@koraorganics Aggressive influence of external factors, constant stress, mask regime (which, unfortunately, is still with us), errors in nutrition and drinking regime can lead to inflammation and increased secretion of sebum. These problems need to be dealt with comprehensively, and the proper use of cleansers and exfoliators is the first step to healthy and beautiful skin. Such products help get rid of dead skin flakes that clog pores, excess sebum, dust, smog particles and cosmetic residues. Everything is used: from mousses and foams to classic masks and washing gels. InStyle has compiled its personal ranking of the best of the best in this business.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Cleansing Gel for Skin with Imperfections
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Cleansing Gel for Skin with Imperfections How often to use:
daily.
Micro-exfoliating gel effectively cleanses the skin of all types of impurities and excess sebum, while at the same time reducing visible imperfections and leaving a feeling of freshness for a long time. In this it is helped by a complex of lipo-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid, which is supplemented with zinc and glycerin - this mix of components does not dry the skin and does not cause discomfort during and after use. By the way, this gel can also be used on the body if you have rashes, for example, on the chest, shoulders or back.
Causes of enlarged pores
Before we figure out how to reduce the pores on our face and finally sincerely enjoy our reflection in the mirror, let’s dig deeper. Let us clarify the issue of the origin of porosity.
With genetics, everything is clear: your great-grandfather had loose, porous skin, then his children, and eventually it came to you. Of course, this is purely an aesthetic problem, but it can be seriously frustrating and even undermine self-confidence. What culprits of porosity do dermatologists identify besides heredity?
- Oily skin. Active production of sebum by the sebaceous glands can lead to stretching of the mouths of the follicles, especially if the natural exfoliation of the skin is slowed down for some reason.
- Changing the composition of sebum. This occurs both as a result of internal factors (hormonal imbalances, dietary habits) and after aggressive external influences. Sebum can become thicker, mix with epidermal cells, form blackheads - and it’s clear what pores look like with such “tenants” inside.
- Mature age. Large, visible pores in an adult are practically the norm. Moreover, over the years, when the skin slows down the production of intercellular matrix fibers - collagen and elastin - the mouths of the follicles, that is, those same pores, expand even more significantly.
- Incorrect care. Smooth skin with a perfectly even texture is not immune to local porosity (for example, on the forehead or just one cheek) due to inappropriate cosmetics or insufficient cleansing. For this reason, care should be selected according to skin type and season, without regard to the recommendations of friends.
- Unsuccessful decorative cosmetics. A nourishing foundation with oils for oily or combination skin, especially in the summer, is not a good idea. Fortunately, this is a temporary problem. It is worth switching to well-chosen decorative products - and the skin will return to its original state.
- Poor lighting. Seriously, sometimes the reason for self-doubt is too harsh light near the mirror. Lighting can blur pores or, on the contrary, emphasize them. The habit of looking at your face in a magnifying mirror also makes you think that everyone around you has normal pores, and you just have some kind of craters.
And yet, more often than not, the skin is permanently porous, regardless of cosmetics. Enlarged pores are localized in potentially “seborrheic” areas: on the nose, on the chin, on the forehead, and to a lesser extent on the cheeks.
Exfoliant mousse for intensive skin cleansing Filorga Scrub & Detox
Exfoliant mousse for intensive skin cleansing Filorga Scrub & Detox How often to use:
2 times a week.
A scrub with a velvety foamy texture not only deeply cleanses the skin, but also has a pronounced detox effect. And all thanks to activated carbon, which absorbs all contaminants. In addition, the product contains volcanic microspheres for maximum effective exfoliation. But the most important thing is that it works as delicately as possible, without injuring the skin.
Types of cleaning in a beauty salon
If the pores are dirty, you can use hardware and mechanical methods to clean them. They will help improve skin condition. If there are clogged pores or a large accumulation of black spots on the surface, you should first begin cleaning measures. Cosmetic products that narrow or mask problem pores will not correct the situation, but will only worsen it.
