We all know that clogged pores are inevitable. But, if we do some changes to our skin care routine, the clogged pores will be reduced significantly. Clogged pores are the start to many skin problems especially enlarged pores. When your pores are clogged with oil residues, dead skin cells and dirt, your pores will be stretched hence many visible large pores on the face. On the other hand, if each pore on your skin is clean and empty, the appearance of pores won’t be visible and your skin will look so much more refined! So, it is very important to maintain the following steps daily to ensure you maintain a nice complexion before you need to know how to tighten pores.
Step 1 – Remove Your Makeup / Sunscreen
Practice this step even if you only have sunscreen on your face. Skincare products with SPF like BB creams, tinted moisturizers and sunscreens are usually water and sweat resistant. So, it could be difficult to thoroughly wash off with just a normal face wash.
Try using gentle oil based makeup removers. Cleansing oils are not just great for removing waterproof makeups; they are also very effective in lifting up oil residues and impurities from your pores. Try not to use cotton pad for oil cleansers. Instead, use your fingers to gently massage the face thoroughly with the oil makeup remover, and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Step 2 – Wash Your Face
Pores look enlarged and more noticeable if they are clogged with dirt and oil. The grit and grime will stretch the pores out making them look large. So, washing your face is the most essential step in your daily regime. Use a gentle cleanser if you have sensitive skin, a foam cleanser if you have oily skin and oil / non-foaming cleansers if you have dry skin. For acne prone skin, you may want to use a cleanser that contains anti-bacterial ingredients in it.
Step 3 – Steam Your Face To Open Up The Pores
Use a face steamer if you have it at home. If not, follow the steps below: –
Fill up a pot with water and boil it on a stove. Once steam starts to appear, remove the pot from the heat.
You can add few drops of essential oil to the hot water for relaxation purpose or tea tree oil if you are suffering from acne.
Place a towel over your head and lean over the steaming water. Tent the towel over your shoulders and the pot so that the steam is directed to your face. Leave it to steam for about 5-10 minutes.
Step 4 – Exfoliate Your Skin
While the pores are open now, it is a good time to get into the pores and get rid of stubborn impurities, dead skin cells and oil residues that face cleanser alone could not get rid of. There are a daily method and a weekly exfoliating method that I recommend you to use.
Method 1 – Facial brushing
Facial brushing effectively opens up the pores on your skin. This is something that can be done on a daily basis. This method is very effective in removing dead skin cells, boosting blood circulation, enhancing lymphatic drainage and most importantly is getting rid of toxins. You may use it together with a face cleanser or just do a dry skin brushing. Remember to choose a face brush with soft but firm bristles.
Note: For a start, it is recommended to try face brushing 3 times a week. Only after your skin is used to this method, then you may do this once daily.
Method 2 – Use facial scrubs
Facial scrubs contain micro particles / beads in gel and cream form that help to sloughs off dead skin cells and remove pore’s impurities. This will help enhance the penetration of all the skin care that you apply to your skin. Facial scrubs are easily available in any beauty and drug stores. However, I prefer homemade ones as they are made from 100% natural ingredients and I will know what I put on my skin. Of course the best reason is homemade ones cost just a tiny fraction of the retail price and the 通渠佬 ingredients are readily available in our kitchen! My favorite recipe would be the following: –
Baking Soda Face Scrub
Ingredients – 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water
Directions – Add water to the baking soda and mix well until smooth paste is formed. Apply the paste onto your face and gently massage the face. Avoid eye area. Rinse off with water.
Result – Smooth and bright skin instantly!
Step 5 – Do Deep Cleansing Facial Mask
There are many types of facial mask out there that cater to different needs. However, in order to effectively cleanse our pores, we need to do frequent deep cleansing mask. This type of mask is readily available in health and beauty stores but you can also make on your own. I highly recommend clay masks and peel off masks as they work by pulling out impurities that clogged pores.
Do try my Homemade Deep Cleansing Black Mask which uses clay and activated charcoal as the main ingredient. The recipe is very effective in keeping the skin clear because the activated charcoal used will help to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin. Green clay is also another good ingredient that not just absorbs toxins, it will also help drawing out blackheads and cleanse your pores.