Top 10 Best Face Masks for Clogged Pores and Blackheads

This is going to be so much more than a talk on the best face masks for clogged pores and blackheads.

It’s going to have everything:

what are clogged pores
what causes them
how we can prevent our pores from getting clogged before they lead to blackheads and all other forms of acne
ingredients that help with keeping clogged pores at bay
the best face mask for clogged pores and blackheads

This is a complex discussion.

But one that’s totally worth it because what all forms of acne have in common is clogged pores. A clogged pore is also known as a closed comedo.

The matter of preventing and clearing out clogged pores cannot simply be reduced to getting the best face mask for clogged pores.

Masks can definitely do a lot but there’s more to it.

I’ll leave the part where I review the best face masks for clogged pores and blackheads for last, after I go through all the other parts that explain what clogged pores are, how they appear, and how you can prevent them.

Contents

My Picks for the Best Face Masks for Clogged Pores

I’ve gathered 10 best face masks for clogged pores and blackheads and they all cover a wide array of needs, skin types, as well as budgets.

Some are quite expensive and they come in a tiny quantity, others are much more cheaper because everyone should enjoy the benefits of a good mask at least once a week.

My first recommendation is quite impressive and I am very pleased that it comes in a big quantity (5 oz). The price is not cheap but I’ll leave it to you to decide if it’s worthy or not.

Just a short reminder:

Always cleanse your face before applying any kind of mask, whether it’s a best face mask for clogged pores and blackheads or a hydrating one or one for glowing skin, and so on.

Also,

I mention the skin types for which these masks work best for. Pay attention to that. There are some who are only good for oily, combination or normal skin.

1. Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask, 5 oz – Best Face Mask for Acne, Blemishes, Blackheads and Clogged Pores

This is such a powerful best face mask for acne, blackheads, and clogged pores.

It’s for the treatment and management of acne.

It’s a mask for clearing up acne blemishes and blackheads. And for preventing new blemishes and blackheads. And it absorbs excess oil.

It also exfoliates the skin, you don’t need to use another chemical exfoliator, this is powerful enough.

It’s a mask with 10% maximum strength sulfur.

That is the active ingredient that makes it a great acne treatment.

It’s a mask simple in its ingredients, it doesn’t have an endless list of amazing extracts of fruits, seeds, leaves or roots.

The ingredients that stand out are:

sulfur 10% as the active ingredient and what makes this mask an acne treatment
bentonite and kaolin clays
aloe vera for soothing the skin
zinc oxide that has anti-inflammatory properties
eucalyptus leaf oil

Instructions:

Only apply the mask on areas with acne, definitely not on broken skin.

It can be used on face, chest, and back. Back acne can benefit from it, too.

Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, until it dries. Use it 2-3 times a week.

It can cause skin irritation and dryness. Hydrate the skin after, sooth it.

This Peter Thomas Roth best face mask for acne, blackheads and clogged pores is not cheap but you get 5 oz of it, that’s a decent quantity that makes it worth the price. It’s a must-try if you are out of solutions for treating acne, clogged pores, and blackheads.

2. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, 1 lb

The price for this product is unbelievable. Unbelievably low. Such a joy.

And you get 1 pound of it.

You actually get 1 pound of natural calcium bentonite clay sun dried. This is not a mask, you must transform the clay into one.

There are instructions for how to mix it with apple cider vinegar and/or water, how much to leave it on for sensitive skin or normal skin, and that you can use it once a week or more often for problem skin.

Leave it on for just 5 minutes if you have sensitive skin and see how you react to it.

It’s for deep pore cleansing, for every skin type, and for those who suffer from acne.

Users recommend mixing the clay with apple cider vinegar because, for some, it itches if it’s mixed with water.

It’s a bit of a hassle with the mixing and getting the right consistency but it’s worth it, considering the cheap price.

Nevertheless,

If you’re not a fan of all that, there are other best face masks for clogged pores and blackheads down below, just continue reading.

3. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, 1.7 oz – Cheapest Best Face Mask for Preventing Clogged Pores

The Ordinary has one of my favorite peeling solutions.

As it turns out,

They also have a best face mask for clogged pores at a very cheap price. The name already tells us that it’s a salicylic mask with a very nice concentration.

