If acne bothers you frequently, there may be dust, oil, and dirt that builds up in your pores. Although the size and appearance of pores is hereditary and cannot be changed, there are steps to deep cleansing the skin and removing blackheads that make pores appear clearer. To remove dust and dirt, for example, you can steam your face before washing it. However, this treatment can dry out the skin if followed too often. You can also use a mask or exfoliating scrub to thoroughly cleanse your skin.
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Method 1 of 3: Steaming the Skin
Step 1. Clean your face with your favorite facial soap
To maximize the benefits of steaming, start by washing your face first. Thus, the steam can go deeper into the pores and push out the dust and oil trapped inside.
If your skin is dry or prone to rosacea, it's a good idea not to try steaming. This treatment can make the skin even more dry and worsen the redness on the face
Step 2. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil
Prepare a large saucepan used for making large amounts of pasta or soup, then fill it two-thirds with water. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high, then heat the water to a boil.
Do not fill the pot to the brim. Aside from the water overflowing when it boils, you'll have a hard time moving the pot without spilling the water inside
Tip:
For a fresh scent and detoxifying benefits, add rose petals, lavender rosemary, or eucalyptus leaves. You can also use essential oils if you want.
Step 3. Place the pan on a heatproof mat or folded towel
Find a place where you can sit, stand, or kneel comfortably when placing the pot. However, make sure you line the pan with a folded towel so that the hot bottom of the pan doesn't damage the tabletop.
For example, you could kneel on a chair near the dining table, or place a pot in a bathroom cupboard
Step 4. Cover your head with a towel
Prepare a large and thick towel, then cover your head with the towel. However, make sure the towel doesn't get in the way of your face. Vapors may collect and be retained around the head. Thus, more steam can enter the skin.
Thick towels retain steam better than thin towels. However, you can use any towel available at home
Step 5. Keep your face as close to the steam as possible for 5-10 minutes
Bend your face toward the pan so that the towel covers both sides of your head. Make sure there is at least 45 centimeters between your face and the water. Otherwise, the skin can actually blister. Try to position your face within about 50-60 centimeters of the water. After that, stay still for about 5 minutes, or 10 minutes if you feel comfortable.
- If you can't stand the heat after placing your face within about 50-60 centimeters of the water, you can turn your face away from time to time.
- Contrary to popular belief, steam doesn't actually open pores. The steam actually relaxes the muscles under the skin and makes the skin easier to clean so you can remove the dust and dirt stuck in it.
Step 6. Wash your face again with a mild face wash
Evaporation on the face can push dust and oil to the surface of the skin. In addition, this process also makes you sweat which removes dirt from the skin. So that dust, oil, and dirt do not re-enter the skin, continue the treatment by cleaning your face using a mild washing soap.
Try using a mild face wash without perfume
Step 7. Moisturize your face to fight dry skin from steam
Since steam makes skin very dry, it's important that you moisturize after steaming and washing it. You don't need to use a special moisturizer. You can try any light facial moisturizer.
Repeat this treatment once a week, unless you have very dry skin
Method 2 of 3: Thoroughly Cleanse Face
Step 1. Clean the face to remove dust and dirt from the pores
If there are a lot of blackheads that form when oil and dirt get stuck in the pores, start your treatment by cleansing your face first. Wash your face with your usual face wash and warm water to remove dirt and dust from the pores.
- Continue cleansing with pore tightening to rebalance skin's pH levels.
- Do not wash your face twice because this habit can remove too much natural oil from the skin and actually make the skin very dry.
Step 2. Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week to remove dirt and dead skin cells
This process involves sloughing off dead skin cells, oil, and dirt that has accumulated on the skin's surface. There are several ways that can be followed to exfoliate. However, it's a good idea to use a chemical exfoliant if your skin is prone to breakouts. Compared to physical exfoliants, chemical exfoliants are more effective at removing dead skin cells and cleaning pores without causing irritation.
- Be careful not to rub the skin too hard to avoid irritation.
- If you have sensitive skin, don't exfoliate more than once a week (or every two weeks).
- Always moisturize your skin after exfoliating.
Do you know?
