Pores are openings in skin that release sweat and oil that tend to be most visible on oily areas of the face, like the nose and chin.ⁱ As part of skin’s natural renewal process, dead skin cells surface to the top layer of skin while new skin cells are regenerated underneath. When skin produces excess oil, this dead skin – along with dirt and other debris – can stick to the sides of individual pores and cause them to become clogged.

When pores are clogged with dirt and oil, they often become enlarged and appear more visible. A pore is defined as an opening in skin that is wider than 0.2 square millimeters but a clogged or enlarged pore may be three times as wide.ⁱⁱ You may also be able to see buildup within the pores.

Excess oil and dead skin can both lead to clogged pores as can dirt, pollution and other external aggressors. Some of the main causes of clogged pores include:

• Excess Oil Production
  When your skin produces excess sebum, or oil, it can become trapped within the pore and cause it to clog. Even if it doesn’t contribute to clogged pores, excess oil will often cause pores to be more visible.
• Makeup
  Especially when left on overnight, makeup can become trapped in skin and cause clogged pores. Cleanse skin before bed with a makeup-removing cleanser and regularly cleanse your makeup brushes to remove any impurities that build up over time.
• Pillowcases & Bedsheets
  From makeup to hair products to oil, your pillowcase absorbs impurities as you sleep. Frequently washing your sheets can help prevent these oils and impurities from ending up on your face.
• Pollution
  In addition to dirt you may be able to see, your skin also comes into contact with pollutants every day from the environment. These external aggressors can cause skin to become irritated and can also become trapped within your pores.
• Skin Type
  While you cannot control your genetics, it is true that your skin type will affect your pores. Oily skin types are more prone to clogged pores as their skin is already producing excess sebum which can contribute to pores becoming clogged. Oily skin types also tend to have more visible pores since excess oil causes pores to expand. By removing excess oil, pores can appear visibly diminished.

If clogged pores remain blocked, they will often form a comedone – a blackhead or whitehead – and can also turn into a blemish or pimple. When a pore is blocked, the skin continues to produce oil but this oil and the dead skin and sweat that would normally escape through the pore become trapped and can cause acne to form.ⁱⁱⁱ All forms of acne, including blackheads and whiteheads, begin with clogged pores which is why it is important to help prevent and care for clogged pores when they arise.

Ensuring that dead skin, debris and impurities are effectively removed, you can help prevent some of the main causes of clogged pores. When dead skin builds up, pores become more visible and enlarged and skin can even appear rough or dull. To help prevent clogged pores, follow these tips:

• Exfoliate skin several times per week. More than any other step, exfoliating is one of the key ways you can help prevent clogged pores. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin and also improves skin’s renewal process.^iv
• Cleanse skin twice a day and after exercise or excessive sweating. By removing dirt, oil and debris from skin’s surface you can help reduce the likelihood that they will become stuck in your pores.
• Remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day to help prevent pores from becoming clogged overnight.
• Ensure that your moisturizers and other skincare products are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores.
• If you have oily skin, you may also want to look for formulas targeted to help control excess shine.
• Take care not to overly touch your face throughout the day as this can transfer dirt, oil and impurities to your face.

Look for an exfoliating scrub or use a formula with Salicylic Acid or another chemical exfoliant to help remove dead skin. When using an exfoliating scrub, be careful to massage skin gently. Scrubbing skin too hard can cause damage or irritation which may even prompt skin to produce even more oil.

If you take steps to prevent clogged pores and they still appear, cleansing and exfoliating are key ways to help loosen trapped dirt and impurities. Cleanse skin morning and night and after excessive sweat or exercise. Several times a week, use an exfoliating or detoxifying face mask to help purify skin. If your pores are persistently clogged, they can be expertly extracted but resist picking at or trying to remove them yourself which can cause irritation that may even leave a dark spot.

While clogged pores will eventually go away, they can be persistent and often need the help of skincare formulas. A routine that includes daily cleansing, removing makeup and exfoliating regularly can help remove excess oil and loosen buildup within these pores.

Even though clogged pores are more common in oily skin, dry skin types can still experience blockages. When skin is too dry, dead skin can build up and contribute to clogged pores. A dry, rough skin texture can also cause pores to appear more visible even if they are not clogged. Moisturizing dry skin can help prevent this while also keeping skin soft and supple.

• Amazonian White Clay
  Also known as “Magic Earth,” Amazonian White Clay has been traditionally used for centuries to help relieve stress and detoxify. An extremely porous material, Amazonian White Clay is known to help absorb excess oil and detoxify skin. Kiehl’s skincare formulas with Amazonian White Clay help visibly diminish pores for smoother skin texture.
• Salicylic Acid
  Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid known to help refine skin’s texture. This efficacious ingredient is also known to help exfoliate skin and regulate oil over time. Especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin, formulas with Salicylic Acid can balance skin and help prevent clogged pores.
• Sulfur
  Sulfur is an active mineral that is known to help reduce blemishes. Using skincare formulas with Sulfur on clogged pores can help treat them while also helping to prevent them from turning into a blackhead, whitehead or blemish.

If clogged pores are one of your top skin concerns, start a routine that can help prevent and treat clogged pores.

• Purify Skin with an Exfoliating Cleanser
  Gently remove dirt, oil and debris with a daily pore facial cleanser to exfoliate and detoxify skin.
• Mattify Skin with a Pore-Refining Toner
  After cleansing, sweep on a pore-minimizing toner to help remove any leftover dirt, surface oil or residue.
• Visibly Minimize Pores with a Clay Mask
  Several times a week, apply a deep cleansing clay mask to detoxify skin and help remove dirt, oil and toxins which can cause clogged pores.
• Refine Skin Texture with a Mattifying Lotion
  Twice a day, smooth on a pore minimizing moisturizer to help replenish moisture while helping control excess oil.
• Defend Skin with Daily SPF
  Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage skin which can lead to enlarged pores and irritation. Sun damage can even cause skin to produce excess oil which can increase the likelihood of clogged pores. Use a non-comedogenic sunscreen to help protect skin without clogging pores.

Men’s skin is oilier than women’s skin which can contribute to enlarged and clogged pores.^v Shaving can also leave men’s skin more vulnerable which can contribute to irritations and sensitivities that can cause skin to produce excess oil. Men can use the same products for clogged pores as women or choose formulas uniquely designed for men’s oily skin that can be helpful for preventing and treating clogged pores.