture. It is often used in combination with apple cider vinegar as a cleaning agent. It also can help clean coffee and tea stains from stained cups and relieve the itchy skin from insect bites.

Let’s make sure we don’t confuse baking soda with baking powder. They have different uses but they both look identical when taken out of their boxes.

With regards to the skin, baking soda can also help exfoliate and remove dead skin from the surface of the body.

Baking soda is extremely alkaline in nature. People who suffer from a lot of acid in their bodies are sometimes prone to getting sick more often than others. We don’t want our bodies to be very acidic, because that creates a condition called acidosis. A slightly alkaline body can fight off diseases and inflammation, and the alkali properties of baking soda on the skin can fight off unwanted substances in the form of blackheads in the clogged pores. Here are the requirements for the best facial pore cleanser mask with baking soda.

For this DIY deep cleansing face mask with baking soda, you will need: 

  • 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
  • 4 tablespoons of honey
  • The lemon juice from ½ freshly squeezed small lemon
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon power (preferably organic)
  • Just enough purified water to make the mix into a paste (boiled and cooled down, or purchased as distilled) for mixing.

Best baking soda scrub method: 

  • Start by mixing the baking soda with the honey, lemon juice and cinnamon powder.
  • Add a bit of the purified water and continue adding gradually until you have a thick (not runny) mask.
  • Wash your hands and apply the mask on your face.
  • Leave the mask on for 8-10 minutes.
  • Rinse off the mask with warm water.
  • Repeat weekly for best results.

The parsley face mask

Parsley face maskThe deep pore cleansing herb that we sometimes use for garnish is a force to recon with. Parsley is such a powerful cleansing agent that the French used it to name one of their laundry detergents! When consumed as food, parsley pulls toxins out of the body. When applied to the skin, it pulls toxins right out of the clogged pores making it the best pore cleaner right out of the produce isle.

First of all, it is important to differentiate between parsley and cilantro. Cilantro is what we eat with chips and salsa and parsley is what we use to make the Tabbouleh salad. Although the two herbs look the same, they don’t taste the same and they don’t have the same effects, yet people often mistake them as the same.

There are two types of parsley that you can find in a typical U.S. grocery store: Curley parsley (the popular coarse type), and the soft parsley (which is often labeled as “Italian Parsley”). Both will work just fine for this method.

Parsley is a very popular herb in the Mediterranean and European regions. It is consumed in salads and is an integral part of the cuisine. It has medicinal properties and anti-inflammatory properties among other amazing benefits. This is why it makes a great ointment.

For the parsley pore clearing mask, you will need:

  • A handful of parsley sprigs (the green leafs).
  • 1 cup of water.
  • A clean pot to boil the water.
  • A soft wash cloth.

For this parsley face mask (more like a parsley soak):

  • Rinse the parsley thoroughly to remove any impurities.
  • Bring the water to a boil using a clean plan and then turn off the heat.
  • Soak the parsley sprigs in the boiled water and let it sit until the water cools down completely.
  • Dip the washcloth inside the parsley treatment and let it soak completely.
  • Pull out the washcloth and gently wring out some of the excess water, but not all of the water.
  • Relax in a horizontal position and place the washcloth on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Repeat daily.

The mud mask

The mud maskThe best mud mask doesn’t have to be expensive. You can purchase these products already mixed, or mix your own. But don’t start running to the backyard to remove mud from your soil! It doesn’t work that way.

A mud mask is not only a pore cleaner but also a nourishing mask that helps your skin release toxins and oily substances.

A mud face mask is rich in minerals and should be hypoallergenic. It can give your face a treatment that feels refreshing and nurturing. It has anti-aging properties, and softens and tones the skin.  Do you wat to know how to make a mud mask at home? It requires a bit of preparation, but it’s definitely worth trying making a homemade mud mask.  Many people prefer buying these mud masks, and if you do, make sure you are buying a quality mud clay product.  For the facial mud mask recipe, you will need:

For oily skin, Bentonite clay works well.

It offers a very high grade of clay from Wyoming, made out of pure Sodium Bentonite. It brings life back to your ageing skin, and increases the blood.

It also acts as an anti-aging clay by diminishing wrinkles and bringing the youthfulness back to your skin leaving your pores looking clean and healthy.

For sensitive or dry skin, White Kaolin clay is a good option.

This product is very gentle on the skin. It is commonly used to make creams, lotions, soaps and body masks.

The reason it works great for dry skin is because it does not draw oil from the skin.

If you’re not sure of your skin type, Dead Sea clay from Provida will work for all skin types.

You can also purchase a Dead Sea mud mask that is already mixed. This product has magnesium, calcium, potassium, silicon, zinc, selenium, iron, copper and cobalt.

It has high absorbent properties and it helps draw out toxins from the skin. It is known for clearing the skin and revealing fresher complexions.