But there’s more to it than that. We have:

2% salicylic acid
kaolin (clay)
charcoal powder
squalane

This mask doesn’t remove blackheads, being that it contains a good percentage of salicylic acid, it’s targeted towards removing dead skin cells and, thanks to the charcoal and clays, it attempts a deep cleansing of the pores.

It’s a good mask for preventing clogged pores.

Leave it on for no more than 10 minutes.

Don’t apply it on wet skin. Only spread out the mask on completely dry skin. And avoid the eye contour.

Use it 1-2 times weekly.

It’s not exactly a mask for those with highly sensitive skin. Or those with peeling skin.

There are also instructions to test if you are sensitive to this cheap best face mask for preventing clogged pores. Follow those instructions, test it.

The 1.7 oz quantity is not impressive but, for the price, is pretty good.

If you are prone to breakouts and you want the cheapest best face mask for clogged pores that’s very easy to use, I recommend trying out this The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque first.

4. Image Skincare Purifying Probiotic Mask, 2 oz – Anti-Aging Best Face Mask for Clogged Pores

This is a pretty tiny, a bit expensive best face mask for clogged pores that promises to target a lot of problems, besides decongesting pores: sun damage, acne, aging, rosacea.

Image is a brand focused on anti-aging. This Image Skincare Purifying Probiotic Mask is no different.

But,

With their anti-aging products, this brand also focuses on other skin grievances. In this case, this is a mask that targets quite a wide array of concerns: clogged pores, sun damage, acne, aging, rosacea. It’s a good mask for fortifying the skin. A very good aid for fighting dryness.

The ingredients that are supposed to take of all of that are:

yogurt-based probiotics that fortifies the skin and balances naturally occurring flora
green clay and activated charcoal take care of clearing out clogged pores
superfruit complex – goji, pomegranate, mangosteen and acai
willowherb – anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
rapseed seed oil
grape seed oil
vitamin E
coffee seed extract
and a bunch of other extracts that represent essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

It’s best for normal and oily skin types. But it can be used by those with sensitive skin, too because it has plenty of soothing ingredients, many antioxidants are included.

Instructions:

Apply the mask to cleansed skin in a thin layer.

Leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes. As long as my skin feels comfortable, I leave a mask on for the maximum amount of time.

Then rinse with lukewarm water.

This mask can be used quite frequently, as often as 3-5 times per week or as needed. It’s clearly not a harsh mask since it will leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.

5. Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Masque Skin Care, 2 oz – Best Face Mask for Clogged Pores for Oily Skin and Sensitive Skin

I’ve already talked about one probiotic anti-aging best face mask for clogged pores from Image Skincare, just right above.

How does this one for Eminence, which is another brand known for its amazing skincare products focused on anti-aging, compare?

Well,

The quantities are the same and the prices are quite close.

By eliminating those criteria, we’re only left with analyzing the list of ingredients and what benefits it can bring.

Eminence is focused on natural ingredients, all kinds of extracts.

It has a very long list of ingredients so, we’re only going to focus on what stands out:

their proprietary Organic Phytonutrient Blend – among many others, it includes aloe juice, cucumber juice, rosehip seed extract, and grapefruit peel extract
shea butter
kaolin clay for decongesting clogged pores
provitamin B5 (panthenol) for protecting the skin barrier and helping the skin retain its moisture levels
yogurt
salicylic acid for removing dead skin cells
tea tree oil
lactic acid
and the proprietary Biocomplex2 that’s a blend of mostly antioxidants, ingredients with anti-aging properties

It contains menthol, too. It has a cooling effect.

This is a gentle best face mask for clogged pores. It’s full of soothing, skin strengthening and nourishing ingredients.

The Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Masque Skin Care is a mask meant to help people achieve a blemish-free, clear complexion.

It’s also supposed to reduce acne scars.

The instructions are simple:

Mix a small amount of product with a few drops of water and apply evenly on the face.

Leave it on for 5-10 minutes or until it’s dry.

Use 1-2 times a week or as often as you’d like.

6. Glo Skin Beauty Refining Face Mask, 2 oz – Best Face Mask for Clogged Pores and Blackheads, Oily Acne-Prone Skin

This Glo mask is just the right combination of ingredients that tells you that it’s not only for purifying clogged pores and blackheads but it intends to prevent future acne and breakouts from happening.