You can make your own facial scrub from ingredients like green tea, honey, and sugar, or coconut oil, sugar, and lemon juice.
Step 3. Use a face mask to remove blemishes and dirt from the skin
There are many face masks that are designed to tighten after drying. This mask can attract dirt and stains that clog pores. Visit a supermarket or beauty product store to find a mask that suits your skin type. Use a mask and leave it on according to the directions on the package. When you're done, you may need to peel off the mask and rinse your face, or take it off right away if you're using a sheet mask product.
- Some mask products, especially clay masks, can nourish the skin. In addition, masks made of activated charcoal are also suitable for neutralizing toxins on the skin.
- If you want, you can make your own face mask at home!
Step 4. Try a chemical peel to remove the top layer of skin
This product uses powerful chemicals to dissolve oil, dirt, and dead skin cells in the top layer of skin so that pores are no longer clogged and skin looks fresher. If you've never done chemical decay before, it's a good idea to visit the office of a dermatologist or skin esthetician for this treatment. However, you can also purchase chemical peel pads for your own use at home.
- If you want to do the decay yourself at home, carefully follow the product instructions. Otherwise, the skin may experience damage, redness, and irritation.
- Your skin will feel softer and more sensitive for a day or two after sloughing off, whether you're doing it yourself at home or getting professional treatment from a dermatologist.
Step 5. Visit a dermatologist for an extraction treatment if you have stubborn clogged pores
The dermatologist will use extraction equipment to remove dirt from the pores quickly and precisely. If you are bothered by blackheads or pimples that appear frequently, your doctor will also recommend a skin care plan that you can follow.
- Other services that dermatologists offer to treat blackheads include microneedling. In this treatment, the dermatologist will insert small needles into the skin. Doctors can also offer microdermabrasion. This process uses a small handheld device to remove the top layer of skin.
- To avoid the risk of stinging irritation or even infection, do not perform the extraction yourself at home.
Step 6. Talk to a dermatologist about the causes of clogged pores
Maybe the pores on your facial skin are clogged due to excessive sweating, hormonal changes, or medications you're taking. Tell your dermatologist if you have acne or clogged pores more often than usual so you can find a solution. Dermatologists may recommend treatments for acne, changes to your cleansing routine, or special skin treatments to reduce clogged pores.
- For example, if your skin pores are clogged due to excessive sweating, a dermatologist may advise you to wash your face more often.
- If the pores are clogged due to aging and the sagging of the skin is pulling the pores, a dermatologist can suggest specific treatments to tighten the skin.
Method 3 of 3: Try Natural Treatments
Step 1. Boil the parsley to remove blemishes and dirt from the skin
Put a handful of parsley in a pot of water and boil it. Once the water boils, turn off the heat and let the temperature of the water and parsley drop. While the water is still warm and comfortable enough to touch, dip the washcloth into the water and wring it out to remove any excess water. After that, place the washcloth on your face for 10-15 minutes.
- Parsley is a natural astringent so it can cleanse and tighten the skin. Parsley extract is even used in some cosmetic products.
- You can also use thyme if you prefer.
- Repeat this treatment twice a day.
Step 2. Make a paste of baking soda to clean the skin
Mix 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of baking soda and 5 ml of water in a small bowl until it forms a paste. Massage the paste on your face and leave it on for about 5 minutes, then rinse your face. As it dries, the baking soda will lift the stains and dirt from the skin.
You can try this treatment once a week
Step 3. Apply lemon on the face as a mild natural laxative
Cut a lemon into two halves, then rub the halves on areas of skin that have clogged pores or blackheads. Let the lemon juice sit on your skin for about 5 minutes, then rinse your face with cold water.
- The acid content in lemons will destroy dust, dirt, and dead skin cells. However, lemon juice can also cause irritation if left on the skin longer than 5 minutes.
- If you feel stinging or discomfort before 5 minutes have passed, rinse your skin immediately with cold water.
Step 4. Use rose water as a pore tightener
Remove enough rose water on a cotton swab until it is damp, then wipe the cotton on the skin. Rose water can gently tighten the skin without causing irritation. In addition, this material also contains anti-inflammatory substances, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
