There are many things to think about when it comes to grooming, skincare, and keeping yourself looking good. You have likely heard about your pores getting clogged, but what does that mean? And what does it have to do with your skincare routine?

Treating your pores right can lead to a clearer, smoother, more breakout-free complexion. But that means understanding how to unclog pores, how to shrink pores that appear enlarged, and the best clogged pores treatment for your skin type.

Here’s everything you need to know, starting with the basics.

What Are Pores?

Pores are openings in the surface of the skin that microscopic particles can pass through. They're the openings of hair follicles and the place where sebum and sweat are released to keep the body moisturized and cool. 

But they’re also a place where a lot can go wrong for your skin.

Common Pore Concerns

Your pores can become enlarged, congested, and clogged. In some cases, this is natural. The appearance of your pores (small or large pores) is largely determined by genetics, and their size has to do with their individualized function.

However, there are bad habits, lifestyle choices, and external factors that can worsen common concerns with your pores. These include:

• Pollution and other environmental irritants
• The aging process
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Your hygiene habits 
• Your skincare products & grooming habits
• Acne breakouts
• Your skin type

But don't worry - the skincare products you use can resolve many of these concerns, help minimize your pores, and keep your skin clear.

How Do Pores Get Clogged?

You won't know how to unclog pores until you understand what gets them clogged in the first place. In most cases, it's a combination of dead skin cells, oil, and other environmental debris (like dirt). 

If you have oily skin, you're more likely to experience clogged pores simply because of the presence of excess oil. 

Over-cleansing your skin and using harsh skincare products can also lead to clogged pores. They compromise your skin’s natural barrier. Your skin, in response, gets red, irritated, and makes even more oil.

In the meantime, the excess dryness and the stripped barrier make your skin more vulnerable to bacteria, infection, and other concerns.

Translation? A vicious cycle of tightness, oiliness, and clogged pores. 

How to Unclog Pores

Unclogging your pores means getting rid of the excess oil and dead skin cells that have gunked them up in the first place. With a smart skincare routine, that's not hard at all. In about 5 minutes, you can use these 4 products to effectively unclog pores and prevent it from happening again.

Step 1: Face Wash

For guys with normal to oily skin, we recommend our Clarifying Gel Face Wash. Use it each morning and evening to wash away dirt and excess oil. It won't totally strip your skin of oil, so your natural barrier will stay intact. And its gentle formula uses non-drying, non-irritating ingredients like geranium and aloe.

Step 2: Face Scrub

You only need to exfoliate with face scrub every other day to get the full effects. Any more than that could cause irritation and work against your pore clearing efforts.

New to exfoliation? Overall, it's the best clogged pores treatment to help with this common issue.

When it comes to how to unclog your pores, a gentle approach is best. So don't look for gritty scrubs that scrape up your skin. Our Renewing Face Scrub uses pumice and jojoba beads to deep clean your pores without causing irritation. 

While exfoliation won't shrink your pores or reduce pores on your nose, it can minimize their appearance by keeping them clean and unclogged.

Step 3: Toner

Toner is a refreshing, oil-reducing skincare product that helps keep your skin matte and your pores unclogged. You can spray it directly on your skin or dab it on using a cotton ball.

Many guys want to know how to shrink pores, but the truth is that it's the same as how to unclog pores. You just need to keep them free of excess dirt, dead skin, and oil. 

Our Balancing Toner helps with this - and manages to do so without the harsh alcohol that you'll find as a main ingredient in so many skincare products. Instead, ours is made with witch hazel, cucumber distillate, and aloe vera. 

Step 4: Moisturizer

Even guys with oily skin need to use moisturizer. Just be sure you're using a lightweight product that absorbs quickly and isn't made with heavy oils. 

Moisturizer seals in hydration, preventing the dryness and irritation that can lead to clogged pores. It also supports your skin's natural barrier which contributes to keeping excess debris out of your pores.

Our Daily Essential Face Moisturizer is ideal for guys of all skin types because of its gentle, natural ingredients. It's made with jojoba oil, aloe, green tea, and hyaluronic acid.