A whole range of factors contribute to the blocking of your pores: naturally secreted oil, sweat, dust, makeup and even residue from beauty products designed to clear your skin. In order to prevent spots from developing, and to keep your complexion luminous, clear and even, it’s a good idea to work a deep cleansing treatment into your cosmetics routine. To help you get your skin into good shape, I’ve done some reading on the topic and put together a list of 8 ways to unblock your pores.
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1. Cleanse
While it is a good idea to treat for blocked pores every once in a while using a specially designed deep cleanser or mask, it is also very important that you work out a good skin maintenance programme. This is one of the best ways to unblock your pores. This should involve a twice daily wash using products designed to remove the build up of the natural oils, dust and makeup that accumulate throughout the day.
2. Tone
While a lot of us skip this step in the cleansing routine, it is a good idea to get yourself a good toner if you do tend to have a problem with enlarged or blocked pores. Apply thoroughly after washing your face. It will help to shut down your freshly cleaned pores, and active ingredients will work to eliminate any blockage that make remain deep in the dermis.
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3. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is another great way to unblock your pores. Using a gentle exfoliating product, and working in light circular motions to stimulate circulation, gently polish away dead and dry skin cells that would otherwise sit on the surface of the skin and keep it from ‘breathing’ properly. If you haven’t got a store-bought product, make your own from a combination of oatmeal and natural yoghurt.
4. Steam
An at-home facial sauna will help to open up your pores so you can really treat blockages that might have occurred deep down. Simply boil the kettle, fill a big basin with the hot water and hold your face over its surface for about three or four minutes. Drape a towel over your head for maximum effect. You might also want to consider adding a gentle anti-bacterial to the water; a few drops of natural tea tree oil should do the trick.
5. Pick Your Products with Care
Often, skincare products leave a residue on the surface of the dermis. This will contribute significantly to the blocking of your pores. Dermatologists recommend using light lotions rather than thicker, cream-based topical treatments, and also encourage those experiencing problems with blocked pores to opt for oil-free moisturisers.
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6. Mask It
Treat your blocked pores with a specially designed mask or poultice to affected areas about once a week. You can buy this kind of product from your local cosmetics shop or pharmacy, or you could make your own from a purée of avocado, mint and natural yoghurt. Try it; it works wonders, and it's a great way to unblock your pores.
7. Stay Hydrated
As with so many skin ailments, drinking plenty of water can really help you with your blocked pores. Try to get at least 8 glasses a day. Obviously, you won’t see results immediately, but in the long term staying well hydrated will yield positive results.
8. Get Serious
If your blocked pores persist over time, and don’t respond to conventional treatments, it might be a good idea to visit your dermatologist and ask him or her to sort out the problem. There could be underlying causes. You don't want to fool around with the health of your skin.
Blocked pores are a part of life but one which can, in most cases, be dealt with without fuss. To keep your complexion smooth, even and clear, you’ll need to implement a combination of good, regular skin maintenance and effective once-in-a-while targeted treatments. That concludes my list of 8 ways to unblock your pores: do you have any expert tips of your own to add?
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