Clogged pores can make your skin look bumpy, uneven, or congested, and they can eventually contribute to blackheads and whiteheads. They’re especially common around the nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of clogged pores, the answer usually isn’t aggressive scrubbing or constantly squeezing your skin. A consistent routine with gentle cleansing, appropriate exfoliation, and products suited to your skin can be more helpful.

Below, we’ll cover what clogged pores are, why they happen, and 10 things that may help keep your skin looking clearer and smoother.

What Are Clogged Pores?

Pores are tiny openings in your skin associated with hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

Your skin naturally produces sebum, an oily substance that helps protect it. But when excess oil and dead skin cells accumulate inside a follicle, they can form a plug.

This may lead to:

Blackheads: Open clogged pores where the material at the surface oxidizes and appears dark.
Whiteheads: Closed clogged pores that appear as small flesh-colored or white bumps.
Rough texture: Congestion can make the skin feel less smooth.
Acne: Some clogged follicles can become inflamed and develop into pimples.

You can’t permanently eliminate pores, but you can take steps to reduce congestion and make their appearance less noticeable.

How to Get Rid of Clogged Pores

1. Cleanse Your Skin Gently

Cleansing is the foundation of a routine for congested skin.

A gentle cleanser can remove excess oil, sunscreen, makeup, sweat, and other material from the surface of your skin.

For many people, cleansing in the morning and before bed is enough. You may also want to cleanse after heavy sweating.

Avoid aggressively scrubbing your face. More friction doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner pores and may leave your skin irritated.

Look for a cleanser appropriate for your skin type that doesn’t leave your face feeling excessively tight or dry.

2. Try Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA, commonly used in products for acne-prone and oily skin.

Because it is oil-soluble, salicylic acid can work within oily areas of the follicle, helping remove accumulated dead skin cells.

This makes it a popular ingredient for:

Blackheads
Whiteheads
Oily skin
Congested pores
Uneven skin texture

If you’ve never used salicylic acid before, consider introducing it gradually rather than immediately using multiple exfoliating products at once.

3. Consider a Retinoid

Topical retinoids are another option commonly used for comedonal acne.

They influence skin-cell turnover and can help prevent follicles from becoming clogged.

However, retinoids can cause dryness, peeling, or irritation, particularly when you first begin using them.

Introduce them carefully and follow the instructions for your specific product. Avoid combining several potentially irritating active ingredients at once unless you’ve established that your skin tolerates them.

People who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should discuss retinoid use with a healthcare professional.

4. Don’t Forget Moisturizer

It may seem strange to apply moisturizer when your skin already feels oily or congested, but oily skin still needs appropriate hydration.

Using exfoliants, acne treatments, or retinoids without enough moisturization may leave your skin feeling dry and irritated.

Choose a moisturizer suited to your skin type.

If you’re acne-prone, you may prefer a lightweight product labeled non-comedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores.

Moisturizer is also an important part of supporting your skin barrier.

5. Remove Makeup Before Bed

Sleeping with makeup on isn’t a good habit when you’re trying to manage clogged pores.

Before going to bed, remove makeup, sunscreen, and other products that have accumulated throughout the day.

If you’re wearing heavy or water-resistant makeup, you may prefer double cleansing.

A simple double-cleansing routine looks like:

First cleanse: Cleansing balm, cleansing oil, or makeup remover.

Second cleanse: Gentle water-based facial cleanser.

You don’t necessarily need to double cleanse every time you wash your face. Use it when it makes sense for the products you’re wearing.

6. Avoid Picking and Squeezing Your Pores

It can be incredibly tempting to squeeze a visible blackhead.

But repeatedly picking at your skin can cause irritation and may increase the chance of marks or scarring.

Trying to manually extract every clogged pore at home can also damage the surrounding skin.

For stubborn blackheads or congestion, a dermatologist can recommend appropriate treatments and, when suitable, professional extraction.

7. Exfoliate Without Overdoing It

Exfoliation can help remove accumulated dead skin cells, but more exfoliation isn’t necessarily better.

