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How to Clear Clogged Pores

Wondering how to unclog pores? Discover 5 common causes of clogged pores, and how a gentle, skincare routine can help clear congested skin.

What's in this article:

What are Clogged Pores?

Pores are tiny openings on the surface of your skin. They allow sweat and natural oils (called sebum) to reach the skin’s surface, helping to keep your skin healthy and protected. Everyone has pores, and they’re most visible on areas like the face, nose, forehead, and chest. 

Clogged pores, also known as congested pores, happen when these small openings become blocked. While clogged pores are normal, learning how to cleanse pores properly and support your skin with the right care can help reduce congestion, and minimise the chances of breakouts.

What do Clogged Pores Look Like?

Clogged pores show up differently depending on the area of your skin. Here’s how to spot them:
Young woman using NIVEA Serum-Infused Derma Skin Clear Micellar Water

Clogged Pores - Face

When facial pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and debris, they can become enlarged and uneven, especially around the nose, forehead, and chin. This often leads to visible signs like blackheads (open, darkened pores) and whiteheads (closed, flesh-coloured bumps with a white head).

Clogged Pores - Body

On the body, clogged pores may look like small, raised bumps or congested patches of skin. They tend to be more prevalent in areas where sweat, oil, and friction are more common, such as: 

  • Chest 
  • Shoulders 
  • Upper Back 
  • Neck

5 Common Causes of Clogged Pores

1
Excess Sebum (Oil) Production

When your skin produces too much Sebum (skins natural oil), it can mix with dead skin cells and get trapped inside your pores. These pores clogged with sebum may appear shiny or textured.

2
Dead Skin Cell Build-Up

If dead skin cells aren’t shed properly, they can build up, block pores, and leave skin looking dull or uneven.

3
Dirt, Sweat and Pollution

Impurities such as dirt, sweat, and pollution can mix with oil and clog pores if not cleansed away thoroughly.

4
Skincare or Makeup Products

Not cleansing properly - especially skipping double cleansing - can leave makeup, oil, and impurities on the skin, which may clog pores. Using heavy or unsuitable products can also contribute to blockage, so choosing non-comedogenic formulas suited to your skin type is best.

5
Hormones and Lifestyle Factors

Hormonal changes, stress, or a lack of sleep can all affect your skin’s oil production. When oil levels rise, you’re more likely to develop clogged skin pores, particularly during puberty, the menstrual cycle, or times of high stress.

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Young woman with clean skin

Explore NIVEA Refining Clear-up Strips

Since the T-zone areas (nose, chin, and forehead) are most prone to blockage from dirt, oil, makeup, and blackheads, incorporating NIVEA Refining Clear-up Strips once together a week can help keep pores unclogged. These strips help to remove blackheads effectively, leaving skin looking refined and fresh.
NIVEA Refining Clear-up Strips
What are Clogged Pores?

Facts Overview

What are clogged pores? Clogged pores are small skin openings blocked by oil, dead skin cells, or dirt. 

What do clogged pores look like? They may appear as bumps, blackheads, or shiny, textured patches, especially on the face, chest, or back. 

What causes clogged pores? Clogged pores can form when excess oil, pollution, heavy products, or hormones disrupt your skin’s balance. 

How to unclog pores? A consistent skincare routine with gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and non-comedogenic products can help reduce pore congestion over time. 

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What to do about Clogged Pores?

How to Help Clear Clogged Pores?

If you’re looking for clogged pore remedies, a consistent, gentle skincare routine is key. Harsh scrubs or over-cleansing can dry out the skin, leaving it dehydrated, which may cause excess oil and lead to blemishes. A balanced routine helps reduce build-up and supports your skin’s natural balance.
Young woman washing her face

1. Cleanse (AM and PM)

Start your morning routine with the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel, specially formulated for clogged and blemish-prone skin. Enriched with Salicylic Acid, Sea Salt, and Niacinamide, this wash gel deeply cleanses to remove excess oil, blackheads, and whiteheads while purifying pores, all without drying out your skin. 

In the evening, use the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Micellar Water to gently remove makeup, SPF, and impurities that have built up over the day. Infused with PHA, Salicylic Acid, and Niacinamide, it helps to reduce blemishes, refine pores, and control oil, without rubbing or greasy residue.
Explore NIVEA Facial Cleansers

2. Scrub 2-3 times per week (PM only)

Exfoliation helps lift away dead skin cells, which are a common cause of clogged pores on the face. The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub is designed specifically for blemish-prone skin. The formula combines Salicylic Acid, Sea Salt, and Niacinamide to help unclog pores, smooth uneven texture and reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads, all without drying and without causing any tightness.

The scrub works to refine pores and promote a clearer-looking complexion after just 7 days of use and is dermatologically approved for regular use.
Explore NIVEA Exfoliators
Young woman Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Young woman using NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Toner

3. Toning (Optional AM and PM

You can add a toner to your skincare routine to help combat clogged pores and rebalance blemish-prone skin. Look for one enriched with ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, or Mineral Extracts, which help control oiliness while keeping your skin hydrated.

When used morning and evening, a suitable toner can help refine and purify pores, promoting a clearer, smoother complexion over time.*
Try NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Toner

4. Hydrate with a balancing serum (AM)

When the skin becomes dehydrated, it may produce even more oil to compensate, which can clog the pores and contribute to blemishes. 

