How To Clear And Treat Clogged Pores

What are clogged pores?

Pores are small openings in the skin which allow oil and sweat to reach the surface of the skin. You have two types of pores – oil pores and sweat pores. Oil pores are larger, and when congested, can be more visible on the surface of the skin.

Pores can become blocked by a build-up of excess oil and sebum, dead skin, residue from make-up or SPF products, bacteria and pollution.

How do I know if I have clogged pores?

Congested pores can lead to overall skin dullness, along with blackheads, whiteheads and spots. Take a close look at the texture of your skin – if you can see larger, darker pores, particularly in the T-zone area, you might have clogged pores.

How can I treat clogged pores?

1. Don’t squeeze or pick at your pores

While it may be tempting to try to remove the build-up by force, it’s not a good solution. Squeezing and picking at pores irritates, inflames and damages the skin. This is likely to create acne scars, or push bacteria deep into the skin, resulting in even more breakouts. It’s best not to pick at pores (even with blackhead removing tools or tweezers) to give the skin the best chance of clearing and healing.

2. Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse

A gentle yet effective cleanser is an essential step in any pore-unblocking skincare regimen.

If your skin is on the oily side, try No7 Foaming Cleanser For Oily Skin. This soft, creamy foam works to purify skin and tighten pores while protecting your skin’s natural, healthy balance.

A hot cloth cleanser can be a great option if you prefer a cream formula. No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser effortlessly lifts away make-up, dirt and impurities, while the exfoliating muslin cloth can be used to polish away dead skin cells. For added efficacy, use warm water and hold the cloth gently to your face for a few moments to help encourage pores to open.

For an exfoliating option, try No7 Radiance+ Daily Energising Exfoliating Cleanser. Blended with natural apricot seeds, this formula buffs away impurities to help unblock pores and improve the appearance of skin texture.

3. Use a pore-tightening toner

Now that your skin is cleansed and refreshed, follow with a swipe of toner, such as No7 Toning Water. This multi-tasking toning water helps to cleanse skin and tighten pores, leaving skin clear, soft and revitalised.

Oily skin? Opt for No7 Toning Water For Oily Skin, specially formulated to leave skin shine-free and toned.

4. Apply a pore-clearing serum

A multi-tasking serum, such as No7 Early Defence Glow Activating Serum, can be used to clear and refine pores, support the skin’s natural defences and boost young skin’s natural renewal process.

5. Refine with retinol

Retinol can be an effective ally against clogged pores. It increases the rate of cell turnover, while clearing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, helping to prevent blockages. As with all active ingredients, it’s best to introduce retinol slowly to avoid overly dry or sensitive skin.

Try No7 Pure Retinol Night Cream, expertly formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimise the appearance of pores and even out skin tone.

How can I prevent clogged pores?

Consistency is key when it comes to preventing congested skin. Keep your skin clean and moisturised with non-comedogenic skincare products, which won’t clog pores. It can also help to avoid touching your skin with unwashed hands during the day to prevent introducing dirt, oil and bacteria into your pores.