How to effectively clean pores on your face at home

The ducts of the sebaceous glands are necessary to remove waste products from the skin tissues and the entire body. Sebaceous secretion in moderate quantities is good for the skin, performs a softening and protective function, but if excessively produced, it causes harm: pores become clogged, comedones and inflammatory formations appear.

There are many methods to quickly get rid of clogged pores; treatment is carried out not only in a beauty salon, but also at home.

Why pores become clogged: main reasons

There are three main factors why the pores on the face become clogged and inflamed.

Hormonal changes

The activity of the sebaceous glands is determined by the hormonal state. With the active production of male hormones, sebum synthesis increases. And when female hormones predominate in the body, it is synthesized moderately.

Expert opinion

Elena Apostolyuk

Cosmetologist

Clogged pores and excessive inflammation during adolescence are a consequence of hormonal fluctuations. Also, the problem of clogged pores on the face is observed during pregnancy and before the onset of menopause.

Poor nutrition

The activity of sebum production increases with the regular inclusion of foods based on fast carbohydrates in the diet. Such food stimulates an increase in insulin in the blood, and the hormone, in turn, affects the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Poor skin care

The main reason that white sebaceous accumulations constantly appear is improper care measures. Proper pore cleansing includes:

• evening make-up remover, followed by rinsing off the cleanser with water;
• washing twice a day using foam or gel;
• exfoliating treatments once or twice a week.

To successfully combat clogged pores on the face, it is important not only to cleanse the skin well, but also to use high-quality decorative cosmetics. Before treating the skin, we get rid of products based on lanolin, natural oils, fats, hydrocarbons, silicones - ingredients that clog the ducts and provoke the appearance of comedones.

Where to begin

In fact, you need to start working with your face by diagnosing the current condition of the skin and finding out the reasons for the problems it has. It is better to contact a specialist with such questions, since this is a key moment. All masks and even hardware procedures are selected specifically according to skin type. And if it is defined incorrectly, they will be ineffective.

Self-diagnosis

Diagnosing your skin type yourself is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. To do this, it is enough to have a clean paper napkin and a mirror on hand. You only need to follow a few simple steps:

• thoroughly cleanse the skin of makeup;
• wash your face with gel or foam;
• gently blot the moisture with a towel;
• wait another 2-3 minutes until the skin is completely dry;
• look at it carefully in the mirror (preferably with magnification);
• Cover your face with a thin paper napkin, press it with your palms and wait a couple of minutes.

Now you can analyze everything you see and determine your skin type. If it is thin, smooth enough with almost imperceptible pores, and the napkin remains clean, your skin is dry. Enlarged pores and blurry greasy spots on paper indicate an oily type.

But more common is the combination, in which the pores are enlarged in the so-called T-zone and the activity of the sebaceous glands is also increased there. The problem area has a lot of acne, blackheads, subcutaneous pimples and rashes.

Identifying problems

Now you need to understand why acne and blackheads appeared on your face and try to eliminate the negative influence of external and internal factors.

The most common reasons that provoke hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands and, accordingly, the appearance of problems are:

• improper skin care;
• unbalanced diet;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• abuse of decorative cosmetics;
• bad habits (especially smoking);
• endocrine disorders;
• working in a dusty room.

If their impact is not minimized, then all further manipulations may be pointless. At best, you can enjoy the results within a few days.

In addition, some chronic diseases are a contraindication to any facial cleansing, including home methods.

Why do you need to cleanse your pores?

When the sebaceous glands produce secretions in excess, over time the ducts become clogged with fatty mass mixed with dust and mud particles and dead skin cells. The pores become enlarged and inflamed, causing blackheads and pimples to form on the skin.

Cleaning pores at home allows you to:

• normalize metabolism in epidermal tissues, provide cells with sufficient amounts
• oxygen and nutrients;
• release clogged pores;
• get rid of blackheads and tighten pores;
• avoid fungal and bacterial skin infections;
• improve the synthesis of collagen and elastin;
• strengthen local immunity;
• improve blood circulation in skin tissues;
• improve complexion.