The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Rebalance & Clear Serum is specifically designed to hydrate without overwhelming skin. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Niacinamide, this serum helps calm irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and visibly reduce blemishes. The lightweight, non-comedogenic formula absorbs easily and leaves skin feeling refreshed, not greasy. Used daily in your morning routine, after washing, helps to reveal visibly clearer skin.
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Young woman using Derma Skin Clear Rebalance & Clear Serum
Young woman using NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Derma Skin Clear SPF 50+ 40ml

5. Protect with non-pore-clogging SPF (AM)

The final step in your morning routine involves protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Thick, heavy sunscreen can sometimes clog pores, so finding one that is lightweight, but effective is important. 

The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear SPF 50+ Fluid offers broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and leaves a comfortable matte finish that controls excess oil and shine for up to 8 hours. By shielding your skin and keeping pores clear, it supports a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
Discover NIVEA Face Sunscreen

6. Chemical Exfoliator (PM only)

To help clear congested pores and improve skin texture overnight, use the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Night Exfoliator. Formulated with 8% Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Niacinamide, it supports your skin’s natural renewal process, visibly reducing clogged and dilated pores. Apply it to areas with blemishes or Apply it to areas with blemishes or congestion and let it work while you sleep for a clearer, smoother complexion in just 7 days.

Precautions: A slight tingling sensation may be felt. Do not use on irritated skin. Discontinue use (of the product) if irritation occurs and consult a doctor if irritation persists. This product contains alpha hydroxy acids which may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the likelihood of sunburn. Use sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product and for one week afterwards.
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Night Exfoliator
Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator

How to Help Tighten Pores While Enhancing Radiance

NIVEA LUMINOUS630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum 30ml

While pores cannot be permanently shrunk, keeping them clear and refined helps reduce their appearance. One effective way to support this is with a gentle chemical exfoliator that renews skin texture and promotes pore refinement. 

The LUMINOUS630 Skin Glow Daily Liquid Exfoliant is a lightweight, leave-on peeling exfoliant designed to reveal smoother, more even skin*. Powered by 4% AHA and 1% PHA, it gently exfoliates to refine pores while improving skin evenness in just 7 days. Easily applied once daily on a cleansed face, it absorbs quickly without rinsing off. 

Precautions for use: A slight tingling sensation may occur. Do not use on irritated skin. Avoid contact with eyes. Skin sensitivity to sunlight may increase. Use sunscreen afterwards and limit exposure to sunlight. Use only one chemical exfoliant per day.

For refine pores and reduce dark spots, boost your glow with the Glow Power Duo Routine: start with the Daily Liquid Exfoliant, followed by the LUMINOUS630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum. Both products are dermatologically approved, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and work together to help reveal a unified, more radiant complexion with refined pores**. 

*Warning: A slight stinging sensation can occur. Do not use on irritated skin; discontinue use if irritation occurs; consult a doctor if irritation persists; avoid contact with eyes. This product contains alpha hydroxy acids that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards. 

**Combined usage of Instant Glow Serum and Liquid Exfoliant provides 4 glow effects: evenness, pore refinement, gentle exfoliation, and fresh hydration. 

 

Clogged Pore Remedies: 5 Things to Avoid

When it comes to caring for clogged pores, knowing what to avoid is just as important as the products you use. Here’s what to avoid, to help your skin stay clear and balanced:

1
Harsh scrubbing or over-exfoliating

Scrubbing too hard or exfoliating daily with products not intended for this purpose can irritate your skin, promote inflammation, and lead to more oil production. Stick to gentle exfoliation a few times a week or use exfoliating products specially designed for daily use.

2
Using heavy, pore-clogging products

Some thick creams, makeup, or sunscreens can block pores or create a greasy film on the skin. Choose non-comedogenic or oil-free formulas suited to your skin type.

3
Touching your face frequently

Hands carry dirt, oil, which can be transferred onto your skin. Avoid touching your face and clean items like phones and pillowcases regularly.

4
Not removing makeup thoroughly

Leaving makeup on overnight can clog pores. Use a gentle cleanser or micellar water to fully remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities each evening.

5
Ignoring lifestyle factors

A lack of sleep, dehydration, and diets high in sugar or processed foods may contribute to congestion. Prioritise rest, hydration, and balanced meals to help reduce clogged pores over time.

Summary

Clogged pores are a common skin concern caused by a build-up of oil, dead skin cells, and impurities that block the skin’s natural openings. With the right gentle and consistent skincare routine you can help clear congestion and support healthier-looking skin.

Avoid harsh treatments and pore-clogging products and be mindful of lifestyle factors that impact your skin. Taking these steps will help maintain clearer pores and improve the overall appearance of your skin over time.

FAQs

How long does it take for pores to unclog?

With regular cleansing and gentle exfoliation, you may notice clearer pores within a week. Deeper congestion can take a few weeks to fully improve.

Can I push out clogged pores?

It’s best not to squeeze clogged pores as this can cause irritation and breakouts. Instead, use gentle products to clear pores over time.

How can you tighten pores?

While you cannot physically shrink pores permanently, keeping them clean and clear can reduce their appearance. Ingredients like Niacinamide and regular exfoliation can help refine their appearance.

Does Salicylic Acid clear clogged pores?

Yes, Salicylic Acid is a key ingredient that helps clear clogged pores by gently exfoliating inside the pore lining⁰. It dissolves excess oil and dead skin cells, making it easier to keep pores clear and help reduce congestion.

Why won’t clogged pores go away?

Clogged pores may persist if you are using harsh products that are unsuitable your skin. Other factors like excess oil production, hormonal changes, or using pore-clogging makeup can also prevent pores from clearing.

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