7 Pore Cleansing Skin Care Tips

You may think that your skin care routine is already packed with all the necessary steps, skin care products, and strategies for how to clean pores, but sometimes adding in a little something new can make a big difference. In addition to your regular cleanser, there are a few other steps you can swap in to give your pores a deep-down clean, starting with using a deep pore cleanser. Let’s be honest, sometimes our pores need a little extra cleansing in order to fully rid them of built-up oil, dirt, and debris (aka the recipe for a breakout.) Keep reading for seven pore cleansing skin care tips.

PORE CLEANSING TIP #1: USE A MATTIFYING FACE MASK TO CONTROL SHINE

If your skin tends to have a greasy-looking shine by lunchtime, chances are good your oil-producing glands may be a bit overzealous. A pore cleansing mask can help absorb some of that excess oil to keep your face shine-free. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask, which is formulated with three pure clays and charcoal to help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, oil, and pollution and reduce the look of dull skin.

To use a pore cleansing mask, apply an even layer onto clean skin. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Follow up with your regular serum and day or nighttime moisturizer. For the best results, use up to three times a week.

PORE CLEANSING TIP #2: EXFOLIATE WITH A FACE SCRUB

When the surface of your skin and pores are clear of excess oil, sweat, and makeup, you’ll have less reason to worry about breakouts. However, once debris mix with oil, it can clog pores, which can lead to blemishes. Not cool! So, it’s important to slough off dead skin cells regularly to keep your complexion looking healthy and radiant. Once or twice per week, depending on your skin type, use a gentle face scrub like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Kiwi Scrub. This scrub provides deep yet gentle exfoliation to help visibly unclog pores.

PORE CLEANSING TIP #3: USE A CHARCOAL FACE CLEANSER

There’s no denying the basics of how to clean pores start with finding the right cleanser. Our secret? Charcoal. Skin care products formulated with charcoal can act like a magnet to pull dirt, debris, and oil out of your skin. To see for yourself, try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, which is formulated with pure clays and charcoal. This deep pore cleanser removes impurities from pores without drying out the skin and is mild enough to be used daily, so give it a spot in your morning or nighttime routine!

PORE CLEANSING TIP #4: TRY DOUBLE CLEANSING

If your pores are feeling particularly congested, one round of cleansing may not be enough. Instead, give double cleansing a try. It’s exactly what it sounds like—two rounds of facial cleansing done back to back. If you think it might dry out your skin, consider using a gentle micellar water, such as the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types, for your first cleanser. Whereas basic cleansers can lend themselves to harsh rubbing and scrubbing, micellar water works gently to remove makeup and clean the skin in one easy, quick step.

To use, simply saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water, then glide the pad slowly across your face. Follow up with a second pore cleanser (like the aforementioned charcoal option), and you’re good to go!

PORE CLEANSING TIP #5: TRY A GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL PAD

Quick refresher: There are two types of exfoliation: mechanical, which includes face scrubs and chemical, which includes using AHAs like glycolic acid. While chemical exfoliation may sound scary, it can actually be a super gentle way to exfoliate your skin. Try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads, which are formulated with glycolic acid and help to exfoliate dead skin cells and renew the skin’s surface layer.

PORE CLEANSING TIP #6: USE A PORE-CLEANSING TOOL

If it doesn’t feel like your facial pore cleanser is getting the job done fully, consider investing in an electronic facial cleansing tool. These devices aren’t gimmicks—they really work! Introduce the electronic facial cleansing tool into your routine slowly so that your skin has time to adjust. You can build up your frequency until it fits your skin type and skin care concerns, but be sure to slow down if any redness or irritation occurs.

PORE CLEANSING TIP #7: BE CAREFUL WITH PORE STRIPS

Besides facial pore cleansers and cleansing masks, pore strips are probably one of the most common pore cleansing tips. With that said, you need to be careful. While it’s true they can temporarily help with the appearance of blackheads, according to the Cleveland Clinic, they often don’t solve the underlying issue. They can also have side effects like irritation. They can help in the short term, but it’s best to ask your dermatologist if it’s something they would recommend.

Another pore-cleansing essential you may want to consider? That would be good ol’ toner. Head to our article, What Does Toner Do and How Do You Use It, for all the details.