Let’s see which are those exact ingredients:

sulfur and zinc oxide are right there are the beginning of the list – the former known for drying out dead skin cells, absorbing excess oil, clearing out blackheads and whiteheads, and the latter known for its anti-inflammatory properties
bentonite and kaolin – clays for purifying clogged pores, removing excess oil, dirt and debris
broccoli seed oil – high in Omega-6 and Omega-9, reduces inflammatory skin conditions (acne is an anti-inflammatory skin condition)
vitamin E
soybean oil
licorice root extract, cucumber extract, tea tree oil

I am deeply impressed by the Glo Skin Beauty Refining Face Mask but the price manages to dim my enthusiasm. Maybe you’ll be of a different opinion.

7. Mario Badescu Special Mask for Oily Skin, 2 oz – Cheap Best Face Mask for Preventing Clogged Pores and Blackheads for Acne-Prone Oily Skin

This is definitely just for oily skin. It says so in its name. Don’t use it if you have sensitive skin.

But as a very affordable best face mask for oily skin that is acne-prone?

It works pretty great.

It absorbs excess oil.

It’s very good for preventing pimples and blackheads. Those that are acne-prone can benefit from it and the price is so good.

It’s a very simple masks comprised of kaolin and bentonite, calamine (prevents irritation, calms the skin), and algae extract (antioxidant).

Apply a thin layer, leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse. Use it 2-3 times weekly.

8. PCA SKIN Detoxifying Face Mask, 2.1 oz – Expensive Best Face Mask for Clogged Pores and Blackheads for All Skin Types

PCA Skin is definitely known for having pretty expensive skincare products.

This detoxifying face mask is no exception. And it makes no exception at how good it is.

It’s expensive and tiny.

The list of ingredients is tiny.

The stars are the Japanese white charcoal and clay for absorbing excess dirt, oil, and debris.

The other one that stands out is magnesium aluminum silicate, a clay-derived mineral that supports skin clearing.

The instructions are just as simple: apply a thin layer, leave it on until dry, and it can be used weekly or as needed. Given the price, once a week seems enough.

It works for all skin types, including sensitive skin, just follow it up with a moisturizer.

9. Revision Skincare Black Mask, 1.7 oz – Best Face Mask for Clogged Pores for All Skin Types

Revision makes great skincare products that are quite often on the expensive side. But they’re also highly popular and they never seem to disappoint.

I couldn’t leave their best face mask for clogged pores out of my recommendations.

Once again, it’s a product meant to unclog pores and absorb excess oil.

It’s a gathering of clays. No charcoal this time.

Let’s see what Revision offers us this time with a mask simply called Black Mask. I love the simple name.

It’s good for all skin types because it purifies and soothes the skin at the same time thanks to its wide array of ingredients:

silt – that’s not a word you hear often, especially when it comes to talking about the best face mask for clogged pores – it’s the ingredient that purifies the skin, derived from European freshwater lakes, and described as containing the highest quality earth clays
bentonite
kaolin
salicylic acid
tea tree oil
galactoarabinan – mildly exfoliates and hydrates
oat kernel extract – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties plus soothing properties for dry and sensitive skin
cucumber extract and bisabolol – also for soothing the skin

It contains fragrance.

Again, there are just some simple instructions to follow: leave it on for 15-20 minutes and use it twice weekly or more often if you have oily skin.

10. Bliss Pore Patrol Deep Detox Four-Clay Mask, 2 oz

I’m ending my findings for the best face mask for clogged pores and blackheads with a mask from Bliss.

This is so incredibly cheap.

But it’s also nothing extraordinary. It’s not exactly a miracle for clogged pores or blackheads. But still pretty good.

I would recommend it to people with normal skin who want to take care of it and feel it smooth and soft afterward.

It’s not for sensitive skin.

The ingredients sound really good: French green, kaolin and sea clay take care of pulling dirt out from pores, willow bark extract for removing excess oil, glycolic acid for a brighter complexion.

Apply a thick layer onto dry skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and use it 2-3 times a week.

What Are Clogged Pores?

Pores are those tiny openings all over our body where we have hairs, they are the openings of hair follicles, even if that hair is visible or not.

Furthermore,

Each pore has its own sebaceous gland. It means it produces oil. That oil is where things get tricky. It’s why some cleansers or moisturizers mention that they control the production of oil.

