How Do You Deep Clean Your Pores?
There has been some time throughout our lives that we have had an obsession when it comes to our pores. It’s amazing to think just how quickly they can become clogged and if we dare look using a magnifying glass, well that’s us missing for an hour or two.
Trouble is, our pores encounter a number of problems every day, even stepping foot outside your door will expose your pores to pollution and dirt, not to mention the battle against any sweat or makeup all of which result in blocked pores. So, the question is, how do you deep clean your pores?
How do I clear my deep pores?
There are a few steps to take to clear your deep pores, by following these steps you will find your skin has better clarity and clogged pores are a lot easier to keep on top of.
Remove makeup before bed
It is very important to keep the skin clean of any makeup products once you are heading to bed of an evening. Sleeping with your makeup on will not only increase the appearance of premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. But the leftover foundation and other products will clog the pores causing breakouts and blackheads. Using a makeup-removing cleanser and face wash will remove all makeup and clean the skin thoroughly without drying it out.
Exfoliate your skin
Exfoliating the skin will remove the layer of dead skin cells that sometimes have a tendency to build-up on the surface of the skin leading to clogged pores. Use an exfoliating scrub or chemical exfoliant 2-3 times a week to give the skin a deep clean and clear out the pores without stripping it of any natural oils.
Use a clay face mask
Clay masks are ideal for clearing out the pores, they can remove oil, dirt and dead skin that is found deep inside the pores. Using a clay mask once or twice a week will keep pores clear and reduce the size of their appearance. Just be careful not to overstimulate the skin and avoid exfoliating on the same days as using a clay face mask.
Stay hydrated
By keeping the skin hydrated with maintaining a good intake of water throughout the day, will not only help with your internal organs, but you are also improving the appearance of your complexion and removing toxins from your pores.
There you have some tips on how to keep your pores clear, by maintaining a good skincare routine you will find that clogged pores become less frequent and your skin texture and overall look will become smoother and less blemished over time.
What do clogged pores look like?
Pores are tiny holes, which also contain the hair follicle that covers the whole of the skin that allow oil, also known as sebum, to reach the skin’s surface. Pores are not noticeable to the naked eye, even if they are enlarged through being stretch. They only really become visible when they are clogged and this can appear in a variety of different ways.
Blackheads- These occur when oil and dead skin cells block the pore, the pore remains open and debris at the surface of the pore oxidises turning black.
Whiteheads- These result in the pore closing up over the top of the bacteria resulting in white pus-like substance blocking the pores.
Pimples- These are more regularly known as spots that are cysts below the surface of the skin that look inflamed and swollen with a white head.
Cysts- Cystic acne can become quite severe and feature in under the surface bumps all over the skin that cannot be extracted or squeezed.
If you are wanting to learn more about pores, in particularly blackheads you can find a blog post about how to get rid of blackheads over on our website.
What products unclog pores?
There are a number of products available that are great for unclogging pores, from professional extraction, tools and even baking goods in your kitchen cupboards:
Baking Soda
Yep, great for cakes and cleaning pores! Baking soda helps with congested skin by deep cleaning the pores and gently exfoliates the skin at the same time, leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion. Simply mix two teaspoons of baking soda with a teaspoon of water to make a paste-like consistency and apply it all over the skin. Leave to dry for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Your skin will be clean of any build-up of dead skin cells and bacteria in the pores, bear in mind that baking soda can be a little irritating to sensitive skins so if you are unsure perform a patch test before applying it all over the skin.
Professional extraction
This would be the best procedure to have instead of taking to squeezing your blackheads at home. With a professional extraction, you can clear the pores without causing any lasting damage, such as pigmentation, scarring and inflamed breakouts.
Exfoliate with AHA or BHA
Using a chemical exfoliant will clear the skin of any build-up of dirt, leftover product and dead skin cells that can remain on the surface of the skin and lead to the pores becoming blocked. Find out more about these acids and how they benefit the skin with our full guide of AHAs and BHAs over on our blog.
Use a pore strip
Pore strips have been around for a number of years now, though the approach to cleaning the skin has become a little more gentle many find the most effective way to deep clean the skin is to use a pore strip. If you have use pore strips and have not had any concerns in using them then by all means continue to use them, ensuring you have fully cleansed and prepared your skin and follow the instructions stated on the box.
Do clogged pores go away on their own?
While admittedly clogged pores do eventually go away on their own accord, it does take some time and you will also find that your skin will suffer from continuous and persistent clogged pores, be it blackheads, whiteheads, spots and other breakouts. To keep your skin clear it is best to give clogged pores a helping hand with a great skincare routine.
How do you get rid of clogged pores overnight?
Following these steps will allow you to get rid of clogged pores overnight:
Wash your face- Perform a double cleanse by removing your makeup completely and using a face cleanser to leave the skin clean but not stripped of any oil and water.
Exfoliate the skin- Using a physical scrub or chemical exfoliant will remove any contributing factors that can lead to clogged pores, such as dead skin cells and dirt.
Use a clay face mask- This will absorb any excess oils and pull out any impurities that block the pores.
Apply a retinoid- If you have retinol in your routine applying it to the skin focusing it mainly on the areas of concern will help unclog the pores.
Teaming these tricks together will really help combat any clogged pores and imperfections you are wanting to see the back of quickly! If, however, you are finding your pores to be particularly stubborn than a professional extract from a trained skin therapist will be the best option.
There you have a variety of ways of how to deep clean your pores, using any of these tips or methods mentioned in the blog will combat any pesky pores. You must also take into account your ethnicity, skin type and genetics when it comes to how your pores look and how easy they can be treated. Once you have taken the time to factor in this there will be no stopping you and your pores will be clean in no time.
