The skin serves as a sheath to protect internal organs from harmful external influences. As the body's largest organ, the skin has tiny holes called pores that allow for the release of perspiration and oils. These openings in the skin also permit beneficial skin creams, serums and oils to enter the skin and improve its condition. Keep open pores clean and unobstructed, as this is the way they were meant to be.
Exfoliate Your Pores
Remove old surface skin cells that serve no other purpose than to block pore openings. If old skin cells are not removed, they may enter the open pores and create skin problems. Dead skin cells can gently be eliminated with the use of a mask designed to exfoliate. Some masks have mild exfoliating ingredients in them, while others may contain acids. Keep in mind, masks that contain acids are more aggressive in their approach to exfoliation than regular masks are, and are not suitable for skin with acne or for skin that is easily irritated. A more effective exfoliation process is microdermabrasion, which involves removing dead skin by rubbing a coarse substance against it. Exfoliate the skin with a gentle mask at least once a week to keep pores clean. Use products that contain acid less frequently and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Microdermabrasion should be performed as recommended by a dermatologist.
Steam Your Pores
Use steam to soften oils in the pores. Steam also widens open pores so that it is easy to extract impurities. To steam the skin, position open pores about 12 inches above a bowl of steaming water, making sure the steam is not hot enough to burn the skin. Form a tent over your head with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping. Steam the skin in this manner for approximately five minutes. You can use a facial steamer instead, if you have one. To steam the skin with a facial steamer, position your face about 16 inches away from the steaming device and hold it there for nine to 10 minutes. End the steaming before that time if the steam feels too hot. Steam pores once a week.
Gently Squeeze Your Pores
Apply light pressure to the skin surrounding each pore with your forefingers until you see the contents of the pore come out. Do this to all the open pores you see to clean them. Since open pores get stretched out from the debris inside them, wipe them with a cotton pad moistened with witch hazel to make them contract. The pores will not completely close -- and you do not want them to -- but they will appear smaller and make the skin look smoother. Gently squeeze the pores once a week to cleanse them.
Use Oil-Free Skin Care Products
Do not use skin care products that contain oil, as they will clog open pores. After continued use, the oils from these products accumulate in the open pores and create a blockage. Try to find oil-free moisturizer that has an SPF of at least 15. If the moisturizer does not have an SPF, purchase an oil-free suntan lotion and use it in addition to an oil-free moisturizer for sun protection.
References
- "Milady's Standard Textbook for Professional Estheticians"; Joel Gerson; 1999
- Aubrey Organics: Natural AHA Fruit Acids with Apricot Exfoliating Mask
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