Breakouts are something most of us deal with at some point, and they can occur for any one of a number of reasons, from stress and product irritation, to hormonal fluctuations and skin that’s just generally feeling out of balance.
When breakouts start becoming more regular, however, and when clogged pores and blackheads are something you see in the mirror more often than not, it’s a good idea to reassess your skincare routine.
Blackheads are a form of acne and while every skin type can experience them, they tend to show up more in oily skin. They’re made up of dead skin cells, sebum and oil – all piled up inside the pore, and when the top of that lovely mixture comes to the skin’s surface, it oxidises and turns black, hence the name. Rather annoyingly, they can keep coming back, so treating them is an ongoing process.
Sebaceous filaments are often confused with blackheads. These are naturally occurring structures in the skin, found inside the lining of your pores. They mostly appear as tiny dots and are generally grey or flesh-toned. They are not a sign of clogged pores, and their job is to help guide the natural oil in your skin to the surface. They can become more noticeable with age or with UV exposure. You can minimise their appearance using the same processes described below, but you can never get rid of them completely, as they are ultimately a sign of healthy skin.
READ MORE
One of the most overlooked steps when it comes to treating clogged pores is cleansing. An effective cleanse can reduce further breakouts and calm and balance the skin. Gentle formulas are best for this step. I’m a big fan of CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (€13 for 236ml from Boots) and Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser (€24 from drsambunting.com). Both are lightweight, creamy and deliver a solid cleanse without stripping or drying the skin.
How long you cleanse for is important, too. A quick 10 or 20 second once-over won’t cut it. Aim for a full minute, working in circular motions over the face and neck. Spend extra time on areas where congestion tends to occur, like the chin, nose and jaw. Removing your cleanser with a cloth or cleansing pad and lukewarm water can also make a difference, leaving no residue behind that could contribute to further blockages.
Once cleansing is out of the way, it’s on to ingredients that will help to clear congestion. While face scrubs and pore strips are tempting, they can be too harsh on the skin, causing inflammation and irritation. Squeezing is also an absolute no-no, for the same reasons, including scarring.
One of the best ingredients for treating congestion is salicylic acid, as it gets right down into the pores, and it’s gentle, with anti-inflammatory properties. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant (€39 from Space NK) is an excellent option, and a staple in my household. It’s easy to use (splash onto a cotton pad and swipe all over) and gentle enough for teenage and pre-teen skin, too. It sinks in quickly and leaves no trace, making it great for layering under other skincare products.
If you’d like to use something that targets both breakouts and texture, while also improving glow, go for something like Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads (€24 for a pack of five from Arnotts). These little duo pads contain salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids, so they work both on the surface of the skin and underneath. Just be careful not to overdo it - once or twice a week is enough for exfoliation. More than that, and you risk irritation.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, using a clay mask once a week can also make a big difference as it will draw out oil and impurities and balance oil production. I love Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask (€31 from Marks & Spencer).
Next up is moisturiser. When dealing with blocked pores or regular breakouts, it’s best to steer clear of heavy, rich creams, as they can inadvertently lead to more clogs in the skin. Skip heavier ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter, and look for light lotions, creams or gel-based moisturisers. Some of my favourites include La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ (€22.50 from Boots) and Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser (€38 from Arnotts).
The last step is sunscreen, arguably even more important than ever when dealing with breakouts and persistent blackheads. UV exposure can trigger inflammation, worsening breakouts. It can also dry out the skin, prompting it to produce more oil to compensate – leading to more blocked pores and blackheads.
Wearing an oil-free, mineral or tinted sunscreen every day will protect the skin, reduce inflammation and support overall skin repair. Great options include EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF46 (€63 from Institute of Dermatologists) and Summer Fridays SPF30 Shade Drops (€40 from Space NK).
This week I’m loving… Voya Limited Edition Candle
One of Voya’s first launches of 2026 is a limited-edition candle, and it’s gorgeous. Scented with sea salt, cypress, cedarwood and amber, it delivers the bracing freshness of a seaside walk on a blustery day – fresh, crisp and utterly appealing. It comes in Voya’s signature luxury packaging and promises a 30-hour burn time.
