About Pore Cleansing Facial Products
Pores are one of the skin's most useful tools. Pores bring moisture to the skin by distributing sebum (oil) from the sebaceous glands beneath the skin. Cooling the skin by releasing sweat is another function of the pores. Pores in the skin also aid in moving toxins out of the body by bringing them to the surface of the skin (see Reference 1). Useful though they may be, pores require cleansing products to keep them healthy and free of clogging debris, which may cause inflammation and blemishes. Does this Spark an idea?
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How Pore Cleansers Work
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Pore cleansing products stimulate opening of the pores, then penetrate to draw out impurities for removal. Once removed, the impurities and debris are rinsed from the skin and eliminated. Some pore cleansing products contain gentle exfoliants and acidic ingredients, which directly dissolve impurities making them easily removed (see Reference 2).
Who Should Use Pore Cleansers
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Pore cleansers should be used by anyone looking to improve skin's texture and appearance. Those suffering from acne may find that pore cleansing products aid in preventing future breakouts and scarring. Similar products may be used for those with clear skin to prevent acne from occurring (see Reference 1).
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Benefits
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Clear complexions are often the result of clear pores. Skin looks clear, healthy and younger due to the reduced appearance of pores on the surface (see Reference 3). Pore cleansing products may reduce frequency of acne outbreaks, or prevent them from occurring in the first place. Some pore cleansers contain added moisturizers, which improve skin's elasticity and texture.
Considerations
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Some conventional pore cleanser products may include harsh ingredients such as salicylic acid, which can irritate the skin. However, natural pore cleansing products may not work as quickly as their conventional counterparts. Pore size is a genetic condition, so pore cleansers can only make pores appear smaller--they will not actually shrink pores (see Reference 1).
Types
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Foaming and non-foaming pore cleansing facial washes are available in most grocery, department and natural foods stores. Pore cleansing toners can be applied to the skin after washing to help further remove debris as well as closing the pores to help prevent external debris form entering. Moisturizers and serums containing enzymes and acids (think salicylic acid, glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid) treat pores over a prolonged period of time to remove impurities. Facial masks made of kaolin or French green clay make pore cleansing simple because they only need to be used two to three times per week (see Reference 1).
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