How to Open Clogged Pores

Clogged pores are the result of bacteria and debris that are lodged within the skin's pores. They often appear as tiny black or dark dots on the surface of the skin. If you can effectively unclog your pores, your skin will appear clearer and smoother. Thankfully, there are various treatments you can employ to open clogged pores and promote clearer skin.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Antibacterial cleanser Facial scrub Bowl Water Towel Mask Baking soda Hydroxy acids

1. Wash your skin twice daily using an antibacterial cleanser. If you don't remove the day's sweat, makeup, excess oil and debris, they can become lodged in your pores. Make twice-daily cleansing part of your regular skin care regime to promote clear skin and pores.

2. Exfoliate. Use a facial scrub to exfoliate your skin two to three times weekly. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which may be clogging your pores. Regular exfoliation promotes clear pores.

3. Steam your skin. Pour boiling water into a bowl. Cover your head with a towel and hold your face over the bowl. Let the steam penetrate your pores for approximately 10 minutes. The steam will draw impurities out from deep within your pores, resulting in clearer skin.

4. Try a deep-cleaning mask. Masks that contain citric acids or mud absorb excess oil, which may be clogging your pores. Use a deep-cleaning mask once or twice weekly to promote cleaner pores.

5. Create a paste by mixing equal parts water and baking soda. Apply the paste to your skin and let it work for approximately 20 minutes before rinsing it off. The baking soda will soak up pore-clogging bacteria and oil, helping to open clogged pores.

6. Use hydroxy acids. These acids, available in alpha and beta forms, encourage skin cell regeneration. Since new skin cells are then produced more rapidly, the older cells are more quickly sloughed off. This regenerative process helps to unclog pores and encourages clear, healthy skin. You can find hydroxy acids in a range of skin care products, such as cleansers, toners, serums and lotions.

7. Get regular facials. During a facial, a skin care professional performs a variety of cleansing techniques to deeply clean your pores. The skin care professional may also perform extraction to pull blackheads out of your pores. Getting a facial every four to eight weeks can help to open clogged pores.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink plenty of water---six to eight 8 oz. glasses---daily to promote clear, healthy skin.
• Do not squeeze your skin in an attempt to clear clogged pores. You will likely damage your skin and could cause scarring.

References

• Beauty Advice
• Clear Skin
• Skin Health Cares

[missbeth]

on 7/1/2009 Lots of excellent information about opening clogged pores! My favorite method is steaming my face, and this method also saves me money by not buying more products. 5*s and REC!