To cleanse the pores, you can undergo a course of procedures with a cosmetologist, or you can steam the skin at home, apply a mask that cleanses and narrows the ducts.

Clogged pores - types

Acne usually appears in the T zone and is characterized by a white or black color. They make the skin of the face unsightly, and, despite care, the face seems unkempt. To effectively deal with acne, it is good to know their types:

Open blackheads – These are dark in color and are the result of stasis of sebum as well as bacteria, which most often cause acne. This is a type of blackhead that produces a sebaceous mass that turns dark or black in color as a result of oxidation. Open pimples also tend to turn into purulent as well as papulopustular eruptions.

Closed acne – These are white in color and usually result from the closing of the glandular opening by cells in the stratum corneum. It's important to note that this is a type of blackhead that you don't see at first glance and can only be seen when you stretch your face. They appear as small and white dots.

Steaming the skin

To understand how to cleanse your face by steaming, you need to imagine the structure of the ducts. Each pore is triangular in shape with its apex pointing downwards. The base of the triangle is the surface of the skin, the apex is the middle epidermal layer.

Steaming helps soften facial skin and remove fat deposits more easily. Without the procedure, it is impossible to deeply cleanse the epidermis: it will be possible to remove the upper part of the sebaceous plugs on the face, and a white fatty mass will remain in the lower part of the duct.

There are several ways to steam your skin and cleanse clogged pores on your face.

Bath

While sitting in the steam room, you should thoroughly wipe your face with a washcloth or clean, rough cloth. This procedure not only effectively cleanses the skin, dilates clogged ducts, but also stimulates blood circulation.

Inhalations

You can use just hot water for cleaning and steaming, or you can take a product that enhances the cleansing and toning effect:

• propolis;
• mint;
• any essential oil.

To expand pores at home, pour hot water into a deep container and add the selected product. They bend over the dishes so that the steam comes into their faces, and cover their heads with a large towel. They sit in this position for about 10 minutes.

Pharmacy drugs

To warm up the skin, you can use pharmaceutical white clay or zinc. The medications should be applied to the face following the instructions on the package.

Cosmetic preparations

Products that can be used to cleanse facial pores and warm up the skin at home are sold not only in pharmacies, but also in cosmetics stores. The most effective drugs include:

1. Avon Warming mask “Volcanoes of Iceland”;
2. Nivea Pure Effect thermo-gel;
3. Garnier Clear Skin.
4. Hot compresses

Applying a compress is the most effective way to remove the top dirty layers of skin, improve blood circulation, and open clogged pores for subsequent cleansing effects.

Make a compress as follows:

1. Take clean cotton or other natural fabric and immerse it in water heated to a temperature of 40–45°C.
2. Wring out the fabric thoroughly and apply it to a previously washed face.
3. The compress is kept on the face for 15 minutes. The procedure is repeated one more time.
4. After steaming, you can start applying a mask to get rid of sebaceous plugs on your face.

Contraindications

Since even with the most gentle cleansing of pores, each skin can react differently, there are some situations and diseases in which this should not be done.

Pore ​​cleansing: contraindications:

• viral diseases in the acute stage;
• increased body temperature;
• infectious diseases;
• diabetes;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• excessive sensitivity;
• allergic reaction;
• skin diseases, dermatitis;
• severe hypertension;
• epilepsy;
• bronchial asthma;
• demodicosis;
• rosacea;
• scar tissue, etc.

Before cleansing pores in the salon or at home, it is important to make sure that there are no contraindications for this.

Dry cleaning is prohibited for women who have problems with the heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas, or stomach ulcers.

Pore-cleansing mask

Cosmetologists advise regularly using masks to clean pores at home. You should try different recipes to decide how to get rid of sebaceous plugs best.

Milk-yeast

The mask is good because it copes with deep sebaceous plugs on the face. To cleanse pores use:

• 15 ml slightly warmed milk;
• 15 g yeast;
• 10 ml hydrogen peroxide.