How to make mud masks:

  • 1 tablespoon of filtered water (for oily skin), cooled green tea (for anti-aging effects), or cool milk (for dry skin).
  • 1 tablespoon organic Aloe Vera.
  • 2 tablespoon cosmetic clay.
  • 1 room temperature egg white.
  • 3 drops of cosmetic grade rose essential oil (you can use any type of essential oil, as long as it can be used on the face).
  • A bowl.
  • A wash cloth.
  • Your daily moisturizer.

Method: 

  • In a small bowl, mix the 1 tablespoon of the filtered water, cooled off green tea, or cool milk with 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera.
  • Once the mixture is mixed well, gradually add the cosmetic clay until the 2 tablespoons are all in.
  • Add the egg white and the 3 drops of essential oil and stir well with a spoon or a fork.
  • Evaluate the mud mask. If it’s too thick, add a bit of the liquids (water, green tea, or milk). You want it to look like a spreadable paste that can easily cover your face. If the compound is too thin, you can use a bit of corn flower (a pinch at a time) and mix until you get the consistency desired.
  • Clean your hands and your face before applying the mud clay and pat your skin with a towel.
  • Take a bit of the mask into your fingers and apply the paste on our face. Make sure to apply thick layers while avoiding your eyes and your lip areas.
  • Leave the mud mask for face on your skin for 15 minutes. It will dry out.
  • Wash your face with warm water.
  • Apply your normal moisturizer to rejuvenate your skin.
  • Repeat weekly for best results.

The charcoal peel mask

Many health practitioners share their pimple popping. In this section, we will discuss this phenomenon on wanting to rid our faces from blackheads and talk a bit more about home-made products vs. store-bought products.

charcoal peel maskWhen the pores are clogged so much, they can create pimples and people are obsessed with clearing their skin. By now, you’ve probably seen a charcoal-based blackhead removal mask video on the internet. And if you have not seen one, then you’re probably curious.

This phenomenon is even made more sensational by people like Dr. Pimple Popper who share their pimple popping adventures on the internet. Gross, I know, but people seem to watch these videos! Some of the internet videos are so disgusting that we have to hide one eye to look at them. In addition, the latest craze that people talking about show how to mix together and apply DYI blackhead peel off masks.

If you don’t mind seeing a few blackheads and whiteheads being peeled off of a face, then you will enjoy the next section.

Some people have been using black mask products to remove blackheads. The one shown here is already mixed by a company.

You can certainly try products made by skin care companies, but we also want to caution you on purchasing cheap products made with bad ingredients. Always read reviews and make an educated decision.

Removing blackheads with glue is certainly a new trend, but I’m not sure if it’s a healthy one!

Some use non-toxic glue, charcoal powder, and peppermint extract to make the charcoal mask peel off mix. You might be able to find activated charcoal capsules with powder inside (instead of buying a larger quantity) at your local pharmacy.

Before we go on, I just want to tell you that we do not recommend this type of mask to be applied to your face.

Even if the glue is non-toxic, it is not guaranteed that this mix will also be hypoallergenic. You can still develop allergic reactions to it. This is because this method is controversial. But, if you decide to try it, here are some tips to consider.

  • Stay away from your eyes and your nose openings. Apply the mask and let it sit for 30 minutes. Once you start peeling it, it will hurt a bit, and it will feel like your skin is ripping (I did not enjoy the experience, but I saw good results after). You will pull out whiteheads, black heads, and all sorts of scum from your face.
  • Users on the internet swear by it and say that although it was tough to take off the mask after 30 minutes, their skin felt great because it was noticeably softer.
  • Dermatologists may oppose to it because they claim that it may damage your skin. I can certainly imagine how it could damage skin if this method is used in excess. Action News Jax in Jacksonville even did a report on the risks of charcoal peel-off masks that you can review. This is especially true in warm states, where the hot air and bright sun can cause pigmentation on damaged skin, and if the mask is used frequently.

The sugar scrub

You can certainly exfoliate with sugar and other ingredients, but you don’t want to eat sugar! Sugar can be fantastic for your skin, but horrible for your digestion. A lot of people use these sugar hand scrubs to clear out clogged pores. You certainly don’t need to buy expensive products to from the department stores or a spa. You can simply make your own brown sugar and coconut oil scrub for the face or white sugar and olive oil scrub for the body and reap the benefits of not only exfoliating your skin, but also moisturizing it.

Whatever you do, make sure to buy good ingredients for the sugar scrub mix. You can exfoliate and clear pores from the body, face, and feet. It works wonders on the feet! This simple sugar scrub will make your skin feel silky and soft, and will help exfoliate it.

Some people wonder about whether they should use sugar scrub vs salt scrub. We prefer sugar scrubs because sugar is much less abrasive on the skin. It is ideal for beautify products. Brown sugar is even better for sensitive skin. So, instead of irritating your skin with salt, use sugar that will help you sooth it out.

For facial scrubs and sensitive skin, we recommend that you use brown sugar because it is softer than white sugar. For body scrubs, you can use white sugar because it could be coarser than facial scrubs.

