Dermatologist Reveals How to Clean Pores Without an Esthetician
Clogged pores are a common concern, but dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner explains that with a proper skincare routine, they can be significantly reduced and prevented from recurring.
Clogged pores are a common concern, but dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner explains that with a proper skincare routine, they can be significantly reduced and prevented from recurring.
Clogged pores are one of the most common aesthetic concerns affecting people of all skin types, especially those with oilier skin. While they are not a health issue in themselves, visible and enlarged pores can make the skin look uneven and tired. When excess sebum, makeup residue, and dead skin cells accumulate, blackheads and pimples can form.
According to an article published on Story.hr on August 13, 2026, the main cause of clogged pores is sebum, the skin's natural oil. When produced in excess, it mixes with dead skin cells and forms a plug inside the pore. Sebum production is influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and diet.
Daily facial cleansing in the morning and evening is essential for removing excess oil and impurities. However, dermatologists warn that overly aggressive cleansing can have the opposite effect, as dehydrated skin begins to produce even more sebum to compensate for lost moisture.
Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), can penetrate deeper into pores and help remove excess oil and dead skin cells. Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner told Harper's Bazaar: "If you can tolerate them, and most people can, leave-on products containing salicylic acid are more effective because they allow the active ingredient to stay in contact with the skin longer."
Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, are also powerful allies because they promote skin renewal and prevent the buildup of dead cells inside pores, thereby reducing the likelihood of blackheads.
Popular pore strips for removing blackheads provide quick but temporary results. They only remove what is on the surface of the pore but do not address the root cause of the problem. "They are a quick fix and don't get to the root of the issue. Eventually, they will clog again," warns Zeichner.
For consistently clear and less visible pores, a consistent skincare routine is most important. "Treating clogged pores is more like training for a marathon than sprinting," concludes Zeichner, emphasizing that results are not achieved overnight.
