Pores blocked with dirt, oil and sebum cause the various forms of acne, such as cystic nodules, blackheads and whiteheads. Sebum is a natural oil your skin produces, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. While it's natural, it can wreak havoc on your skin and affect your self-esteem. The secret to clear skin is clean pores. By cleansing your pores, you can help your skin regulate oil production and foster cleaner, clearer skin. Luckily, you don't need expensive products--only smart cleansing rituals and natural items from around your home.
Step 1
Steam your face at least once per week to open your pores and sweat out impurities, suggests Marie Claire magazine. Steaming your pores will also help cleanse and exfoliate to reach deeper into the pores for maximum effectiveness. Fill a pot of water and put it on the stove to simmer. Once it begins to simmer, place two slices of lemon in the water for scent and astringent properties. Remove the pot from the stove and make a tent by pulling a towel over your head and the pot and allowing the steam to circulate for at least five minutes.
Step 2
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. While you may cleanse your skin religiously seven times a week, you could still leave your pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leaving you susceptible to acne. Exfoliating helps to rejuvenate the skin and shrink pores, says DermaDoctor.com. Purchase an exfoliating cleanser from the drug store, or make your own by combining a half cup of brown sugar with one tbsp. of olive oil. Rub onto your face in a circular motion for one minute before rinsing away.
Step 3
Cleanse your skin each night to get rid of the dirt, oil and makeup accumulated throughout the day. It's important that you use a gentle cleanser, especially if you wash your face more than once per day. While you may think a harsh cleanser gives you the best clean, it can strip your pores of their natural oils. By drying out pores, you signal your body to amp up sebum production, which can result in even worse oil and clogged pores. Choose a mild, soap-free cleaner and never wash more than twice per day for the cleanest pores.
Step 4
Remove the impurities that clog your pores for cleaner, tighter pores. When dirt and oil collect in the pore, it can appear as a black mark on your skin, or a blackhead. To get rid of a blackhead and clean the pore, apply a warm compress to the area for one minute. Use a loop blackhead extractor, which is a tool with a small loop on one end. When you place the loop around the blackhead and gently apply pressure, the material clogging the pore is pressed out, notes AcneTalks.com.
Things You'll Need
- Pot
- Water
- Lemon
- Towel
- Brown sugar
- Olive oil
- Cleanser
- Blackhead extractor
Member Comments