Using several acids, scrubs, peels, and retinoids simultaneously may leave your skin irritated.

Chemical exfoliants commonly include:

BHA: Salicylic acid.

AHA: Ingredients such as glycolic and lactic acid.

For clogged pores specifically, salicylic acid is frequently used because of its oil-soluble properties.

Start slowly and monitor how your skin responds.

If your face becomes persistently red, painful, flaky, or irritated, reduce potentially irritating products and consider professional guidance.

8. Choose Products Carefully

If your skin clogs easily, pay attention to how individual products affect it.

Look for skincare, sunscreen, and makeup labeled non-comedogenic or formulated for acne-prone skin when appropriate.

However, labels aren’t a guarantee that every product will work perfectly for every person.

Introduce new products gradually so it’s easier to identify what may be causing irritation or breakouts.

9. Wear Sunscreen Daily

Sunscreen doesn’t directly unclog your pores, but it’s still an important part of a complete skincare routine.

This is particularly relevant when you’re using exfoliating acids or other ingredients that may increase sensitivity to sunlight.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for exposed skin, along with other sun-protective measures.

Choose a sunscreen texture that works comfortably with your skin type and routine.

10. Give Your Routine Time

One of the biggest skincare mistakes is constantly changing products because you don’t see results immediately.

Managing clogged pores generally requires consistency.

Instead of introducing five active ingredients at once, build a simple routine and monitor your skin.

A basic routine might include:

Morning:
Gentle cleanser → Moisturizer → Sunscreen

Night:
Cleanser → Targeted treatment → Moisturizer

Keeping things simple also makes it easier to figure out which products actually work for your skin.

What Causes Clogged Pores?

Understanding the cause can help you build a more appropriate routine.

Several factors may contribute to clogged follicles.

Excess Sebum

Some people’s skin naturally produces more oil than others.

Excess sebum can combine with dead skin cells and contribute to congestion.

Dead Skin Cells

Skin cells naturally shed, but accumulated cells can contribute to follicular plugs.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can affect oil production and acne, which is one reason breakouts may fluctuate during adolescence, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or other hormonal changes.

Certain Cosmetics or Skincare Products

Some products may not work well for acne-prone or congestion-prone skin.

Pay attention to how your skin responds when introducing new makeup, skincare, or hair products.

Not Removing Makeup Thoroughly

Leaving heavy makeup and sunscreen on overnight can contribute to residue remaining on the skin.

A thorough but gentle evening cleanse can help.

Clogged Pores vs. Sebaceous Filaments

Not every tiny dot on your nose is a blackhead.

Sebaceous filaments are normal structures associated with hair follicles that help move sebum toward the skin’s surface.

They can appear as small gray, tan, or yellowish dots, particularly around the nose.

Unlike blackheads, sebaceous filaments are a normal part of skin and can’t be permanently removed.

Even after temporarily becoming less visible, they naturally refill.

This is one reason repeatedly squeezing the pores on your nose isn’t a long-term solution.

How to Get Rid of Clogged Pores on the Nose

The nose often appears more congested because it contains many visible sebaceous glands.

A simple routine may include:

Gentle cleansing.
A salicylic acid product if appropriate for your skin.
Lightweight moisturizer.
Daily sunscreen.

Avoid repeatedly squeezing your nose or using harsh scrubs in an attempt to make every visible dot disappear.

Some of what you’re seeing may be normal sebaceous filaments rather than clogged pores.

How to Get Rid of Clogged Pores on the Forehead

Forehead bumps can have several possible causes, so not every bump should automatically be treated as a clogged pore.

If you’re experiencing typical congestion, consider your entire routine.

Hair oils, styling products, heavy skincare, sweat, and products that come into contact with the forehead may be relevant for some people.

Keep your hairline clean, wash after heavy sweating when practical, and pay attention to whether a particular product seems to coincide with increased breakouts.