How to make the product: dissolve yeast in milk, add peroxide. Apply to facial skin for 15 minutes. The mask has a liquid consistency, so it is better to apply it with a brush or cotton wool. To rinse off, use water or herbal infusion. After the procedure, be sure to apply a nourishing cream, since yeast dries out the skin and causes it to peel.

Corn-cucumber

The mask helps with excessive sebaceous congestion on the face; with regular use, it improves blood circulation and normalizes the functioning of the glands.

To cleanse the pores, take:

• medium-sized cucumber;
• corn flour.

Finely grate the cucumber and squeeze out the juice. Corn flour is added to the juice in such an amount that a creamy mass is obtained. The product is applied to the face with massaging movements and kept for 20 minutes. Use warm water to rinse off.

Milk gelatin

A great option for quickly removing sebaceous plugs, suitable for any skin type. To clean the pores on the face take:

• 25 g gelatin;
• 20 ml milk;
• one egg.

How to cleanse facial pores at home: combine milk and gelatin, place in the microwave, set to maximum power. Heat for 10 seconds until the gelatin dissolves. The product is cooled to a slightly warm state, the egg white is added. The mask is applied to the face with a brush, avoiding the area around the eyelids and lips. After 15 minutes, a film forms on the face, which is carefully removed.

Lemon-protein

To cleanse pores, prepare the following ingredients:

• one egg;
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice;
• 3 drops of tea tree oil.

To cleanse your face, beat the egg white until foamy, add lemon juice and essential oil. The mixture is applied to a previously cleansed face and kept for 15 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Coal

It is considered the best way to clean pores on the face and remove comedones at home. For preparation take:

• 2 tablets of activated carbon;
• milk heated to 40–50°C;
• 1 teaspoon gelatin.

To cleanse the skin and get rid of clogged pores, the tablets are crushed in a mortar and gelatin and charcoal powder are added to hot milk. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the lumps disappear. If the mixture thickens quickly, you can heat it in the microwave.

The mask is applied to the face using a brush with light rubbing movements and held until a film forms. Remove it carefully.

Prevention

Preventing the appearance of enlarged pores is easier than dealing with this problem. Here are tips to help with prevention:

• Healthy lifestyle. Our lifestyle affects the health of our skin. If you want to improve the situation, give up bad habits, try to exercise regularly and take walks.
• Balanced diet. If you are faced with the problem of enlarged pores, you should pay attention to your diet. The problem is exacerbated by fried foods and fast food. They promote increased sebum production, which causes pores to expand. Add more vegetables and vegetable oils to the menu. Be sure to eat fish, it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have a beneficial effect on the skin. Carry out fasting days about once a week. But be sure to consult a nutritionist.

• Activity. The more often you go outside, the more oxygenated your skin will be. Lack of oxygen provokes the appearance of a gray tint of the skin and the appearance of imperfections. You can just walk, or you can use Nordic walking poles or ride a bike. This way you will not only breathe fresh air, but also tighten your figure and lose extra pounds.
• Compliance with drinking regime. The body requires a certain amount of water every day. Its deficiency leads to dry skin, increased sebum production, and the appearance of enlarged pores. Too much fluid can cause swelling.
• Control of hormonal levels. If you have not had this problem before, but you have not changed your diet and lifestyle and are faced with the appearance of enlarged pores, consult an endocrinologist. He will prescribe you an examination and prescribe special medications that normalize your metabolism.

• Sun protection. Use sunscreen. The sun causes dry skin and enlarged pores. Try not to sunbathe during the day. In summer and winter, use creams with UV factor.
• Choosing the right cosmetics. It should match your skin type. Try to avoid comedogenic cosmetics.
• Maintaining a sleep schedule. If you don't get enough sleep, it can cause your skin to deteriorate.
• Avoiding stress. The stress hormone cortisol not only worsens the appearance of the skin, but also negatively affects health.

If you need to quickly eliminate a defect, use a foundation with a weightless texture or concealer. But doing this is often not recommended. It is better to pay attention to the skin and treat it to get rid of the problem, rather than mask imperfections.