Mechanical method
The most effective and efficient technique that helps remove blackheads of various sizes. Although this method partially injures the surface, it thoroughly removes dense plugs and comedones sitting deep in the skin.
The salon cleaning procedure includes several stages:
- One of them is a cleansing technique;
- In the second stage, the skin is treated with special compounds that help open the pores as much as possible;
- After softening, for example, comedones and blackheads, they are removed using a Uno spoon. You can also clean with your fingertips;
- The final stage is treating the surface with mask compositions to relieve the inflammatory process.
If the pores are clogged, it is not recommended to clean them. At home, there is a possibility of infection, injury to the skin, and acne may become inflamed.
Ultrasound method
This is a less painful procedure than the previous option. Accordingly, the effectiveness here is less effective. This is an easy cleaning option. It is unlikely that it will cope with dense sebaceous plugs.
Using ultrasonic cleaning, you can remove minor dirt deposits and exfoliated stratum corneum. Ultrasound evens out the surface texture and improves complexion. Light massaging actions are carried out using ultrasonic waves. Thanks to these properties, the skin is well-groomed, glows, and becomes smoother.
My Clarins Clear-Out Blackhead Eliminating Mask Stick
My Clarins Clear-Out Blackhead Elimination Stick Mask How often to use:
1-2 times a week.
Meadowsweet, bamboo, magnolia, tamarind - this is the recipe for flawless My Clarins skin. The mask in a convenient stick form gently cleanses, tightens pores, evens out skin texture and mattifies. It is suitable for any skin type, even sensitive, which makes it indispensable.
How to clean the pores on your face correctly
The main condition for the normal process of skin regeneration is oxygen saturation at the cellular level. In this case, there is no skin irritation or peeling. The necessary processes are fully ensured by regular cleansing of the skin surface.
If a woman has oily skin type, she will have visible enlarged pores. The main reason for their appearance is improperly used cosmetics. To effectively clean pores at home, you need to keep your skin clean every day. It will not be enough to use a soap solution and an alcohol-containing tonic.
Basic facial care needs to include several important stages - this is a cleansing, toning process, and the skin also needs to be moisturized and nourished. When using masks, you can achieve narrowing of enlarged pores, as well as deep cleaning. Before these procedures, the skin must be steamed for the best effect.
Weleda Cleansing Gel
Weleda Cleansing Gel How often to use:
daily.
If you're looking for a gentle cleanser with an antibacterial effect, this is it. Willow bark works as a natural antiseptic, licorice root extract has antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, and witch hazel water tones and soothes.
After cleaning
How you care for your face after cleansing is also very important. I strongly advise women to reconsider their attitude towards decorative cosmetics and use a lighter version of everyday makeup. Thick foundations have an excellent ability to clog pores and often become the main source of problems.
Deep cleaning foam, enzyme peeling and ultrasonic scrubber are great ways to keep your skin in good condition. Useless for severely clogged pores, it works perfectly as a preventative, while stimulating subcutaneous blood circulation and preventing the appearance of early wrinkles and pigmentation. Therefore, such a portable device is worth purchasing, but it must be used correctly and for its intended purpose.
Eveline Cosmetics Insta SkinCare #Clear Out Cleansing paste-scrub for blackheads
Eveline Cosmetics Insta SkinCare #Clear Out Cleansing paste-scrub for blackheads How often to use:
1-2 times a week.
A paste scrub with zinc, pink corundum and pink clay is the best thing that can happen to your skin if you need to reduce the visibility of pores, normalize the hydrolipid balance and neutralize inflammation and rashes. Insta SkinCare #Clear Out, like a magnet, pulls out impurities from pores, narrowing them, moisturizes the skin and eliminates its defects.
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.
Cleansing mask with charcoal for blackheads Dr. Pierre Ricaud
Cleansing mask with charcoal for blackheads Dr. Pierre Ricaud How often to use:
2 times a week.
