How to Open up Your Pores

Co-authored by Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Last Updated: July 21, 2024 References

If you're experiencing blackheads or acne, you may have heard that you need to "open up" your pores to clean them out. Experts agree that you can't actually open up your pores, as they essentially stay the same size.^{[1]
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Research source} However, you do have several options for thoroughly cleaning out your pores, which can make your pores look smaller in appearance, even if they don't change size. Lifestyle factors, like eating well and exercising, can help keep your pores clean, too.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

Cleaning Out Pores with a Clay Mask

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1
Wash your face. To prepare your face for the clay mask, wash it with warm water and pat it dry.
- Be sure the water is warm, not hot.
2
Use a clay mask. With your fingertips or a fan brush, apply a thin layer of the clay mask on your face in sweeping motions. Avoid your eyes and mouth. Clay masks will pull out the dirt and oil in your pores.^{[2]
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- Clay masks are best for people with oily, non-sensitive skin. They may be too intense for sensitive skin types.
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3
Wait for the mask to dry. Don't let the mask dry completely. It should start to change colors (look lighter) but still feel tacky to the touch. If you let it dry completely, it pulls the moisture out of your skin.^{[3]
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- If the clay mask comes off when you touch it, it's still too wet.
Use water to soften the clay. Use a washcloth to scrub your face clean, being sure to remove all the mask.^{[4]
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Follow up the mask with moisturizer. Lightly apply an oil-free moisturizer after you've dried your face off.
- You can use clay masks up to 2-3 times per week, depending on how your skin responds.

Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

Using Steam to Clean Out Pores

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Run your tap until it's hot. Thoroughly soak the washcloth.^{[5]
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The washcloth doesn't need to be soaking.
Hold the warm washcloth over your face to steam out your pores.^{[6]
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Research source} The steam helps loosen dirt, make-up, and such in your pores.^{[7]
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As the washcloth cools, continue to heat up the washcloth with new hot water, and hold it over your face, up to three or four times.^{[8]
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5
Wash your face. Wash your face thoroughly but gently with a foaming facial cleanser to remove the dirt and oil you've steamed out of your pores.^{[9]
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- Washing your face after steaming is key. While steaming breaks up hardened dirt and oil in your pores, your face wash actually cleans that dirt and oil from your face. If you skip this step, steaming won’t be effective.

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

Applying a Parsley Wash

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1
Wash a handful of fresh parsley. You can leave the stems on, but be sure to wash out any grime.^{[10]
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- Parsley is an astringent, which can help clean pores.^{[11]
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Let the water cool down with the parsley still in it.^{[12]
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Saturate a washcloth in the cool water, and then squeeze out some of the excess.^{[13]
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Using a foaming cleanser, gently wash your face to prepare it for the parsley wash. If you use a facial lotion, wait to apply it until after you have used the parsley wash.
5
Hold the washcloth on your face. Let the washcloth soak on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.^{[14]
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- You can use this astringent daily.

Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

Creating a Baking Soda Paste

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This mixture will create a thick paste.^{[15]
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Rub it in with your hands, making circles across your face.^{[16]
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Let the mixture soak into your face for about 5 minutes.^{[17]
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4
Rinse it off. Use water to clean the mixture off your face.^{[18]
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- Repeat once a week. The process helps exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin cells that could clog pores.^{[19]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Visiting a Dermatologist

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Ask him or her to explain what treatment options are available to you.^{[20]
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Review your options. Decide on one for a treatment.^{[21]
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- You can ask for an exfoliant, such as Retin-A Micro. Exfoliants clear away dead skin cells that clog pores.^{[22]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.} Use this treatment especially if your skin looks ashy, as you could have a build of dry skin.^{[23]
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- You can also have an acid peel to exfoliate skin, such as glycolic or salicylic acid.^{[24]
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  Research source} You'll need more than one of these treatments for noticeable results.^{[25]
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  Research source} As with the acid peel, use this treatment if you have a buildup of dry skin.
- Another option is using lights or lasers, whether IPL (Intense Pulse Light therapy) or LED.^{[26]
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  Research source} This treatment increases collagen and can make pores seem less noticeable.^{[27]
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  Research source} You can use this treatment in conjunction with an acid peel.
Keep in mind that these treatments can be expensive, as much as $100-$500.^{[28]
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Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

Creating a Daily Regimen

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1
Take off your make-up. When you get home from a long day, take the time to remove your make-up. If you don’t let your skin breathe at the end of the day, your pores may become clogged.^{[29]
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- Try using a make-up removing wipe.^{[30]
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- If your make-up irritates your skin or causes blemishes, try using a different brand or product.^{[31]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.}
2
Wash your face at least once a day.^{[32]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.} Dirt and oil can build up over time, clogging pores.^{[33]
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- Try washing your face twice at the same time. On the second go round, really rub the cleanser into your face before washing it off, as it will provide deep cleansing.^{[34]
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3
Exfoliate 2-3 times per week. Exfoliating your skin regularly is essential for removing dead skin cells and unclogging your pores. Try a baking soda scrub.^{[35]
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- If you have dry skin, opt for a gentle chemical exfoliator or a light facial scrub. Apply a gentle facial lotion immediately after--exfoliation will help it absorb better.
- If you have oily, acne-prone skin, avoid heavy, rough scrubs. Instead, go for chemical exfoliators that contain hydroxy acids, like like glycolic or salicylic acid.
- If your skin is sensitive, use a cleanser or a toner rich in plant enzymes twice per week. Avoid rough scrubs.
4
Use a mask once or twice a week. Incorporating a face mask into your skincare regimen a few days per week will help keep your complexion bright and your pores clean.
- If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a moisturizing mask. Clay and charcoal masks are great for acne-prone, oily skin.^{[36]
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These brushes can really deep clean your face, keeping pores clean.
Don't use lotions with oil in them, and avoid waterproof make-up, as it is similarly oil-based. These products tend to clog pores.^{[37]
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Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

Eating Well and Exercising

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1
Eat well. What you put into your body affects how it looks on the outside, and your skin is no exception. For clearer pores, eat a balanced diet heavy in fruits and veggies. Try to eat at least 5 portions a day--your skin will thank you for the antioxidant boost. Avoid simple sugars, like white bread, pasta, and rice, which can trigger inflammation. Instead, go for whole grains. ^{[38]
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Research source} Dairy is another common food group that can potentially irritate your skin.^{[39]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.}
- Healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish, are also great for your skin.
- For better skin, focus on incorporating more whole, unprocessed foods into your diet, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, yogurt, eggs, and multigrain bread.^{[40]
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2
Drink plenty of water. Moisture helps keep your skin healthy and supple. Try to drink 6 to 8 glasses a day. Keeping a refillable water bottle on hand makes staying hydrated easier.^{[41]
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- Try to minimize your consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
- If you are bored with plain water, make a fruit-infused water or an herbal, caffeine-free tea!
3
Exercise regularly. While it might seem counterintuitive, working up a sweat can actually improve skin health. Exercise increases blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to skin cells while carrying away waste.^{[42]
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- Be sure to wear sunscreen when exercising outside to protect your skin.
- Avoid wearing makeup while exercising, as this can lead to clogged pores. To keep your pores clean, wash your face before you workout and shower immediately after.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What causes the pores to open?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Your skin relaxes when it encounters high temperatures to allow sweat and sebum to flow more freely.

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Question

Can you open your pores?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can relax the pores and liquify the sebum in them with wet heat, like steam.

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Question

How long should I steam my face to open pores?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

This depends on how clogged pores are, but generally, 10-15 minutes is sufficient.

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Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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