Effective pore cleaning at home

To effectively clean the pores on your face at home, you need to follow a strict algorithm.

Cleansing

After steaming the contaminated ducts, peeling masks and scrubs are used. You can buy them or prepare them yourself. Scrubbing is carried out 2 times a week if the skin is oily, and once a week if the skin is dry or normal. After the procedure, you need to wash your face with lukewarm water, do not dry yourself, but only blot the surface of your face with a towel.

When choosing store-bought scrubs, you need to focus on your skin type. For dry skin, buy soft, non-irritating formulations that do not contain drying components. For oily and problematic skin, products with harsh abrasives are optimal.

Narrowing pores

At this stage, tonics and other cleansing compounds specifically designed to narrow the ducts are used. Folk remedies that give a similar effect include lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and aloe juice.

Hydration

The last stage of cleaning. Use moisturizer. But not nourishing, since the rich cream contains oils that clog the ducts, which will make your face look worse than before.

Clinical manifestations

Enlarged pores on the face appear as visible round or irregular crater-shaped depressions on the skin ( Fig. 1 ). Their number on the cheeks varies on average from 10 to 90 pcs/cm2. In the literature, the facial topography with enlarged pores is sometimes compared to the surface of a golf ball ( Fig. 2 ).

There are very few studies on this topic, but there is data on the density of enlarged pores among various ethnic groups, obtained from a survey of more than 2,500 women aged 18–80 years from various countries around the world ( Table 1 ).

Table 1. Average number of enlarged pores per square centimeter of skin depending on the ethnicity and age of women (Flament F., Francois G., Qiu H., et al. Facial skin pores: a multiethnic study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2015; 8: 85–93)

As you can see, the skin of women living in China has the fewest enlarged pores, while women living in Brazil have the most enlarged pores. Women in European countries occupy an intermediate position. You can also notice a tendency for the number of enlarged pores to decrease with age.

Rice . 1. Enlarged pores on the face (American Academy of Dermatology, AAD)

Rice. 2. Skin with enlarged pores resembles the surface of a golf ball.

Mechanical facial cleansing

During mechanical facial cleansing, the cosmetologist removes all excess from the skin manually using special tools - strainers, needles, spoons.

First, you need to steam your face thoroughly to open the pores as much as possible. For this purpose, decoctions of medicinal herbs or special products are used.

On the day of mechanical cleansing, do not plan important things, as after the procedure, spots and redness may remain on your face. Do not wash your face for 12 hours after salon mechanical cleaning.

Then, using a special strainer, excess fat and dead cells are removed. After this, for a lasting result, for the procedure to be most effective, it is necessary to re-expand the pores again.

The skin is treated and disinfected again. It is performed using special masks, infrared rays, etc.

The facial cleansing ends with soothing procedures:

• cryomassage (exposure to cold),
• darsonval (exposure to the skin with high-frequency current),
• masks.

Do folk recipes for narrowing pores work?

Enlarged pores are an imperfection of oily problem skin type, which can be corrected with a well-chosen beauty routine based on mattifying, exfoliating, moisturizing ingredients. Folk remedies can aggravate the condition of the epidermis and provoke dryness, irritation and new inflammation.

Modern active care cosmetics combine safe, targeted components that produce visible results. With regular use, they make the skin more matte and prevent the appearance of imperfections.

Why should you contact specialists?

It is very important that any procedure is performed by a professional. He knows all the nuances of the procedure and its implementation. Additionally, it is important to consult with a professional before performing any work.

After all, it is important to know whether this procedure is suitable for your skin, whether it will be effective, whether it will give the desired results, whether it has contraindications or side effects. All these points are discussed during the appointment. A cosmetologist will always explain the situation and tell you which procedure is best to correct the defect.

Top 5 purchased facial cleansers

Deep cleansing of facial pores at home is possible; all you need to do is purchase good cosmetics.

Cosmetic milk

It is good to use in winter, when the epidermis especially needs moisture. Gently cleanses pores, covers them with a film, which causes them to clog the pores a little. Suitable for dry and normal skin.

