Clogged pores

[volley17]

So i’ve only ever had a few bad pimples but i struggle with my pores. There always clogged and no matter how much I wash my face and buy new products they don’t clear fully. Can someone recommend some products. Thank u so much.

[greeneyedgirl107]

@volley17 bha is essential.   I only rec Paula's Choice.   Start with the 2% and take it from there. 

I agree with the rec for the innisfree clay mask!

I also like Kiehl's microdermabrasion scrub...just be careful with it.

Good luck!

[volley17]

thank you @greeneyedgirl107 i will buy it and try it. 

[JAiMEDAKiD]

hey I think some times just asking sephora emmployes help and i recommend some acne products n yea hope you have a lovely day 😄

[itsfi]

Hi @volley17, what's your current skincare routine? Wondering if an exfoliating toner or mask might help decongest your pores, but if you wouldn't mind sharing your routine, folks may be able to make some recommendations. Also, if you have an idea whether your skin is more oily, dry, combo or normal that would help too. If you don't know that's fine.

[volley17]

Hey, @itsfi @my skincare routine is the byoma creamy jelly cleanser, the ordinary glycolic acid, bubble moisturizer, the ordinary salicylic acid and the lena sleeping mask. my skin is combination, but it needs to the dryer side. 

[itsfi]

@volley17, I initially wondered whether an acid-based toner might be helpful but it look like you have that in your routine already as was going to recommend products along those lines in addition to seeing a dermatologist who can provide professional assistance with your skincare concerns and needs. 

Since you already use exfoliating toners in your routine, wondering if you've tried a clay mask, just over the areas where you have enlarged or clogged pores? That might be something worth looking into, but as with any new product, I'd recommend getting a sample beforehand if you can, doing a patch test and easing into it / incorporating it slowly into your routine and not adding anything new to your routine as you are testing it out. This latter approach will make it easier to determine or narrow down the cause of any irritation or negative reaction your skin might experience. Some clay masks that may be of interest to you include:

• innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Detoxing Clay Mask with AHAs + Oil Control ​ 3.38 oz / 100 ml - I've used this mask on my pores primarily and occasionally over areas where I breakout; it's usually on an as need basis but has been as regular as once a week. My skin is normal-to-dry most of the year (combination in the late spring and summer months). It does not make the drier parts of my face tight or drying but I use it sparingly and only over the parts of my face where I'm prone to clogged pores. This contains AHAs so if it's something you will try, I suggest that you refrain from using it on days you are using your other acid-containing products. In fact, out of an abundance of caution, at the beginning, I'd recommend that after a patch test clears (doesn't result in irritation or adverse skin reaction to the product), you refrain from any of the AHA / BHA products in your skincare routine while you are trying out the mask. If your skin responds well to the product, you might incorporate your exfoliating products back into your routine but I would recommend not using them on the same day that you're using the mask. 
• fresh Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask 1 oz / 30 mL is another gentle and effective clay mask. This also contains AHA so my recommended approach to this is similar to the innisfree mask. This ask I sometimes use as a mask and cleanser - I apply it over the parts of face prone to clogged and enlarged pores, let that sit for a few (2-3) minutes (but no more than 5 minutes) and then wash off with a microfiber towel or rinse off like I would a cleanser.

Other clay based masks (both also containing exfoliating acids) that you might be interested in looking into are OLEHENRIKSEN Violet Ice Cold Plunge Pore Clay Mask 3 oz/89 mL (contains BHA) and Caudalie Mini Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask 1.18 oz / 35 mL (AHA).

Other products to help with decongesting pores or minimizing the appearance of pores include products that contain niacinamide (provided your skin is not sensitive to niacinamide) and sunscreen, the latter of which is helpful in general but especially if you're using an AHA / BHA in your skinare routine.