Hormones can also stimulate these glands, making them produce more sebum than they normally would. It’s the joy of adult acne.

Thus:

When sebum is mixed with dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, the result is clogged pores.

Clogged pores are pores that look larger or those tiny black dots on your face (or what we call blackheads).

You’ve probably heard it enough times mentioned that it’s not a good idea to squeeze the sebum out because, over time, that will lead to your pores getting even bigger. And that is true.

But,

There’s one thing you should know: pore size is genetic, together with the increased production of oil that makes them look larger.

The good news:

Excess oil might make your skin have fewer wrinkles as you get older.

The bad news:

You can’t actually shrink your pores. But you can make them appear smaller.

Niacinamide is one of the best ingredients for tightening lax pores and for making them appear smaller. If you want to give it a try, a very cheap very good recommendation is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.

Thankfully,

We can handle clogged pores with a routine focused on cleansing, hydration and exfoliation, and with the additional help of the best face masks for clogged pores and blackheads.

Pores also become larger as we age because of a decrease in collagen production. The sagging of the skin makes pores have a tear-shaped appearance. Using ingredients that boost collagen production can slow down pores enlargement.

Not all large pores are clogged, take your genetics and your age into consideration, too. Smoking also leads to larger pores, not only the aging of the skin.

Why Do Pores Get Clogged?

I’ve mentioned already that pores get clogged when sebum is combined with dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

That definitely tells you that you shouldn’t touch your face with your fingers and you should always wash your hands before face washing.

Hormonal changes can also increase oil production.

When the skin closes over a clogged pore, it turns into a pimple (whitehead).

If the skin doesn’t close over the clogged pore, the sebum gets exposed to the air and through oxidation the tip turns black, which turns it into a blackhead.

So,

Clogged pores lead to all the different types of acne. That’s what they have in common and why it’s so important to prevent pores from getting clogged as best as we can.

Can We Unclog Pores Permanently?

The answer is no.

I don’t want you to get your hopes up.

We can unclog pores to a certain extent with an extended skincare routine that costs a lot of money, a lot of patience, frustration and nerves, and a lot of time spent in the bathroom.

And that never stops.

Why?

Because our body doesn’t stop from producing oil or dead skin cells and we’re continuously exposed to dirt.

We can unclog pores for a few days.

It’s just the same with wrinkle creams and serums, whether they contain retinol or other ingredients: we can’t stop from using them or we get the fine lines back.

Blackheads vs Whiteheads: What Makes them Different

Blackheads are open pores.

When the mix that clogs up the pores comes into contact with air, an oxidation process takes place and the top of that waxy substance turns black. And that’s what blackheads are.

They appear frequently on the nose because the pores are larger there than on other parts of our face.

The chin is the second favorite spot for both blackheads and whiteheads because it’s more oily than other parts of the face.

And then, there’s the forehead as the other area of the face blessed by an increased oil production. It has helped me get blackheads and whiteheads but it hasn’t stopped the parallel lines or the frown lines between my eyebrows from settling in for life, with more to come.

The nose, the chin, and the forehead are also called the T zone.

Whiteheads are closed pores.

Whiteheads have the same composition as blackheads, after all they’re cause by clogged pores, as well.

The only difference is that whiteheads look like small white bumps because the skin has covered that mix that clogs up pores.

Both blackheads and whiteheads belong to the category of mild acne but, if left to their own devices, they can turn into moderate or severe acne.

I’m forever in that mild acne form. It’s gotten worse from all the mask wearing and it gets moderate when I’m nearing my cycle.

Clogged pores manifest in the form of blackheads and whiteheads. The idea is to prevent pores from getting clogged and to prevent mild acne from turning into moderate or severe forms.

In essence,

That’s what this post is about. It’s more than reviewing the best face masks for clogged pores and blackheads. It’s about keeping our faces clean, exfoliation in order to remove dead skin cells, and the best ingredients for clogged pores, for keeping them as clear as we have the means to.

How Do We Get Rid of Clogged Pores and Blackheads?

Face masks are important, there’s no doubt about it. They can clear out clogged pores and reduce blackheads.

Otherwise,

I wouldn’t be writing about the best face masks for clogged pores.

Even so,

I consider face washing, at least twice daily, crucial.

And I consider exfoliation to be at the top of the list, right below face washing, hydrating the face properly, and wearing sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF daily.