Melting texture, subtle floral aroma and thoughtful composition, which includes charcoal, skullcap extract, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and plant squalane - these are not all the advantages of this mask. Its uniqueness is that in just five minutes it transforms the skin: pores become less noticeable, and the skin becomes matte and velvety.
Why do blackheads appear?
Blackheads and acne are sebaceous plugs that appear due to blockage of skin pores and the mouths of hair follicles with excess sebum, particles of dust, dirt, epidermis and cosmetics.
This problem is especially aggravated in people with oily and combination skin types, who are characterized by increased sebum secretion and enlarged pores.
Blackheads can also appear as a result of:
- hormonal disorders,
- poor nutrition (abuse of smoked, fatty, fried foods, sweets, sweet carbonated drinks, coffee),
- excessive smoking and alcohol consumption,
- improper and irregular skin cleansing,
- incorrect selection of cosmetics,
- excessive contact with contaminated hair and hands,
- metabolic disorders,
- disruption of the endocrine system
- diseases of internal organs.
There are many reasons for clogged pores. But you shouldn’t immediately run to the doctor and take all kinds of tests. After all, sometimes it’s enough just to balance your diet and carefully care for your skin.
Cosmedix Clear Deep Cleansing Mask
Cosmedix Clear Deep Cleansing Mask How often to use:
2-3 times a week.
Not long ago, a new brand Cosmedix appeared on the Russian beauty market, which also has an interesting product in its assortment - a mask with kaolin, niacinamide, sulfur and tea tree oil. It is this composition that reduces the number of existing acne and post-inflammatory pigmentation, and also prevents the appearance of new inflammatory elements. Plus Clear Deep Cleansing Mask evens out skin tone and texture, making it matte.
What you need to know about contraindications
Those women who have the following reasons will have to refuse cleansing procedures:
- A viral skin disease that is in the acute stage, for example, a herpes rash;
- Increased body temperature;
- Infectious pathologies;
- The period of bearing a child, lactation;
- Diabetes;
- Increased skin sensitivity;
- Allergy to components of cosmetic products.
It is advisable to pre-test masks and scrubs on a small area of skin before proceeding.
GlamGlow Supermud Purifying Face Mask
GlamGlow Supermud Purifying Face Mask How often to use:
1-2 times a week.
Firstly, GlamGlow masks are very Instagrammable: you apply any one to your face and you immediately want to take a photo (don’t hold back). Secondly, they are as effective as possible - of course, this point should come first, but their benefits can only be known after testing. For example, the Supermud mask easily copes with rashes and redness, and evens out skin tone and texture in no time. Moreover, it is suitable for absolutely everyone, as it has shown excellent results not only on teenage skin, but also on older skin.
Is it worth doing deep facial cleansing at home?
It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. Salon cleaning can go wrong if you get to an inexperienced specialist.
The solution here is simple - choose a salon that has proven itself well.
At the same time, a procedure carried out at home in compliance with all recommendations can give an excellent effect, as close as possible to the salon effect.
Should you do deep facial cleansing at home? Yes, and this procedure has many advantages:
- Time and place. Everything takes place in a cozy home environment, which temporarily turns into a beauty salon. During the procedure, you can relax without thinking about your appearance.
- Delicate impact. If you approach deep cleansing wisely, consequences such as redness and pain can be minimized.
- Possibility of using additional agents to relieve inflammation.
- Minimal risk of allergic reactions. All manipulations are carried out using natural (not chemical) substances.
On a note. Before deep cleansing your face, determine your skin type. This will help you choose the right products for the procedure.
Cleansing face mask with black clay and charcoal Kiko Milano Black Clay Soft Mask
Cleansing face mask with black clay and charcoal Kiko Milano Black Clay Soft Mask How often to use:
as needed, but not more than once a week.
