The One Cleansing Mistake That Can Worsen Your Skin, According To Experts (2024)

Contrary to popular belief, you can't actually close or open your pores. But, what you can do is give them a good, thorough cleanse. 'The size of your pores is mainly caused by an increase in oil production from sebaceous glands,' says consultant dermatologist Dr. Jinah Yoo at Maylin x Dr. Jinah Yoo Dermatology.

Everyday aggressors, such as pollution and grime, that often come with oily skin can lead to the formation of blackheads, blemishes, and yes, pores that appear enlarged. According to Dr. Yoo, depleted supportive collagen can also make your pores more visible. Thankfully, there are easy ways to keep your pores clean which will in turn, help minimise their appearance.

How To Take Care Of Your Pores

A consistent skincare routine is key to managing your complexion. 'Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil and impurities. Then look to incorporate a chemical exfoliant containing ingredients such as salicylic acid (a BHA) to help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells,' suggests consultant dermatologist, Dr. Anjali Mahto at Self London. She's a big fan of niacinamide and retinoids to 'regulate oil production and refine the appearance of pores over time'.

Charcoal is also an excellent contender, adds pro-facialist Debbie Thomas. 'It has long been accepted that charcoal has a cleansing effect on the skin,' she says. 'It is often recommended for oily skin types because it absorbs excess sebum without drying the skin and purges pores of impurities.' She continues: 'This action of deep cleansing means pores will appear more refined and less visible, and skin will feel softer and smoother.'

To protect your skin barrier, try using exfoliating acids only on the necessary areas - such as nose or chin - rather than the whole face. As for manual, DIY blackhead removal, the general consensus among skin experts is: don't do it. 'I find overzealous steaming and squeezing old-fashioned and can sometimes enlarge the pores and scar, which I end up fixing with my laser,' explains Natasha Clancy, aesthetician and founder of Kichi Studio. 'The problems keep coming back, so I prefer to educate my clients in chemicals and management.'

Ahead, see the best facial pore cleansers to keep skin feeling fresh and looking clear.

Our go-to brand for when our skin plays up, Medik8's fragrance-free cleanser unclogs pores whilst gently exfoliating - ideal for city dwellers who are constantly exposed to pollution and grime.

Upgrade your cleansing routine with Geske's facial brush. This German-made techy tool emits a gentle warmth to loosen the sebum in your pores and prepare your skin to reap the benefits of your cleanser. The pulses offer a quick massage as your cleanse while the soft bristles helps with mild exfoliation.

This isn't exactly a wash-off cleanser per se, but it does contain everything you need to thoroughly decongest clogged pores, all while encouraging a much-needed glow. A trio of clay, bamboo charcoal and witch hazel tackles breakouts and detoxifies the complexion. It's refreshing for hot summer days, too.

This cleanser combines the brightening benefits of its breakthrough Melasyl ingredient to nix hyperpigmentation with niacinamide and polyhydroxy acid to maintain clarity and radiance.

Niacinamide is the hard-working ingredient dermatologists turn to for not only blemish-prevention, but also brightening and hydrating benefits. When in doubt, a niacinamide-rich formula is your best bet. This lightweight jelly texture thoroughly cleanses without aggravating sensitive complexions, and doubles as a mask. Just leave on for five minutes and rinse off.

Very oily complexions will appreciate this mattifying formula laced with salicylic acid and tea tree to help eradicate painful spots and prevent new ones.

Caudalie's Vinopure range treats sore blemishes with velvet gloves, nixing spots without further upsetting the skin barrier. This salicylic acid-infused cleanser that promises to clarify congested skin while maintaining comfort thanks to soothing aloe vera and grape water. The minty scent is refreshingly pleasant, too.

This pore cleanser uses a team of gentle acid exfoliators to slough away dullness-causing dead skin whilst niacinamide keeps skin feeling hydrated and maintains clarity.

We can't recommend booking in for a session with acupuncturist and facialist Ada Ooi enough; her holistic treatments will leave you feeling lighter and looking significantly fresher. To prolong the glow, incorporate her thoughtfully-crafted skincare line into your routine. This lightweight cleanser uses a combination of lactic and salicylic acid to clear out clogged pores and encourage radiance.

Benefit prides itself on being the authority for all things brow and pore-related (hands up if your first primer was the Porefessional), so it's no surprise that its skincare line focuses on the health of your pores; that means keeping it clean, refined and sufficiently hydrated. Oily and combination skin types will love the Good Cleanup cleanser, which creates a satisfying lather without stripping the complexion.

Not all physical exfoliators are formulated alike. This one by Tatcha has just the slightest hint of grittiness to help refine pores without creating any micro-tears on the skin or causing any flare ups. The creamy, oil-free formula is perfect for sensitive and oily complexions, leaving it feeling clean and looking smoother than ever.

Yes, this potent cleanser is well-loved in skincare circles for its ability to tackle dirt and prevent future breakouts (that's the salicylic acid for you). But beyond that, this gel formula also imparts an instant, lit-from-within luminosity thanks to vitamin C and glycolic acid.

Dewy cheekbones? Great! Excess grease by 12PM? Not so much. That's where this sebum-control cleanser comes in. It contains salicylic acid to keep blemishes at bay while generous amounts of glycerine and panthenol maintain skin softness and hydration. A great everyday face wash that drier skin types will love.