Only after I have secured these four essential pillars, I get to concentrate on serums of all kinds, toners, and face masks.

1. Face Washing

face washing tips

The first step in getting rid of clogged pores and blackheads is not actually using a best face mask for clogged pores.

The actual first step is also what I consider the foundation of any skincare routine.

What is it?

Cleansing your face at least twice daily. Morning and night cleansing are definitely a must-do, there’s no way around it.

Wash your face after wearing a mask, too. At least as soon as you can, especially those who have acne-prone skin.

Wash your face after exercising, too. Sweat alone doesn’t clog up pores but it can mix with bacteria and dirt that’s already clogging your pores if you are acne-prone, which can exacerbate the problem.

Since we’re talking about face washing twice daily in order to prevent clogged pores and blackheads, that also implies removing makeup once you’re done with your day.

Get a face wash that’s non-comedogenic, which means that it has been formulated not to clog or block pores.

Using a face wash that dries out the skin can lead to an increased production of oil because the skin feel dry so it’s trying to balance that, which leads to a greater number of clogged pores.

Get a cleanser that matches your skin type. And always rinse with lukewarm water.

If you have acne, get either one with salicylic acid or one with benzoyl peroxide. Cleansers don’t have to be expensive but they have to be good. Fortunately, these two criteria are not mutually exclusive when it comes to face washing.

Check out my post on face washing tips if you want to know more on this important aspect of our beauty routines.

2. Exfoliate Your Face

face exfoliators

This is another extremely important step for getting rid of clogged pores and blackheads.

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells.

Dead skin cells will mix with dirt and sebum and clog the pores.

It’s a simple process but exfoliation can help a lot with preventing that process from taking place by sloughing off dead skin cells.

You don’t need harsh scrubs for that, especially not if you suffer from breakouts.

The best type of exfoliation for all skin types, including sensitive skin, is using a chemical exfoliant.

These are the products that contain glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, enzymes or a combination between these ingredients.

They come in the form of pads, serums, peeling solutions, moisturizers, are included in cleansers, and facial masks.

They are usually applied at night, no rinsing after applying them, just getting on with your usual routine, like toners if you use one and definitely a moisturizing cream.

Most are left on the skin until morning when you have to cleanse your face. The exception is done by powerful peeling solutions (I personally love them) which are handled more like a mask. Left on the skin for a few minutes and then washed off with lukewarm water.

We can enjoy exfoliation in many forms and the benefits it can bring to our skin, including clearing out clogged pores.

If you want to find out more on this topic, check out my post on the best exfoliators for face.

3. Masks for Clogged Pores and Blackheads

masks for clogged pores

Facial masks can help with a lot of problems related to dry, dehydrated, and oily skin.

However,

In this post we are especially concerned with finding the best face masks for clogged pores and blackheads.

They are usually applied once or twice a week but there are more gentle ones that can be used as often as you feel the need to.

The most frequent ingredients are clay and charcoal. That doesn’t come as a surprise. Clay and charcoal are the most often heard words when mentioning masks for clogged pores and blackheads.

It’s simply because these two ingredients act like magnets for all those things that block out pores and they absorb excess oil for preventing future blockage.

Charcoal is not exactly a favorite of mine when it comes to skincare ingredients. I think that it’s one of those ingredients that can do more damage to the skin than we realize.

I’m definitely not going to focus on charcoal as an ingredient for the best masks for clogged pores. My focus is always on other much better ingredients.

The other ingredients contributing to clearing out pores and soothing and nourishing the skin at the same time are many and varied: salicylic acid (can be combined with clays and charcoal), antioxidants, probiotics, different oils, extracts of all kind, aloe vera, the list is endless.

How to use a face mask for clogged pores and blackheads:

first things first, wash your face
follow the instructions written on the box
some will indicate a different time frame for sensitive skin, follow it
masks will also include how many times per week you should use them
you absolutely need to hydrate after using a mask, charcoal and clay can dry out the skin, that’s why they also include hydrating ingredients
after removing the mask with lukewarm water (most of them), you can apply a toner (optional but I recommend it), moisturizer, anti-aging serum, acne treatments, whatever your beauty routine includes

Using the best face masks for clogged pores and blackheads is a simple process. The instructions are easy to follow.

One the other hand, the price for some is not that easy to swallow. Some are quite expensive but I’ve also selected some really good cheap best face masks for clogged pores.

