7 Solutions For Clogged Pores

The worst thing about clogged pores? They’re very common and they can develop anywhere on your body, including your face, back, shoulders, chest, and even your feet! If you’re looking for the best ways to get rid of clogged pores and keep them from coming back, this guide will give you seven tried-and-true solutions that will leave your skin completely clear and radiant again.

1) Steam

Good facial steam can make clogged pores appear less pronounced and allow for a deeper cleanse by opening pores. Simply boil water and pour into a bowl; lean over it with your face about an inch above, but not touching it; cover your head with a towel to create a tent (just in case); breath deeply through your nose to prevent moisture from escaping. Steam should be hot, but not scalding—it shouldn’t burn or irritate your skin. If you don’t have time to make one of these, try just using a warm washcloth on your face as steam.

2) Lemon Juice

Apply a thin layer of lemon juice to your face and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. This is a simple, cost-effective solution that will open up clogged pores and leave you feeling refreshed. Remember to only use fresh lemon juice—bottled varieties contain preservatives that can cause inflammation. If your skin tends to react negatively to lemon juice, try diluting it with equal parts of water prior to application. Because lemon juice has natural astringent properties, be careful, not over-exfoliate when using it as a treatment. Lemon can also lighten pigment or cause dark spots on fair skin; if you’re concerned about hyperpigmentation, stick with aloe vera or cucumber treatments.

3) Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile, inexpensive remedy for unclogging pores. Mix baking soda with a little water to create a paste, then apply it to your face in upward motions. Let it sit on your skin for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. If you have sensitive skin, you may find that using baking soda causes redness or irritation; if so, try mixing in a little moisturizer before applying or diluting it with some water and trying again.

4) Oatmeal

When applied topically, oatmeal acts as a gentle exfoliant, getting rid of dead skin cells and reducing blackheads. Oatmeal works best on dry skin, so take it slow if you have sensitive skin. Additionally, you should avoid using oatmeal to exfoliate if you’re planning on going out in public after your treatment because you’ll look like a werewolf that just got caught in the rain. (For more about safe ways to remove facial hair and blackheads, check out this guide to DIY face masks .)

5) Aloe Vera

One of nature’s best moisturizers, aloe vera is a wonderful way to treat clogged pores. If you have any fresh aloe on hand, extract its gel and apply it topically to help clear clogged pores. Not only will your skin be softer after one application, but applying it regularly will keep your pores from being clogged in general. However, if you don’t have access to fresh aloe then there are many over-the-counter lotions that contain some form of it. Try those instead.

6) Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. It has been shown to be an effective treatment against acne breakouts because it naturally kills bacteria. Applying tea tree oil topically helps loosen dead skin cells that can clog pores. You can either purchase pure tea tree oil or apply a few drops directly to your skin or you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite acne treatment product. It’s important to remember that it takes time to see results from topical applications, so avoid overusing your product in hopes of getting rid of breakouts more quickly. Since tea tree oil is highly concentrated, you should never ingest it internally or apply too much of it directly on your skin as serious burns could result.

7) Essential Oils

Essential oils are a time-tested way to clear up clogged pores, whether it’s on your face or your body. Apply them directly to troubled areas, such as those near your nose, chest, and back. This can be done by simply rubbing them in, or by making facial steam with them mixed into water. A quick search of essential oils will help you find an array of options for getting rid of clogged pores that work in unique ways. If one doesn’t work, try another—there’s no harm in trying!