Cleanse Pores

Many people who have glowing and clean skin follow a face-care regimen. A large part of taking care of your face is making sure that you have clean pores. This article will show you different face-care routines you can use to maintain clean pores.

Steps

Performing a Quick Cleanse

1. Take a warm bath or shower. The heat of the water relaxes your skin and cleanses your pores of excess oil, which may cause blackheads and acne. The water doesn't need to be so hot that it is uncomfortable, just warm enough for cleansing.
2. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. This doesn't mean to just get some soap and rub it all over your face. Choose an oil-free, water-based skin care product for best results. Some kinds of cleansers may be specifically marketed for facial care; it is up to you to judge whether or not these help you with your complexion.
   • Over-the-counter acne creams may be desirable, as they contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, which help dry skin oils. But keep in mind that medicated cleansers, as well as facial scrubs, products containing astringents, and body wash, may irritate your face rather than cleanse it. Use what feels right for your body.
3. Wash off all skin care product. Cleansers, if drying on your skin, may themselves be irritating. You may wish to wash off with colder water, which can make your skin feel tighter.
4. Use a facial lotion. Facial lotions will moisturize your skin, keeping it from producing too much oil. There are many kinds of different skin types, so there are many kinds of different lotions. Choose one that fits your skin type and life style; for example, if you are acne-prone, you may want to try an oil-free gel rather than a heavy lotion. Other lotions contain plant-based oils that may be necessary for skin that tends to be dry.
5. Protect your skin. Clean pores don't just happen in the shower; they must also be maintained. Choose a daily sunscreen that will protect your skin, and make sure you keep your skin clean (for instance, after exercising) without overwashing.

Performing a Spa-Like Cleanse

1. Boil one quart of water in a pot. You should use a distilled or filtered water; avoid waters, such as tap water, that may have hard or heavy minerals in them. After the water begins to boil, remove it from heat. Place the pot in an area, such as a table or counter, where you can comfortably lean over it. Consider placing folded towels under your pot in order to insulate your table from heat.
   • You may want to pour the water into another container or bowl so that you do not accidentally touch a hot pot. Be careful that you do not put your equipment in areas that may be damaged by heat.
   • You may also avoid putting your water into plastic bowls or containers. Plastic may release chemicals into the water upon heating. Prefer clean metal containers.
2. Add fragrance if desired. Clean and basic ingredients, often herbal, can enhance your cleanse, making it more spa-like. You can add a few drops of essential oils, such as rosemary, lavender, or thyme, to the water. This will release a fragrance, which acts as an aromatic. Allow the oil to steep for ten minutes.
   • You can also wrap whole herbs in a cheesecloth and add them to the water, allowing them to steep for ten minutes.
   • Some herbs, such as dried lavender, act as a stress-reliever. Others, such as anise seeds or rosemary, can aid overly oily skin. Feel free to experiment with which herbs work best for your skin and mental state.
3. Put your face over the pot and steam it. Put your head six to eight over the pot, but make sure you avoid contacting the pot or the water. Allow the steam to warm and wet your face. You can put a towel over your head to trap the steam, which will further clean your face.
   • You can steam your face for however long is comfortable. Ten minutes is plenty; those with sensitive skin may want to limit their steam to five minutes.
   • If your water stops releasing steam, boil fresh water and herbs; don't reuse what you have.
4. Cleanse your face with a cleaner. Follow the considerations laid out above: choose a gentle cleanser either with or without medication, and avoid harsh products. You may want to choose an extra-gentle cleanser for this kind of cleanse, as the hot steam will have loosened up much of the oil and dirt in your face.
   • Simply washing your face with cold water can suffice if you spent ten or more minutes steaming. Make sure you wet your whole face to remove steamed-out oils and dirt.
5. Wash your face with cold water to remove all cleanser. You may prefer to use warm water, but cold water can often feel good after a steam. Use what feels best for you.
6. Moisturize your face. Follow the considerations laid out above: consider oil-free or oil-containing products depending on your skin type. Be gentle with your skin; pat the moisturizer in and spend time massaging in areas on your forehead, cheeks, and temples.

Preventing Clogged Pores

1. Don't wash your face too much or too hard. Though cleaning your skin feels nice, washing your face more than twice a day can make it too dry, which can irritate your face or cause it to overproduce natural oils. This can contribute to acne. Additionally, using too heavy of a touch when washing your face can damage your skin. Use a gentle, non-invasive touch to massage your skin while cleansing.
   • You may require a more specific regimen for your skin type or history with acne. Ask your dermatologist or doctor about how often you should be cleansing your face.
2. Avoid touching your face. Your face encounters enough pollution, dirt, and chemicals from the air; it doesn't need contact with other pollutants. Everyday sweat, oil, and bacteria from your hands or clothing can get on your face, where it can block pores. Avoid touching your face in order to keep it clean.
3. Avoid squeezing or picking at pores. Even though it may be tempting, squeezing at blemishes can cause scarring. Pimples are inflammations that do go away on their own over time. Popping them may force bacteria deeper into the inflamed pore, which may result in longer-lasting pimples or scars.
   • If a blemish remains longer than a week, and if it is a real problem, a dermatologist can safely lance it for you, which will avoid further inflammation or scars.
4. Remove makeup before bed. Cleaning your skin removes normal dirt and dust from the environment, but your pores can also be clogged by what you put on your skin deliberately. Remove makeup before you retire for the night, as well as heavy sunscreens. Makeup removers are special cleansers that are formulated to remove heavy or stubborn makeup.
   • A gentle and effective cleansing at night can remove the need for a morning cleanse--your face will have been on a clean pillow all night, so there will be no need to wash it again.
5. Consider noncomedogenic skin care products. Noncomedogenic products are those that avoid ingredients that may make acne worse. They are generally labeled as such on the front or back of packaging. Such products are generally oil-free, or do not contain ingredients that contribute to oil build-up.
   • Your skin type may require products formulated for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, or inflamed skin. Your dermatologist is the best person to ask for advice on medicated or non-medicated products for your skin type.

Tips

• Quick cleanses can be performed any time and daily, whereas more elaborate cleanses may not be necessary every day.

Warnings

• Be careful when handling the boiling water, and be sure to make no contact with it when steaming your face.

Related Articles

• Deal With Oily Skin as a Gentleman
• Make a Neem and Holy Basil Leaves Face Pack
• Make a Sandalwood Powder and Rose Water Face Pack

Sources and Citations

See also

• Use Pore Strips
• Stop an Oily Face
• Apply Makeup on Oily Skin
• Clean Clogged Pores
• Prevent Oily Skin
• Get Rid of Oil on Your Face
• Buy a Blackhead Remover
• Prevent Blackheads
• Treat Whiteheads
• Take Care of Oily Skin with Homemade Products

Read more ...