The milk is suitable for sensitive skin. It dissolves lipids and draws out impurities. Promotes cell regeneration during sleep.

It is necessary to apply to the skin until completely absorbed, remove excess with a napkin. After milk, it is good to use tonic or lotion.

Cleansing gels

They dry well, refresh the face, and are not suitable for dry skin types. Gels disinfect and nourish tired skin.

The gel is perfect for problem skin because it does not disrupt the hydrolipid barrier. The substances included in its composition can shrink pores and dry them out a little. Most often these are detergent surfactants.

Thanks to alcohol and parabens, gels prevent inflammation and reduce existing problems.

Tonics

The products are designed to reduce the skin's vulnerability to external influences, remove impurities, and soften the epidermis. Can be used for any skin type.

Tonics are used morning and evening. They tighten pores, moisturize the skin, and give it a radiant appearance.

Must be applied to cleansed skin before applying the main cream. There are many types depending on skin type. Alcohol products are excellent at fighting fat, and milk tonics effectively moisturize the skin.

Micellar water

Rarely causes irritation and is suitable for sensitive skin. Can be used instead of milk, gel and tonic.

This is a cleanser that can dissolve not only makeup, but also skin impurities. It does not need to be washed off with water.

The most active component of a skin care product is micelles. They are obtained by special concentration of surfactants in water. Micelles soothe irritations and remove any size particles of fat.

Micellar water is good to use daily, but it cannot remove deep stains.

Mousse or foam

Suitable for any skin type. Gently cleanse the skin and soothe it.

The product does not contain oils or silicones and is suitable for daily use. Envelops the skin and prevents moisture loss.

Top 5 salon methods

Modern salons offer many ways to clean pores, depending on the level of pollution and individual characteristics.

Manual cleaning

A specialist removes dirt manually or using special devices. The face is cleansed with lotion, the pores are opened, after which the specialist works separately with each problematic pore. In the end, the skin will definitely be soothed.

Manual cleaning takes a long time and is painful but effective. It can be done regularly, especially for oily skin.

During the cleaning process, almost all comedones and fat plugs are effectively removed. However, you must contact a trusted clinic, since if hygiene requirements are not followed, the cosmetologist can cause an infection.

Dry cleaning

Chemical peeling is carried out with special preparations such as retinol, acids and enzymes. They are selected individually depending on the general condition of the skin.

Chemical peels must be performed by a professional because there is a risk of burns. If a woman does not have strong sebaceous plugs, the effect after the procedure will be visible immediately. Acne and unevenness will disappear, your face will acquire a pleasant color.

It is important that after the procedure you must follow the rules. For example, use sunscreen.

Ultrasound

Today, the effect of high-frequency ultrasonic waves on epidermal cells is popular. They are able to pull out fat plugs, makeup residues and other impurities.

The session is completely painless, after which you can immediately go outside. Ultrasonic cleaning is the best option for normal skin types.

Ultrasound waves can reach any part of the face, such as the wings of the nose and forehead. The advantage of this method is its accessibility. The method is good to combine with others. Not suitable for heavily clogged pores and oily skin.

To close the pores after cleansing, use special masks.

Laser

The laser method can rejuvenate the skin; it can affect not only the surface of the skin, but also its middle layers. Dead cells are completely removed, comedones, age spots, acne and inflammation go away.

The laser method is painful and not suitable for sensitive skin. The results obtained last for 2 weeks.

During the procedure, a small massage occurs, which helps speed up the metabolism. The laser beam penetrates well into hard-to-reach places. Finally, a special soothing mask is applied.

Vacuum

A hardware method that fights complex sebaceous plugs in pores. Thanks to small attachments, a vacuum space is created on the surface of the skin. Dirt particles are drawn into it even from the depths of the epidermis.

The procedure has other advantages, such as tightening the skin, giving it elasticity, and filling cells with oxygen.

The vacuum method is contraindicated only for those who have dry and thin skin, as well as rosacea. The procedure does not injure the skin, and there is no risk of infection.