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This TikToker shared how to once and for all unclog your pores so skin is flawlessly smooth

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Quick overview

Tons of skin care products promise to minimize the look of your pores, which essentially means unclogging them. If your pores appear large, it’s usually because they’re filled with oil and sebum, or even makeup and dirt, and that’s what you’re seeing. So no, makeup won’t solve the issue. The key is to exfoliate properly, and one TikTok user is sharing how she does it, so you can once and for all unclog your pores.

Credit: Getty Images
Credit: Getty Images

In a video posted to TikTok last year, @annaytime shared that her nightly skin care routine includes gently massaging out the clogs in her pores, and of course, everyone wanted to know how she does it. (The video gained over 6.5 million views.) Luckily, she shared her routine and products in a few follow-up videos, but she credits BHA as the power product.

First, she uses a BHA leave-on product that contains 2% salicylic acid in the morning, about four times per week. BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acids, which are said to improve skin’s texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and cause less irritation than Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), according to the FDA. They’re both considered chemical exfoliants, and after using them, your skin will immediately feel pretty smooth.

You’ve probably used BHA products without realizing it — salicylic acid is a BHA, and it’s in a lot of acne products.

“Salicylic acid is key because it’s oil-soluble, which means it gets down deeper into your pores to loosen up all of that oil, dirt and grime better than other chemical exfoliants,” she explained in another video.

At night, she uses a cleansing oil or balm and massages around the clogged pores for two minutes max. If you do this process over time, she claims you’ll feel the clogs physically coming out.

Keep in mind that @annaytime is not a dermatologist or an aesthetician. However, her profile states that she’s a former beauty buyer and “your Asian skin care bestie.”

If you want to give this process a try for yourself, take a look below at a few of the skin care products @annaytime recommends. If it works, you could minimize the appearance of your pores for smoother, clearer skin.

This BHA exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid.
$34 at Sephora

This is one of the original BHA exfoliant products, but keep in mind that it’s pretty strong. You may need to work your way up to using a 2% salicylic acid solution or use it every other day to start.

This chemical exfoliant is a little bit more gentle with only 0.5% salicylic acid.
$19 at Soko Glam

Benton’s BHA Skin Toner only contains 0.5% salicylic acid and combines it with aloe, so it’s a bit gentler on skin and keeps it moisturized while exfoliating.

This gentle toner is for BHA beginners.
$20 at Ulta

This toner is especially great for people with sensitive skin or BHA beginners. It also contains all-natural willow bark and apple water to relieve any irritation.

A cleansing balm acts as a makeup remover and face cleanser.
$18 at Versed

This is the exact cleansing balm @annaytime is using in her original video, she says. It melts away makeup and moisturizes your skin at the same time.

Amazon shoppers love this one, too.
$13 at Amazon

This is a popular cleansing oil on Amazon with over 2,000 five-star ratings, and it’s also one of @annaytime’s favorites, she says. Oils are obviously not as thick as balms, but they’re also great at getting rid of makeup and impurities while hydrating.

If you liked this article, check out this $9.99 foot peel mask Amazon shoppers swear by for transforming dry, cracked feet.

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