Have you ever looked in the mirror and realized your face looks congested? These large, blocked pores can actually be causing acne, blackheads, and fine lines if left alone.
The important thing to remember is to unclog our pores regularly. Here are a few easy ways you can do that safely and effectively!
Cleanse The Right Way
Wash your face with a cleanser containing a chemical exfoliator like AHAs/BHAs (lactic acid or salicylic acid). This gently exfoliates dead skin cells and prevents oil overproduction to give your skin the appearance of smaller pores.
If you have sensitive skin, start with a lower concentration of acids and work your way up each week. If you have oily skin and you're concerned about excess oil, remember that drying out your skin, by over-cleansing, is not advised. Clean pores and clean skin is achievable with, at most, a double cleanse.
Mechanically Exfoliate
Mechanical or physical exfoliators like a face scrub or the TAO Clean Facial Brush will allow you to remove impurities and dirt and oil from your skin without damaging your skin barrier. Over-exfoliation can lead to drier skin that will, in turn, increase oil production, so limit yourself to one type of exfoliation a day.
Mask and Peel Weekly
Charcoal masks are great for effectively removing dirt from your pores. Include this in your weekly skincare routine if your daily exfoliating isn’t giving your skin the appearance you want.
Chemical peels are also a stronger way to improve skin texture and coloration but should be limited to once a week. Overuse of peels can be drying and cause damage to your skin barrier.
Serum Daily
Serums are the best way to personalize your skincare routine to your needs and skin type, which means including serums that contain pore unclogging ingredients. Niacinamide, Tea Tree Oil, and Salicylic Acid are some of the best to include if they aren’t in the other steps of your skin care already.
Don’t Use Pore Strips
Pore strips, or any other products using adhesives to clear your pores, will actually do more harm than good. The adhesive just removes some of the top layer of your skin and small hair-like strands called sebaceous filaments that may appear to be clogged pores. Try dermaplaning or using a face razor to give yourself similar results with less damage.
We hope you enjoyed these tips for clearer and healthier skin! As a Blog reader, use code BLOG60 to receive 60% off your next order!
