Clogged Pores 101 – Poosh

“How to get rid of clogged pores” is a Google search we never grow out of, it seems.  

We tapped board-certified dermatologist Brooke Jeffy, M.D., founder of youth skincare brand BTWN, to explain the different types of clogged pores. 

“Clogged pores are pores that have become blocked by trapped oil, dirt, debris, and dead skin cells,” Dr. Brooke says. 

They can be categorized into two types: open comedones and closed comedones. 

Looks like black dots on the skin. “They look like this because the pore is still open at the surface, so air can interact with the dead skin and oil plug,” Dr. Brooke says. This causes oxidizing, which turns the clogged pore black. 

Chronic sun exposure can also contribute to blackheads. “Sun damage destroys collagen and elastin that hold the pores closed. When these are damaged, the pore widens, making it even easier for dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to get trapped. This is called Favre-Racouchot syndrome—yet another reason to wear sunscreen.” 

(Brb, reapplying SPF.) 

Can be confused with sebaceous filaments. These important little guys line the inside of your pores and help move oil from your sebaceous glands to your skin. They can also look super similar to blackheads when they fill up with oil and dead skin cells. Unlike blackheads, they are not clogging the pore. They also tend to be lighter in color and smaller than blackheads.  

Dr. Brooke recommends using salicylic acid and retinoids to help with the appearance of blackheads. “They help to deep-clean the pore and dislodge the blockage,” Dr. Brooke explains.

Looks like white or flesh-colored bumps on the skin, giving it a rough texture. “Closed comedones are the result of a pore being completely blocked,” Dr. Brooke explains. They’re kinda like a blackhead with a protective helmet (the layer of skin over the pore). 

Can be confused with milia, keratosis pilaris. Check the location and the feel. 

Whiteheads typically show up where a lot of oil is produced, like the chin, nose, and forehead. Keratosis pilaris tends to present as clusters of small bumps on the arms and legs. Milia can show up in similar places as whiteheads, but they don’t cause discomfort and feel like a little pebble under the skin. 

In addition to deep-cleaning salicylic acid and retinoids, Dr. Brooke also recommends benzoyl peroxide for whiteheads. “Benzoyl peroxide can help with any bacteria that have been trapped in the process,” she says. 

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