Vitamin C for Clogged Pores: How To Use It Properly

Vitamin C is a potent and popular antioxidant that can be ingested or applied topically and is great for overall health, wellness and skin. You may have noticed vitamin C shows up a lot when shopping for skin care products—that’s because it’s a widely-loved and used ingredient that has stood the test of time. Vitamin C’s benefits aid many different skin types, and because of its antioxidant-rich quality, it is a wonderful option for those looking to address clogged pores. 

Besides the benefits of Vitamin C for clogged pores, you can also learn more about how Vitamin C benefits sensitive skin, and oily skin in our latest blog. 

While eating foods rich in vitamin C is good for your health, when looking for this ingredient’s benefits for your skin’s appearance, it’s better and more effective to use high-quality, pure vitamin C skin care products topically, such as our line of concentrated boosting elixirs with natural ingredients. With consistent use of the right vitamin C product for your skin (like a vitamin C serum), you can see enhancements like bright, illuminated skin with an even tone.

Is Vitamin C Good for Clogged Pores?

The pores in our skin are made up of many tiny openings in which oil and sweat get released from our glands. Without proper cleansing, exfoliation and moisturization of our skin, however, our pores can become trapped with oil, dirt and impurities, resulting in clogged pores. While all different types of skin can experience clogged pores, it is usually more prevalent amongst oily skin types due to excess oil production that can lead to pore congestion and clogging.

When this pore blockage persists, it is common to see other additional skin concerns arise after that, such as temporary redness or the look of bumps and texture (which can then potentially lead to skin picking).

Fortunately, vitamin C is a great solution for those with oily skin or clogged pores, whether you are just starting to experience these conditions or dealing with the aftermath of clogged pores that have been neglected. Vitamin C is antioxidant rich and has soothing, plumping and brightening properties, which helps to minimize the look of enlarged pores, as well as even out skin texture and tone.

Vitamin C Benefits for Oily Skin and Clogged Pores

Vitamin C is perfect for oily skin types because it minimizes the appearance of large pores, soothes temporary redness and promotes an even skin tone. 

Here are some of the great beauty benefits of vitamin C for clogged pores.  

Reduces the look of enlarged pores

Pores can look larger in size when they are clogged with oil, dust and dirt that is trapped in your skin. The hydration of a serum’s formula keeps your skin looking firm and plump. At the same time, the antioxidant-rich quality of vitamin C creates a defensive barrier for your skin, preventing further invasion of dirt and keeping your pores clean. It is, however, important to incorporate proper cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturization for your skin type alongside your vitamin C serum to address clogged pores.

Evens out the appearance of skin tone

Vitamin C is one of the go-to ingredients for brightening skin. Its high antioxidant nature indirectly inhibits tyrosinase, which is related to melanin production. Use vitamin C to fade the look of dark spots and even out skin tone.

Revitalizes the appearance of mature skin

Because vitamin C is high in antioxidants, using a vitamin C product topically will visibly plump and rejuvenate your look for a more glowing, youthful complexion. It also keeps signs of aging at bay, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Supports the skin’s natural defenses against environmental elements

Vitamin C’s high antioxidant quality further enhances the skin’s natural defenses against environmental stressors. However, don’t forget to put on sunscreen! Apply your vitamin C serum, seal it in with your herb-infused moisturizer, and finish off with a layer of non-toxic sun protection.

Reduces the appearance of sensitive skin and redness

Redness and sensitivities can result from clogged pores that are left unmanaged. Apply vitamin C to reduce the look of temporary redness and to create a calming sensation on the skin. We recommend products that use tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA)—the gentlest and most stable form of vitamin C, which works wonderfully for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin (always patch test before full application).

To further these benefits, you can also learn more about combining vitamin C with niacinamide.

How To Use Vitamin C Serum for Clogged Pores

To truly decongest your pores, however, it’s important to pair your vitamin C with a proper cleansing, exfoliating, masking and moisturizing routine to address clogged pores, specifically, as vitamin C alone cannot do this.

Look for a vitamin C product made with natural and organic ingredients that uses a high-quality, safe and gentle form of vitamin C, like tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA). And if you’re unsure what type of vitamin C product to use, consider using a serum, as they are an effective option for delivering vitamin C to the skin. This is because serums are aqueous-based solutions with a smaller molecular size, which allows the product to drive amazing nutrients and hydration deep into the skin layers.

If you already have a serum you’re dedicated to using, and you are not ready to swap it out, another option is to use Concentrated Boosting Elixirs (like Brighten). They’re potent, so 1-3 drops are all you need. Simply blend with your existing serum or facial oil for an added vitamin C boost!

Here’s a sample routine to use vitamin C for addressing clogged pores:

1. Cleanse: For best results, use a pH-balanced cleanser suitable for your skin type, daily AM and PM. Our Citrus Mint Cleanser, an herb-infused gel cleanser, is perfect if you have oily skin.
2. Exfoliate: Exfoliate the skin with either a physical or chemical exfoliant (like our Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant with honey-derived lactic acid) to scrub away texture and polish the skin. Exfoliation frequency depends on skin type, the average being around 2-3 times a week.
3. Mask: Incorporate a purifying mask to deeply cleanse out your pores. Mud or charcoal masks are perfect for this situation—they remove excess oil and draw out impurities, leaving your skin looking renewed and fresh.
4. Tone: Once you remove your mask, mist your skin with a natural toner and keep your skin slightly damp for better absorption of the rest of your products. 
5. Hydrate: Apply your vitamin C serum by pumping a generous amount into the palm of your hand. Dab a bit on your nose, chin, cheeks and forehead.​ ​Blend well to cover your entire face.
6. Moisturize: Finish off with an Herbal Facial Oil for Oily Skin or Normal & Combination Skin. The moisturizer seals in all the activated nutrients from the serum and leaves your skin soft and supple.

These products work synergistically together to bring about the great benefits of vitamin C for clogged pores. The routine, as a whole, helps to assist in the removal of buildup and replenishes the skin with nourishment, as well as aiding in balancing the skin’s natural oils.

Frequently Ask Questions

Can I use vitamin C serum on clogged pores?

Yes, you can use a vitamin C serum on clogged pores as it addresses many of the effects of this skin concern, including unclogging pores, reducing temporary redness and fading away the look of dark spots for a more even, illuminated skin tone. After applying your serum, follow up with a facial oil suitable for your skin type (yes, even oily skin types!) to help balance the skin’s natural oils.

Does vitamin C reduce pore size?

Vitamin C minimizes the appearance of pore size by unclogging pores and plumping skin. However, it is important to use a gentle but effective pH-balanced cleanser, exfoliant and purifying mask in your skin care regimen, as these products draw out deep impurities and work collectively to visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. 

Does vitamin C reduce oily skin?

The common culprit of oily skin is often improper moisturization, which leads oily skin types to overcompensate by producing excess oil. Vitamin C is antioxidant-rich and can help boost skin vibrance. However, vitamin C’s primary role is not to reduce excess oil. If you are looking to reduce oily skin and want to incorporate vitamin C for its other skin benefits, you can add 1-3 drops of a vitamin C Concentrated Boosting Elixir to your herb-infused facial oil suitable for oily skin, which will help balance the skin’s natural oils.