Why clogged pores

We took a deep dive into common pore myths. One way to do that is by integrating pore-focused ingredients into every step of your skincare routine. Here, the best steps to treat clogged pores.

When it comes to pores, beta hydroxy acid or BHA , which can appear as salicylic acid or a natural source, such as willow bark, has a unique advantage. Unlike alpha hydroxy acids, BHA is lipid-soluble—meaning it can be dissolved by oil. Packed with hyaluronic acid and hydrating cactus water, too, the toner can be used daily to balance skin and prevent clogged pores in the long run. Ever go for a facial and leave with your skin battered and bruised from extractions?

Pores: we all have them, and we've all been frustrated with clogging at some point. That being said, certain skincare habits can cause clogging too, like touching your face a little too often, which can lead to even more issues, like acne scarring and hyperpigmentation , says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

And, if you think you have large pores, it could just be that they're clogged and drawing more attention to themselves. Because, no matter what you've heard,"the size of your pores don't change," says Dr. Think of a plastic grocery bag—when it's empty it's tight and stuck together but when you fill it up it expands. The same thing happens when your pores get filled with that aforementioned gunk. So, if you want to make your pores appear key word smaller, keep them clean!

And here's exactly how to clear them out in the safest yet effective ways possible. To get the gunk out of your pores, you need the best gunk buster around—salicylic acid. If using a cleanser, leave it on a little longer than you normally would before rinsing to give it some extra time to work its magic. It's no surprise that these OG acne-fighting heroes are great ingredients for unclogging pores.

But, she cautions that masking is only a temporary fix, and should be repeated at least once a week to truly benefit your skin and reduce the appearance of pores. To reduce gland function requires topical and oral therapy. So what are you to do? In terms of topical products, you need to be ingredient specific and look for those that will shrink the glands and reduce inflammation.

Thornfeldt says these can consist of things like salicylic acid, sulfacetamide, sulfur, retinaldehyde, retinol, and niacin amid, among others. He also mentions herbal products with high levels of vitamin A and anti-inflammatory ingredients like rosemary, spearmint, curcumin, and castor.

Though one important note?