The cause of acne can be dirt, sebum, or other impurities that are trapped in the pores. The size and appearance of the pores are determined by genetics and there is little you can do to change them, but a deep cleansing may be enough to remove blackheads and make the complexion more radiant and even. You can use different methods and ingredients starting with the one most used by grandmothers, namely steam, but be careful because in the long run it can dry out the skin. The goal is to loosen the dirt that has accumulated inside the pores before removing it with the cleanser. As you continue reading, you will discover that masks and peels are also very effective for deeply cleansing the skin.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Free Clogged Pores with Steam
Step 1. Wash your face with your favorite cleanser
To get the most benefits from the steam treatment, start with clean skin. The steam will be able to penetrate deeper into the pores to dissolve the dirt and sebum accumulated inside.
This treatment is unsuitable for dry or rosacea-prone skin as the steam in turn can make it dehydrated and red
Step 2. Heat the water
Fill a large saucepan 2/3 full and put it on the stove. Heat the water over high heat until it starts to boil.
Do not fill the pot to the edge to prevent the water from overflowing when it starts to boil and to be able to move it without risking burns
Suggestion:
Add rose petals, lavender or eucalyptus leaves or rosemary needles to the water to benefit from their scent and detoxifying properties. You can also use essential oils extracted from these plants if you prefer.
Step 3. Place the pot on a folded towel or trivet
Transfer it to the table and then sit in a comfortable position. Remember to protect the surface with a trivet or folded towel.
If you prefer, you can place the pot next to the bathroom sink or on the kitchen counter
Step 4. Cover your head and shoulders with a towel
Use a large, thick one to trap the steam around your face and increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Make sure it's not touching your forehead.
A thick towel will trap steam better than a thin one, but you can use whatever you have on hand
Step 5. Stay with your face as close to the water as possible for 5-10 minutes
Bring your face close to the pot so that the towel falls on both sides. Stay at least 45cm away from boiling water so as not to damage the skin (the ideal distance is 50-60cm). Let the steam work for 5 minutes; you can extend the treatment up to 10 minutes if you can handle the heat well.
- If you are having trouble staying 50 to 60 cm away from the water due to the intense heat, move away a little.
- Contrary to what many believe, steam does not cause pores to open. In fact, it relaxes the subcutaneous muscles so it is easier to remove the impurities trapped in the pores in the next cleansing phase.
Step 6. Wash your face again with a mild cleanser
Thanks to the steam, the impurities and sebum will have moved to the surface of the skin. The sweat from the intense heat will also have pushed the dirt out of the pores. To prevent it from going back into them, you need to wash your face again using a mild-acting cleanser.
Use a light, unscented cleanser
Step 7. Moisturize the skin to counteract the dehydrating action of the steam
Since the skin tends to dry out due to the intense heat, it is important to apply a moisturizer at the end of the treatment, immediately after washing your face. You don't need a particular product, you can use a normal light moisturizer.
Except in cases where the skin is naturally very dry, steam cleaning can be repeated once a week
Method 2 of 3: Clean Face Skin Thoroughly
Step 1. Wash your face to remove dirt from pores
If the skin is littered with blackheads due to impurities and sebum trapped in the pores, the solution is to clean it thoroughly. As a first step, wash your face with warm water and your usual cleanser to remove any dirt that has accumulated inside the pores.
- When the skin is clean, apply a toner to rebalance the pH.
- Do not use the cleanser twice in a row in an effort to cleanse the skin better. You would also risk removing the natural oils that keep it hydrated and supple.
Step 2. Exfoliate your facial skin 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and impurities
Exfoliating means gently scrubbing the skin to loosen dirt, dead skin cells and sebum that builds up on the surface of the face. There are several products suitable for scrubs, but in general, chemical peels are the most effective for ridding the skin of acne. They are more powerful than physical exfoliants, which generally work with solid microgranules to rub into the skin, and remove both dead skin cells and impurities from inside the pores without irritating the face.
- If you prefer to use a physical exfoliant, be careful not to rub your skin too hard to not irritate it.