Persistent or unusual bumps are worth discussing with a dermatologist because different skin conditions can look similar.

Ingredients for Clogged Pores

You don’t need every ingredient below in the same routine.

Salicylic Acid

A BHA commonly used for clogged pores, blackheads, and acne-prone skin.

Retinoids

Retinoids can help prevent clogged follicles and are commonly used in acne treatment.

Glycolic Acid

An AHA that exfoliates the surface of the skin and can help improve the appearance of texture.

Lactic Acid

Another AHA that provides exfoliation and is found in a variety of skincare products.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide can support the skin barrier and is commonly included in products formulated for oily or acne-prone skin, although it isn’t a substitute for established comedonal acne treatments.

What NOT to Do for Clogged Pores

Trying to fix clogged pores too aggressively can create another problem: irritated skin.

Avoid making these common mistakes:

Scrubbing your face aggressively
Squeezing blackheads repeatedly
Using several strong acids at the same time
Applying products more frequently than directed
Skipping moisturizer because your skin is oily
Sleeping in makeup
Expecting pores to disappear permanently
Trying a new treatment every few days

Consistency usually matters more than creating the strongest possible routine.

Simple Skincare Routine for Clogged Pores

If you’re overwhelmed by skincare products, start simple.

Morning

1. Gentle cleanser

Remove excess oil and sweat.

2. Moisturizer

Choose a formula appropriate for your skin type.

3. Sunscreen SPF 30+

Choose broad-spectrum protection and follow the product directions.

Night

1. Remove makeup and sunscreen

Use an appropriate makeup remover when necessary.

2. Gentle cleanser

Clean the skin without aggressive scrubbing.

3. Targeted treatment

For example, salicylic acid or an appropriate retinoid, depending on your routine and professional guidance.

4. Moisturizer

Finish with a moisturizer your skin tolerates well.

You don’t need to introduce every treatment simultaneously.

How Long Does It Take to Clear Clogged Pores?

There isn’t one exact timeline that applies to everyone.

Results depend on the cause of the congestion, products being used, severity of acne, skin type, and consistency.

Skincare treatments generally require patience. Frequently switching products can also make it difficult to tell what’s helping.

If your clogged pores are persistent, worsening, painful, or accompanied by significant acne, consider seeing a board-certified dermatologist rather than continuing to experiment with increasingly aggressive treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you unclog pores?

Gentle cleansing and treatments such as salicylic acid or certain retinoids may help manage clogged follicles. The appropriate treatment depends on your skin and the cause of the congestion.

Is salicylic acid good for clogged pores?

Salicylic acid is commonly used for blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores because it is an oil-soluble exfoliating ingredient.

Can you permanently close pores?

No. Pores are normal structures in your skin and can’t simply be opened and closed. Keeping them clear and supporting healthy-looking skin can make them appear less noticeable.

Should I squeeze clogged pores?

It’s generally better to avoid repeatedly squeezing or picking at your skin because doing so can cause irritation and increase the risk of marks or scarring.

Can moisturizer clog pores?

Different formulations work differently for different people. If you’re prone to acne or congestion, consider products labeled non-comedogenic and monitor how your skin responds.

Why does my nose still look clogged after cleansing?

Some of the dots you see may be sebaceous filaments rather than blackheads. Sebaceous filaments are normal and naturally refill.

When should I see a dermatologist?

Consider professional care if your acne is painful, persistent, worsening, causing scarring or dark marks, or isn’t improving with an appropriate over-the-counter routine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of clogged pores, resist the temptation to attack your skin with harsh scrubs and multiple strong treatments.

Start with the basics: gentle cleansing, an appropriate moisturizer, daily sunscreen, and a targeted ingredient such as salicylic acid when suitable for your skin.

Retinoids can also be useful for comedonal acne, but they should be introduced appropriately and aren’t suitable for everyone.

Most importantly, give your routine time.

Clearer-looking pores usually come from consistent skincare—not squeezing, scrubbing, or trying a different viral product every week.