The Best Ingredients for Clogged Pores

And when I say the best ingredients for clogged pores, I’m actually meaning the best ingredients that will prevent us from getting clogged pores.

It’s always easier to prevent something from happening than to get rid of it.

In time, these ingredients will work for getting rid of clogged pores, as well. They do require some patience. It won’t happen overnight but it gets better.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an acid (BHA) that removes dead skin cells.

A chemical exfoliant.

It’s oil-soluble so it’s perfect for oily skin, combination, and acne-prone skin but it’s gentle enough that it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.

It’s one of my favorite ingredients to be used at least once per day.

It also has the potential of reducing oil production.

Salicylic acid is especially recommended for preventing blackheads and whiteheads and for unclogging pores because it penetrates the pores and removes excess sebum.

It is one of the best ingredients for clogged pores and easily incorporated in a beauty routine because it’s found in many cleansers, facial exfoliators, moisturizers, masks.

On the other hand, if you have mild to moderate pustules, benzoyl peroxide is a much better option but be careful with it because it isn’t eas easily handled by the skin as the mild salicylic acid. You need to do your research before using powerful ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide.

Chemical Exfoliants (AHAs alpha hydroxy acids)

AHAs mainly refer to glycolic acid (extracted from sugar cane) and lactic acid. Glycolic acid is the most powerful of the two because it’s the smallest acid and it penetrates the skin easily.

They both reach the dermis and they remove dead skin cells by breaking the bonds that hold the cells together.

These acids are well-known for their ability to rejuvenate the skin, for brightening it up, for decreasing hyperpigmentation and dark spots but they also prevent clogged pores.

They come in the form of pads (glycolic acid pads are very good and some are very affordable), moisturizers, serums, peeling solutions, and masks.

Retinol

Retinol or retinoids increase cell turnover. That’s their main benefit along with boosting collagen production and why they are so popular and widely-used by the anti-aging industry.

However, retinol doesn’t exfoliate the skin. Vitamin A is an antioxidant.

When it increases cell turnover, it discourages dead skin cells from sticking together. When dead skin cells stick together and are not sloughed off, that will automatically lead to clogged pores.

As you can see, it’s a very effective ingredient not only for preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but also for preventing clogged pores.

If you have oily skin or combination skin and are at your limits with the problem of clogged pores, you can also pair up salicylic acid and retinol for increased effectiveness for both ingredients.

However,

Retinol is also famous for irritating, peeling, and drying out the skin so, avoid certain skincare ingredient combinations, especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you haven’t included retinol in your beauty routine yet, check out my post on the best retinol cream for beginners, see if it’s the right ingredient for you or not.

Other retinoids, like adapalene, which is the main active ingredient for the Differin Gel, work very nicely as an acne treatment. It’s an over the counter product.

Charcoal and Clay

I am sure that pretty much everyone is aware that many best blackhead masks as well as a large majority of best face masks for clogged pores contain either or both of these two ingredients, charcoal and clay.

I recommend getting one that contains both if you have a generous budget.

Why are charcoal and clay so good at removing blackheads and clearing up clogged pores?

Because they basically act like magnets that pull out the dirt and the excess oil from the skin.

That’s what makes them great for oily skin and acne-prone skin.

These two are the basis for the many of the best face masks for clogged pores.

If it’s the right mask, it won’t dry out your skin because it will also contain some soothing ingredients but it will decongest the pores.

Given that both charcoal and clay can dry out the face, some prefer to stop using them in the winter.

You can switch to a salicylic acid mask that prevents congestion or use a more mild one, like the two masks with probiotics that I review below.

Zinc

Dermstore also mentions zinc as an ingredient that works for clogged pores.

However, there is not enough research on how topical zinc works but it’s considered to be an anti-inflammatory agent. I would say it works best for calming the skin rather than for clogged pores.

If you’re not a vegetarian, the chances are that your diet is already taking care of your zinc levels.

Ingredients that Clog Pores

mineral oil
petroleum
coconut oil

Argan oil, sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil, castor oil, hemp seed oil, rosehip seed oil, camellia oil, jojoba oil are good alternatives because they are non-comedogenic

The same applies to makeup, make sure that the one you use is non-comedogenic. Oil-free makeup is the best for preventing clogged pores.