Buzz
If you're struggling with acne, your skin might be clogged with dirt, oil, or other impurities stuck in your pores. While the size and shape of your pores are genetic and unchangeable, there are several ways to deeply cleanse your skin and get rid of blackheads, which make your pores more noticeable. To soften dirt or impurities, you could try steaming your face before washing, but don't overdo it to avoid drying your skin. You can also use masks or exfoliating creams to achieve truly clean skin.
Steps
Face Steaming
Wash your face with your favorite cleanser. To make the most of the steaming treatment, start by washing your face. This step allows the steam to penetrate deep into your pores, pushing out trapped dirt and oil.
- If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to skip steaming. It could dry your skin further and cause redness.
Pour water into a large pot and bring it to a boil. Find a large pot, like the one you use for cooking pasta or making a large batch of soup, and fill it about two-thirds with water. Place the pot on the stove, turn the heat to high, and wait until the water just begins to boil.
- Avoid filling the pot to the brim. The water might overflow when it boils, and it will be harder to move the pot without spilling water.
Tip: Add a few rose petals, lavender, rosemary, or eucalyptus leaves to the water for a fragrant and detoxifying effect. You can also use essential oils if you prefer.
Place the pot on a heat-resistant mat or a folded towel. Find a spot where you can sit, stand, or kneel comfortably while positioning the pot. Make sure to lay a folded towel beneath the pot to prevent any burning of the surface underneath.
- For example, you can sit at the dining table or place the pot on a shelf in the bathroom.
Drape a towel over your head. Take a large, thick towel and cover your head with it, but leave your face exposed. The towel will trap the steam, allowing more steam to contact your skin.
- A thick towel will retain steam better than a thin one, but you can use whatever is available.
Keep your face about 45-60 cm above the steam for 5-10 minutes. Lean your face towards the pot, so the towel covers the sides of the pot. Don't get too close to the water. Maintain a distance of at least 45 cm from the water surface to avoid burning your skin (50-60 cm is ideal). Steam for about 5 minutes, or 10 minutes if it still feels comfortable.
- If you feel discomfort at a distance of 50-60 cm, you can move a bit farther away.
- Contrary to popular belief, steam doesn't open pores. It relaxes the muscles beneath the skin and helps loosen trapped dirt from deep inside more easily.
Wash your face again with a gentle cleanser. The steaming process helps bring dirt and oil to the surface of your skin. Additionally, it makes you sweat, which helps push impurities out of your skin. To ensure that dirt and sweat don't re-enter your pores, wash your face with a gentle cleanser after steaming.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser for this step.
Moisturize your face to prevent dryness caused by the steam. The heat can leave your skin very dry, so moisturizing after steaming and washing your face is an essential step. You don’t need a special cream; any light facial moisturizer will do the trick.
- Unless you have very dry skin, you can repeat this treatment once a week.
Deep Cleansing for the Face
Wash your face to remove dirt from your pores. If you notice a lot of blackheads on your face (caused by oil and dirt trapped in the pores), start by washing your face. Gently cleanse your face with a regular cleanser and warm water to clear dirt from your pores.
- Follow up with a toner to restore your skin's pH balance.
- Avoid washing your face twice as this may strip away too much natural oil, making your skin overly dry.
Exfoliate your face once a week to remove dirt and dead skin. Exfoliation means gently scrubbing off dead skin cells, oil, and dirt that build up on your skin's surface. There are several ways to exfoliate, but if you have acne-prone skin, it's best to use chemical exfoliants. They are more effective than physical scrubs at removing dead skin and cleaning pores without irritating the skin.
- Be careful not to scrub too hard to avoid skin irritation.
- If you have sensitive skin, you should exfoliate no more than once a week or once every two weeks.
- Always moisturize your skin after exfoliating.
Did you know? You can create your own homemade face scrub using ingredients like green tea, honey, and sugar, or coconut oil, sugar, and lemon.
Apply a face mask to draw impurities out of your skin. Many masks tighten as they dry, pulling impurities from clogged pores. Visit a mall or cosmetic store to find a mask that works best for your skin type. Follow the instructions on the packaging for application. Afterward, you can peel it off, wash it away, or remove it if you're using a sheet mask.
- Clay masks are rich in nutrients, while activated charcoal masks are great for detoxifying your skin.
- If you'd like, you can also make your own face mask at home!
Try a chemical peel to remove the top layer of skin. These products use strong chemicals to dissolve oils, dirt, and cells from the surface layer, leaving you with clearer, fresher skin. If you've never used a chemical peel, it's best to consult with a dermatologist or aesthetician first. However, you can also purchase at-home chemical peel patches.
- If you choose to do a chemical peel at home, follow the instructions carefully. Otherwise, you might damage your skin, cause redness, or irritation.
- Whether you go for a professional chemical peel or do it at home, your skin may be sore and sensitive for 1-2 days afterward.
Visit a dermatologist for pore extraction if you have severely clogged pores. A dermatologist can use special tools to quickly and precisely remove dirt from your pores. If you suffer from blackheads or acne, your dermatologist may suggest a special skincare treatment.
- Dermatologists can also provide blackhead treatments, such as microneedling, where tiny needles are used to puncture the skin, or microdermabrasion, where a small device is used to exfoliate the top layer of your skin.
- To avoid the risk of irritation, pain, or even infection, you should not attempt these procedures at home.
Consult with a dermatologist about potential underlying causes of clogged pores. Pores can become clogged due to sweat, hormones, or medication. If you notice more acne or more clogged pores than usual, let your dermatologist know so they can find a solution. They might suggest acne medications, changes in your skincare routine, or a special product to help reduce pore blockages.
- For example, if excessive sweating is the cause of clogged pores, your dermatologist may recommend washing your face more frequently.
- If aging and sagging skin have stretched the pores, your dermatologist may suggest skin tightening treatments.
Try natural therapies for your skin
Use boiled parsley water to remove impurities from the skin. Place a handful of parsley leaves in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat once the water has boiled and wait for it to cool down a bit. When it's still warm but comfortable, dip a washcloth into the pot, wring out the excess, and place the cloth on your face for 10-15 minutes.
- Parsley has astringent properties, meaning it cleanses and tightens the skin. Parsley extract is even used in some cosmetics.
- You can also use thyme if you prefer.
- You may perform this treatment every two days.
Mix baking soda to cleanse the skin. In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons (10 g) of baking soda with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of water until it forms a paste. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse off. As the baking soda dries, it helps draw out impurities from the skin.
- Repeat this treatment once a week.
Use lemon juice as a gentle exfoliator. Cut a lemon in half, then rub the cut side onto areas with clogged pores or blackheads. Leave the lemon juice on your skin for about 5 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.
- The acidity of lemon juice helps break down dirt, grime, and dead skin cells. However, it can irritate the skin if left on for more than 5 minutes.
- If it feels uncomfortable before 5 minutes, rinse off immediately with cool water.
Use rose water as a toner (skin balancing liquid). Dab a small amount of rose water onto a cotton pad, then apply it to your skin. Rose water gently balances the skin without causing irritation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- You can buy rose water toner or make it yourself.
Advice
- Drink 6-8 cups of water daily to keep your skin hydrated; this will help minimize the appearance of pores.
Warning
- Avoid squeezing blackheads in an attempt to remove them. You could rupture an oil gland and worsen the condition. Additionally, if you tear the skin, it will be more prone to infection.
