Home Remedies For Clogged Facial Pores

Clogged pores occur when your skin overproduces its natural oils. Those oils combine with debris and dead skin cells thereby clogging the pores. An infection often follows when the natural bacteria on the skin multiplies. Your body responds with white blood cell production. The combination of oils, dead skin, bacteria and white blood cells cause lead to acne. However, some remedies can help unclog your facial pores and keep your skin acne-free.

Facial Scrubs

Excessive scrubbing can worsen clogged pores according the American Academy of Dermatology. A weekly facial scrub, however, will help remove dead skin cells that contribute to the problem. Sugar makes an ideal base ingredient for a facial scrub. The sugar provides mild abrasion and glycolic acid, which dissolves the dead skin cells in the top layer of skin.

Combine approximately 1 tbsp. sugar with 1 tbsp olive oil. You can add two to three drops of essential oils for scent and healing properties, such as lavender, tea tree or rose. With gentle pressure, rub the scrub onto the facial skin in small circular motions with your fingers. Avoid using the scrub around the eyes. Rinse thoroughly when finished.

Masks

Follow a facial scrub with a weekly mask to deep clean pores as recommended by Julie Gabriel in "The Green Beauty Guide." A mask can include clays or simple items you have in your kitchen. A little oatmeal and fruit, such as a strawberry, pureed in the blender makes a simple, quick mask for one-time use.

For a tightening, oil-free mask that moisturizes, blend 2 tbsp. of pure aloe vera gel with about half of a cucumber. Green, white, French and kaolin clays mixed with a few drops of essential oil and enough water to form a paste will reduce excess skin oils. Use rosemary and lavender essential oil for very oily skin. Rinse the mask off after 20 minutes.

Toner

A toner used after cleansing removes make-up, oil and debris that cleansing might have left on the skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Since these clog facial pores, a toner can therefore help prevent clogging. An astringent toner will also help reduce excess oil production.

A good toner for oily, acne prone skin includes apple cider vinegar, water and a crushed aspirin. Mix about eight parts water to one part cider vinegar. Crush five uncoated aspirin and stir into the water-vinegar mix. Apply to your face with cotton balls or pads.