If you need almost instant cleansing of your skin from impurities, then you won’t find a better mask with black clay and charcoal Black Clay Soft Mask. It is unique not only because it gives quick results - the skin is clean, soft and radiant - but also in its unusual spray format. This is one of the masks that you can apply to your face without getting your hands dirty. The only thing is to avoid the area around your eyes and lips when you spray it. For convenience, you can put cotton pads on your eyes and lips, and cover your hair with a shower cap.
Traditional recipes for acne
A proven remedy for comedones is a steam bath. It is easy to do at home; the procedure is repeated no more than once every 7-10 days. It is important to follow the sequence; steam cleaning is carried out before using the scrub. During steaming, the pores open as much as possible, and the keratinized particles of the epidermis soften.
On sale you can find ready-made peelings and cleansing masks based on clay, fruit acids and other active ingredients.
Pour hot water into a deep bowl and add lemon, grapefruit or tea tree essential oil. The head is tilted over the bowl so that the hot steam hits the face. The procedure lasts 5-7 minutes. Then the skin is rinsed with hot water. After steam cleaning, it’s a good idea to make a clay mask and apply a soda or salt scrub.
Homemade peelings will help remove acne. For oily skin, a mixture of baking soda and three percent hydrogen peroxide is suitable. The components are mixed to a paste-like state and applied to the face with massaging movements. The mass is left for 7 minutes, and then washed off with warm water and rinsed with cold.
A very effective and affordable remedy is peeling with calcium chloride. The drug 5% or 10% concentration can be purchased at the pharmacy. To begin with, it is better to purchase a lighter composition, gradually moving to the maximum concentration. Apply baby soap to a dry, clean face, previously whipped into thick foam. Then the skin is treated with a cotton swab soaked in a solution of calcium chloride. It is important to ensure that the drug does not get on the mucous membranes. Leave the mixture for a few minutes to dry slightly.
The next stage is thorough peeling. The mass is rolled with your fingers, it is easily removed, turning into small balls. Then wipe the face with a napkin and wash with cool water. To avoid drying out the skin, apply a light gel or emulsion without mineral oils.
Soft gel for washing Dr. Core by Faberlic
Soft gel for washing Dr. Core by Faberlic How often to use:
daily.
Dr. Core is the first cosmetic line in the Faberlic assortment, created according to the principles of corneotherapy (the so-called science of healthy skin). The products in this range imitate the natural mechanisms that occur in the skin, helping it cope with any task perfectly and without causing any harm. For example, soft cleansing gel Dr. Core deeply cleanses the skin and helps it get rid of acne, including those caused by constant wearing of masks and respirators. And at the same time, the gel is responsible for moisturizing and restoring elasticity to the skin.
Text: Svetlana Antonova
What is included in deep cleaning
Manipulations with the face have a clear sequence that must be followed, otherwise the result will be much worse than expected:
- Makeup remover It is carried out using ready-made or homemade products.
- Cleansing in different ways. For oily and combination skin, the use of masks and active scrubs is allowed; for dry skin, gel or foam is sufficient.
- Toning. Use water-based tonics or herbal decoctions.
- Steaming. You can do it over a basin with regular boiling water or prepare a complex composition according to one of the proven recipes.
- Cleaning: manual or vacuum, external or medial peeling - selected according to the fact, depending on the condition of the facial skin.
- Toning: soothing masks, tonics, use of ice cubes.
- Consolidation of the result.
On a note. You can't skip a single point. Pay special attention to steaming. It can be carried out in three different ways: traditionally - over a basin with hot liquid, using very warm compresses, or visiting a sauna (convenient when living in a private house, when the steam room is located under the same roof as the living quarters).
Effect of the procedure
The result of deep skin cleansing carried out according to all the rules will not only be getting rid of external impurities, bacteria and other similar problems. In addition, this procedure opens clogged pores, removes cell layers of the keratinized layer of the epidermis, prevents the development of hyperkeratosis, improves metabolic processes in the skin, optimizing lymph and blood flow.
