If you have pimples or open blackheads (blackheads), you may have been advised to "open" your pores if you want to get rid of them. Experts agree that you can't actually open the pores, because they will stay the same size. However, there are several options that can be done to thoroughly clean the pores so that the pores appear smaller, even though they are still the same size. Some lifestyle factors (such as exercising and eating well) can also help keep pores clean.
Step
Method 1 of 7: Clean Pores with a Clay Mask
Step 1. Wash your face
As a preparation before applying the mask, wash your face using warm water, then dry with a towel.
Use warm water, not hot
Step 2. Use a clay mask
With your fingers or a brush, brush your face with a thin layer of the clay mask using a sweeping motion. Do not let the mask get in your eyes or mouth. This mask will remove the oil and dirt that is in the pores.
Clay masks are perfect for those with oily and non-sensitive skin. This mask may be too strong for sensitive skin
Step 3. Wait for the mask to dry
However, do not let the mask dry completely. The mask will start to change color (appear lighter) but feel sticky to the touch. If the mask is allowed to dry completely, the moisture in the skin will be sucked in.
If the mask sticks to your finger when you touch it, it means it's still wet
Step 4. Rinse off the mask
Soften the clay with water, and scrub your face clean with a washcloth. Make sure all remaining masks have been cleaned.
Step 5. Continue the process by applying moisturizer
If your face is already dry, apply a moisturizer that doesn't contain oil.
Clay masks can be used 2-3 times a week, depending on how your skin responds
Method 2 of 7: Clean Pores with Steam
Step 1. Wet a washcloth with hot water
Fill the basin with hot water. Soak the washcloth until it is completely submerged.
Step 2. Squeeze out the excess water
The washcloth should not be soaking wet.
Step 3. Place the washcloth on the face
Place a warm washcloth on your face to steam up the pores. The steam will loosen the dirt, makeup, and other things that are in the pores.
Step 4. Repeat the process
When the washcloth has cooled, dip it in hot water again, then place it back on your face. Do this 3 or 4 times.
Step 5. Wash your face
Wash your face gently and thoroughly using a foaming facial cleanser to remove oil and dirt in the pores that have been loosened with steam.
The key is to wash your face after steaming. The steam will break down the oil and dirt in the pores, while the facial cleanser will remove the oil and dirt from the face. If you skip this step, your steaming will be ineffective
Method 3 of 7: Washing Your Face with Parsley
Step 1. Wash a handful of fresh parsley
You can leave the stalks attached, but make sure they're all clean of dirt.
Parsley has astringent properties that can be used to clean pores
Step 2. Pour boiling water over the parsley
Let the parsley soak until the water cools.
Step 3. Dip a washcloth in the mixture
Dip the entire washcloth and squeeze out the excess water.
Step 4. Wash your face
Gently wash your face with a foaming cleanser before you wash it off with the parsley bath. If you want to use a facial lotion, don't apply it before you wash your face with parsley.
Step 5. Place the washcloth on the face
Leave the wet washcloth on your face for 10-15 minutes.
This astringent can be used every day
Method 4 of 7: Making a Paste of Baking Soda
Step 1. Mix 1 part water and 2 parts baking soda
You will get a thick paste after mixing it.
Step 2. Gently scrub the face using this mixture
Use your hands to rub your face in a circular motion.
Step 3. Let the mixture
Let the paste sit on your face for about 5 minutes.
Step 4. Rinse the paste
Clean the paste that sticks to the face using water.
Repeat once a week. This process can exfoliate the skin so that it will remove dead skin cells that clog pores
Method 5 of 7: Visiting a Dermatologist
Step 1. Go to a dermatologist (dermatologist)
Ask about what treatment options you can undergo.
Step 2. Study the available options
Set any of the treatment options you want.
- You can ask for an exfoliating product, such as Retin-A Micro. This exfoliant will remove dead skin cells that clog pores. Use this treatment if your skin looks dull, which may be due to a build-up of dry skin.
- You can also request an acid peel, such as salicylic or glycolic acid. To get the best results, you should do more than one treatment. Use this acid peeler if you have dry skin that builds up.
- Another option is light or laser treatment, which can be done with IPL (Intense Pulse Light) or LED therapy. This treatment will increase collagen and make pores less visible. You can use this treatment at the same time as an acid peeler.
Step 3. Choose the option that fits your budget
Remember, this treatment is relatively expensive, which is around $100-$500 (Rp. 1,400,000 to Rp. 7 million).
Method 6 of 7: Doing Daily Care
Step 1. Remove makeup
When you come home after a long day, remove makeup thoroughly. Facial pores can become clogged if you don't give your skin a chance to breathe at the end of the day.
You can use makeup remover wipes to do this
Step 2. Wash your face at least once a day
Oil and dirt can build up on the skin and clog pores.
Wash your face twice at the same time. In the second wash, rub the cleanser on your face really hard before you rinse it off. This is the same as doing a deep cleansing
Step 3. Exfoliate your skin 2 to 3 times a week
Exfoliating regularly should be done because it can remove dead skin cells and remove blockages in the pores. Try using a scrub from baking soda.
- If your skin is dry, use a gentle chemical peel or a mild facial scrub. Immediately apply a gentle facial lotion after the peeling process to help absorb the product.
- If your skin is oily and prone to acne, don't use a harsh, heavy scrub. Instead, use a chemical peel that contains a hydroxy acid, such as salicylic or glycolic acid.
- If you have sensitive skin, use a cleanser or toner containing plant enzymes twice a week. Do not use abrasive scrubs.
Step 4. Use the mask 1 or 2 times a week
Using a face mask several times a week will help keep your skin bright and your pores clean.
If your skin is dry or sensitive, choose a mask that contains moisturizers. Clay and charcoal masks are perfect for oily and acne-prone skin
Step 5. Purchase a rotating electric facial brush
This brush can really clean the face, which keeps the pores clean.
Step 6. Avoid oil-based products
Don't use lotions that contain oil, and avoid waterproof makeup, as they also contain oil. Products like this can clog pores.
Method 7 of 7: Eat Well and Exercise
Step 1. Eat well
The food you eat will affect how your body looks, including your skin. To keep the pores clean, consume a balanced diet that contains lots of fruits and vegetables. Try to eat at least 5 servings a day so that your skin can benefit from its antioxidant boost. Avoid simple sugars, such as pasta, white bread, and rice because they can trigger inflammation. Instead, consume whole grains (whole grains).
- Healthy fats are also great for the skin. You can get healthy fats from avocados, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
- To get beautiful skin, increase the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, yogurt, eggs, and multigrain breads (made from various grains).
Step 2. Drink lots of water
Moisture helps keep skin healthy and supple. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Carry a refillable water bottle with you at all times so you can easily hydrate your body.
- Reduce consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
- If you are tired of plain water, add fruit to the water or make a decaffeinated herbal tea.
Step 3. Do exercise regularly
While it may seem counterintuitive, exercising to the point of sweating can actually improve skin health. Exercise increases blood flow, which brings oxygen and nutrients to skin cells while removing waste.
- Use sunscreen if you exercise outdoors to protect your skin.
- Do not wear make-up when exercising because it can clog pores. To keep the pores clean, wash your face before exercising and shower immediately after.