- If you have sensitive skin, don't exfoliate too often, once every 7-14 days may be enough.
- Moisturize the skin after exfoliating it.
Did you know that?
You can make a homemade face scrub using simple, commonly used ingredients such as tea, honey or sugar or coconut oil, sugar, and lemon juice.
Step 3. Make a face mask to extract impurities from the pores
As it dries on your face it will trap dirt and sebum that has built up inside your pores and clogs them. Ask for advice at the perfumery and buy a mask suitable for your skin type. Once at home, apply it on your face and leave it on for the time indicated on the package. After it dries, you will need to wash it off with water or peel it off the skin as if it were an adhesive, depending on the type of mask. There are also fabric masks that are simply placed on the face.
- Clay masks effectively nourish the skin while activated charcoal masks are great for purifying pores. Choose the product that best suits your needs.
- If you prefer, you can make a homemade mask based on natural ingredients.
Step 4. Do a chemical peel to remove the top layer of the skin
It contains very powerful chemical agents that dissolve the sebum, dirt and epithelial cells that accumulate on the skin, freeing clogged pores and making the complexion fresher and brighter. If you have never had a chemical peel before, it is best to rely on the expert hands of a dermatologist or beautician. Alternatively, you can use the peeling pads with glycolic acid that you find on sale in perfumeries and supermarkets.
- Follow the instructions on the package carefully if you prefer to do the peeling at home. Inappropriate use could cause skin damage.
- Keep in mind that in the days following the peeling the skin will be particularly delicate and sensitive.
Step 5. Go to the dermatologist if the pores are still clogged
He will use a special tool to quickly and accurately extract impurities from still clogged pores. If blackheads and pimples are a recurring problem, you can get advice on the most effective cleansers and products for you.
- Among the aesthetic treatments offered by dermatology to eliminate blackheads are microneedling, performed with micro-needles, and microdermabrasion performed with a delicately abrasive instrument to exfoliate and smooth the skin.
- Do not try to extract blackheads at home to avoid irritating or infecting the skin and causing pain.
Step 6. Discuss the problem of blocked pores with your dermatologist
Possible causes include profuse sweating, medications, and hormones. If acne or clogged pores are a serious problem, your dermatologist can help you fix it. He may suggest you use a particular treatment, change cleanser, or improve some daily habits to have healthier, cleaner skin.
- For example, if your clogged pores are caused by heavy sweating, they may suggest you wash your face more often.
- If, on the other hand, blackheads are the result of skin aging and becoming less taut and elastic, your dermatologist may recommend a treatment to firm it.
Method 3 of 3: Natural Remedies to Cleanse Pores
Step 1. Use parsley to extract impurities from the skin
Put a handful in a pot full of water and turn on the stove. Wait until the water is boiling briskly, turn off the heat and let it cool. When it's pleasantly warm to the touch, wet a small clean cloth, wring it out, and hold it on your face for 10-15 minutes.
- Parsley has astringent properties, therefore it purifies and firms the skin. Its extract is used in some cosmetic products.
- You can substitute parsley for thyme if you prefer.
- You can repeat this treatment every other day.
Step 2. Clean the skin with baking soda
Pour 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water into a bowl, then mix to form a paste. Massage the mixture on your face and then let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing off. As it dries on the skin, the baking soda draws impurities out of the pores.
You can repeat the treatment once a week
Step 3. Rub a lemon on your face to gently exfoliate the skin
Cut the fruit in half and rub the pulp into the skin where the blackheads or clogged pores are. Let the juice sit for 5 minutes before rinsing your face with cold water.
- The acidity of the lemon dissolves dirt, sebum and other impurities, but be careful not to leave it on for more than 5 minutes to avoid irritating the skin.
- If you feel burning or discomfort before the 5 minutes are up, rinse your face immediately with cold water.
Step 4. Use rose water as a tonic
Pour a generous amount onto a cotton pad and then rub it all over your face. Rose water gently tones the skin without irritating it, has anti-inflammatory properties and is also useful for reducing the visibility of fine lines.