With regular weekly deep cleansing sessions, facial skin acquires strong immunity to the aggressive effects of the outside world, as well as the ability to quickly recover from minor mechanical and chemical damage.
The best masks
Masks are the best way to clean not too clogged pores on the face. Naturally, I am a supporter of professional drugs. Since they work deeper and are able to regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands, thereby preventing the recurrence of acne.
But there are also proven folk remedies that give good results:
Mask Properties Recipe Kaolin Helps quickly tighten pores after cleansing, but can also be used to prevent the appearance of pimples and acne. A tablespoon of white or green clay is diluted with still mineral or thermal water until it becomes sour cream. To enhance the effect, you can add a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, geranium, tea tree); for very dry skin, a teaspoon of grape seed or peach oil. Apply in an even layer, leave until completely dry and rinse with water. Be sure to use moisturizer after. Soda-salt scrub Gives an almost immediate effect and can be used before an important exit as a means of express cleaning. Suitable only for oily and combination skin. The problem is very annoying, although its condition improves with regular use. We dilute a teaspoon of salt with a small amount of washing gel to make a paste. Add a quarter teaspoon of soda to it
Apply to moisturized skin and massage gently in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Rinse off with summer water only
Finally, use a soothing cream, preferably with aloe vera. Coffee and honey scrub Suitable for problematic, thin and dry skin. Works more delicately, helps smooth out wrinkles. Add the same amount of liquid honey and olive or coconut oil to a teaspoon of coffee grounds. Mix everything well and distribute over a thoroughly washed and slightly steamed face (useful to do in a bathhouse). Massage gently for 2-3 minutes, then leave for another five and wash off with running water and a small amount of gel. Do not use if you have rosacea! Milk-gelatin Universal product, an analogue of a store-bought film mask. To cleanse the pores better, before using it, the skin should be washed well and lightly steamed. Pour a tablespoon of gelatin with the same amount of water or milk and heat in a water bath until the crystals are completely dissolved. Apply several layers to the face with a brush and leave until dry. Gently, starting from the neck and tip of the nose, pull off the resulting film. If that doesn’t work, rinse with warm water. Protein-lemon Excellent for deep cleansing: tightens pores, reduces the activity of sebaceous glands, has whitening properties and gives a slight lifting effect. Especially useful for oily and combination skin. Separate the egg white from the yolk and beat with a teaspoon of honey until foam forms. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of essential oil. Apply an even layer to the face and leave until completely dry. Rinse off with running water.
You can still find many other recipes for useful masks. But it is precisely those described above that usually take first place in popular ratings. And, as a cosmetologist, I confirm their effectiveness and can recommend them to my clients.
Operating principle
Deep cleaning at home, like a similar salon procedure, is aimed at removing the stratum corneum and excess oil, comedones and other defects. To do this, the skin is first disinfected and undergoes a special treatment that opens the pores.
Then it is cleaned of plugs and excess fat using manual instruments, sometimes in combination with hardware methods. Afterwards the skin calms down and it’s time to close. The result is a fresh and healthy look, even tone and beautiful color.
Skin care after
Since deep cleansing is an aggressive technique, after it it takes some time to restore the epidermis so that redness and swelling go away. As a rule, in most cases such symptoms disappear within the next day. If all the rules are followed, the surface of the skin should acquire freshness and the relief should become smooth.
On the first day after cosmetic manipulation, increased sebum secretion may be observed. This condition is normal, since there are no plugs in the pores. To eliminate this effect, experts recommend using an alcohol-free tonic or Chlorhexidine.
Under no circumstances should you peel off the crusts that may appear after some types of deep cleaning. It is prohibited to visit the swimming pool, bathhouse and sauna. When going outside you need to use sunscreen.
It is advisable to use mild detergents for washing. It is better to avoid brushes and scrubs for a while.