Other names for this sugar scrub include:

  • Sugar hand scrub
  • Sugar foot scrub
  • Simple sugar scrub
  • Brown sugar scrub

For this DIY coconut oil sugar scrub, here is what you will need:

  • For facial scrubs ½ cup of organic brown sugar (you can use non-organic if you prefer, but organic works best). For body scrubs, you can use white sugar.
  • For facial scrubs ½ cup of organic coconut oil. You can use non-organic if you already have it. If you plan on exfoliating all your body pores or other parts of your body, you can use olive oil, since it will be less expensive to use.
  • Essential oil: You can use a few drops of organic, cold pressed rosehip seed oil to help rejuvenate the skin. It will greatly help minimize the appearance of fine lines and slow down the aging process. If you prefer another essential oil, you can use a few drops of pure eucalyptus oil Eucalyptus has healing properties and is often used during therapeutic massages.

Method:

  • Combine the coconut oil (for face) or olive oil (for body) and the sugar in a bowl.
  • Mix until the mix becomes creamy.
  • Add the desired essential oil and continue to stir. Add the sugar and mix well.
  • Apply the mix on your affected face and scrub in circular motion.
  • Once done, rinse with warm water.
  • Apply a good moisturizer after you finish the sugar scrub.

Other variations on making the simple sugar scrub

scrubs

The sugar scrub benefits can apply to all types of scrubs. This is because they are natural ways to refresh the skin and exfoliate it.

The next few variations on the DIY sugar scrub above can work with brown sugar. You can also use white sugar if you prefer, but just know that white sugar can be harsher on the skin, and is best used for the body.

As long as you don’t eat it, sugar can help you exfoliate and unclog your pores. Here are some great variations:

The vanilla sugar scrub

This is a great scrub for people who love to smell good. It helps exfoliate and hydrate.

For this mix, you will need brown sugar (preferably organic), pure vanilla extract (make sure not to get the imitation type), almond oil and vitamin E oil.

Almond oil will make your skin feel great and it is safe to use on baby skin and on sensitive skin.

The lavender sugar scrub

This is one of our favorite scrubs, because it has intense aromatherapy calming effects.

For this mix, you will need brown sugar, almond oil or coconut oil (preferably organic), pure vanilla extract (make sure you don’t get the imitation type), and lavender essential oil.

  • Place 1 cup of organic brown sugar in a bowl (you can use white sugar if you want to scrub your hands, feet, or other than your face).
  • Add ½ cup of almond oil to the bowl. You can also use organic coconut oil.
  • Add ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
  • Add 15 drops of lavender essential oil.
  • Mix together, and scrub your face in a gentle motion in a circular motion. Make sure to avoid your eyes.
  • Once done, rinse your face, and pat dry.
  • Repeat once a week for best results.

The honey sugar scrub

You will save 90% of what you would originally pay for a ready to buy honey sugar scrub. I remember paying $35 for one. When you use great ingredients, you can also know that you are using the best of the best. This mix will smell great and feel great.

For this mix, you will use two simple ingredients. You only need brown sugar (preferably organic) and pure honey. Make sure the honey is of a good grade. Honey is an amazing anti-oxidant that will help your skin feel younger and more refreshed.

It is a great anti-aging helper. It also locks water in your skin and keeps it hydrated.

  • Place 1/2 cup of organic brown sugar in a bowl.
  • Add ½ cup of pure honey.
  • Clean your face and apply a bit of the mixture to your damp skin.
  • Massage your face gently in a circular motion and avoid your eyes.
  • Once done, rinse your face, and pat dry.
  • Repeat once a week for best results.

The peppermint sugar scrub

A wonderful scrub that smells great. You can use almond oil or coconut oil for this peppermint sugar scrub, whichever you have available.

For this mix, you will need brown sugar (preferably organic), almond oil or coconut oil (preferably organic).

For the peppermint aromatherapy scent you will use a peppermint essential oil.

The lemon sugar scrub

This is a great scrub to apply to your hands after washing anything greasy or dirty, like the dishes, the car, or after gardening. You can also use it to simply hydrate and exfoliate. It releases grease and dirt quite easily.

Lemon is a wonderful source of vitamin C and will help lighten your blackheads, age spots and skin tone. It will tighten our pores and help your complexion, which can heal your skin, help it keep its moisture, and fight aging effects. You can also use organic olive oil if you don’t mind the smell.

  • Place ½ a cup of organic brown sugar in a bowl.
  • Cut 1 juicy lemon in half and use half a lemon. Squeeze the juices out. You should have at least 1 tablespoon of pure lemon juice.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of vitamin E oil.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of pure honey.
  • Mix together, and scrub your face or your hand. Lemon is known to lessen the impact of blackheads as well, so you can use this lemon sugar scrub on your face.
  • Repeat once a week for best results.

What about you? Have you tried any of these treatments? Comment below and let us know how it was.

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