Makeup and pollution can irritate the pores of the face,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Make sure the makeup you use is non-comedogenic [specially formulated to not clog pores],” she adds. She further explains, “to avoid clogging your pores with makeup, try to use products that are oil-free,” and always remember to remove all of your makeup and cleanse thoroughly before going to bed. A pore cleanser is a product that helps remove excess oil, dirt, and dead cells from the pores to keep them clear and help minimize their appearance," says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. These products typically use exfoliating ingredients that slough away dead skin and dirt, to help reduce the appearance of pores. While most of these treatments are actually facial cleansers, there are other deep-cleaning options, including face masks, toners, and even devices (more on that later). Mix the clay with the apple cider vinegar until it forms a smooth paste. Add any essential oils if you are using them and mix again. It’s best to use a non-metal bowl and utensil. The clay works so well at pulling toxins, that it can actually pull the metal out of your dishes. Moghimipour E. Hydroxy Acids, the Most Widely Used Anti-aging Agents. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod. 2012;7(1):9-10. Woodruff, A, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of a 2% salicylic acid cleanser for improvement of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

You will feel a tight, pulling sensation while the mask is on your face. Once you rinse it off, your face may look flushed because of the extra blood flow to your face. This is normal (and a sign that it worked well!). The redness will subside in a few minutes, up to an hour, and you’ll be left with beautiful, glowing skin.These celeb-loved two-step pore cleansing pads from Dr. Dennis Gross will have you hooked after the first use. Each pad is soaked in seven pore-sloughing acids, including glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids. The two-step pads are meant to be used one after the other. The first step gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells (the salicylic acid is key for a clearer complexion, FYI), while the second step encourages skin cell renewal, smoothing wrinkles and other signs of aging. This is an ideal weekly face treatment for blemish and acne-prone skin that struggles with congestion and build-up. World's most powerful facial. Deep pore cleaning with 100% natural calcium bentonite clay. Does not contain: Additives, fragrances, animal products. Clogged pores—especially the kinds that turn into pimples—can be frustrating, to say the least. But, knowing what causes pores to get clogged in the first place can help you make a more informed decision on how to get rid of clogged pores and prevent future breakouts.

You should also consider a formula’s additional ingredients when shopping for a clay mask. Extra exfoliating ingredients can help speed the cell-shedding process along, while hydration-boosting elements (like shea butter in buttah Charcoal Detox Mask) can prevent irritation. Inspired by the “cold plunge” part of a Scandinavian sauna cycle, the cooling mask deeply purifies the skin and shrinks the look of pores with the help of a powerful blend of antioxidants, active botanicals, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and bentonite clay. As the name suggests, it’s refreshingly cool upon application (thanks to eucalyptus, kelp, and Irish moss extracts) and, according to our tester, even smells like a spa. She described the cooling sensation to be “minty” and “tingly,” but her sensitive skin never felt irritated or uncomfortable. The longer she kept the mask on, the tighter and drier it felt, but she was able to talk, laugh and move her face. When she washed it off, she shared that her enlarged pores were less noticeable, and the tone of her skin appeared more even. For at least an hour after washing the mask off, she still felt refreshed, tingly, and cool.

Finally, we spoke to Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She’s also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. I’ve been using this deep pore cleansing mask faithfully once a week for the past couple of years. Don’t tell him I told you, but my husband also loves using this mask. I usually mix up enough for both of us so we look ridiculous together. But we both are at skin heaven (you know, that wonderful place that’s not too dry, not too oily and no breakouts) because of it! 🙂 If you give this mask a try, keep me posted on your results – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Hahahahaha! Try not to laugh too hard at yourself 🙂 Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced beauty writer and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has been a staff writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty and fashion. She has used several clay masks over the years, including some on this list from brands like Olehenriksen, L’Oréal, Glow Recipe, and Youth to the People.

In the world of skin care, the topic of clogged pores often comes up when discussing things like acne, breakouts and pimples. Yet, despite being one of the most common beauty woes, it doesn’t make dealing with congestion any better. The good news is that there are a handful of ways to rid the skin of congestion. Some of which involve at-home facials using face masks that detox, purify and promote a more clear complexion. Looking for pore-fect skin? Cleanse your skin of debris and discover visibly minimised pores and a brighter looking complexion with Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque. I had my doubts about a clay mask—with vinegar (!)—working well on someone with dry skin, but after using it once or twice a week for a few weeks, I was pleasantly surprised. My skin felt overall smoother, and though it's likely coincidental, I haven't had many breakouts either. But the biggest determining factor for me was how well makeup applied to my skin after masking—two words: damn great. In addition to discovering the best ingredients for clogged pores, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients that can make congestion worse. Dr. Jaliman says to avoid ingredients such as “mineral oil and petroleum” as “these ingredients [are known to] clog pores.” The Best Face Masks for Clogged Pores Mekas M, et al. An Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Novel Enzyme Exfoliation Versus Glycolic Acid in Photodamage Treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2015 Nov;14(11):1306-19.

Retinol: According to Dr. Jaliman, “Retinols are effective as they decrease the cohesiveness of the cells and help with exfoliation. Pores [can appear] smaller [since] there is no debris inside.” Keep in mind that because the mask contains microbeads, you should take caution when applying it to the skin. If you’re too abrasive, you can run the risk of causing irritation. It's worth noting that, if used on the wrong skin type (for example, dry or irritated skin) then a clay mask can be drying and exacerbate problems—so finding the right formula is key. "Look for masks that contain sulphur, which not only deep cleans but also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties," says Kerr. If you're skin is oily in some areas but dry in others, just use your clay mask where it's needed (typically the t-zone). What are the best clay masks for large pores? Smells faintly of dirt, which is expected since there’s no fragrance to mask the natural clay scents. Alpha hydroxy acid: Alpha hydroxy acids, a type of chemical exfoliant, are another ingredient to look out for. According to Jaliman, one of the most popular kinds of alpha hydroxy acid is lactic acid. “It plumps the skin, [makes] fine lines look less visible [and] gently exfoliates to reveal smoother and more glowing skin.” On top of lactic acid, you might also run into citric acids with similar benefits. “It can be used to treat multiple skin problems such as acne, hyperpigmentation, clogged pores, fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Citric acid can be used on the skin in the form of peels, toners and masks,” she concludes.