When it comes to beauty, women take matters very seriously. We use tons of lotions and creams to keep our skin wrinkle-free. But something we encounter a different problem, which might be frustrating and embarrassing. I’m talking about clogged pores, of course.
They can happen and happen to anyone – no matter how much you care for your face. What’s worse, clogged pores lead to many other skin problems from acne to blemishes. And we don’t want that, do we?
That’s why I’m going to tell you how to clean pores and offer you some fascinating home remedies that will help you get rid of this nasty problem. Keep on reading to find what causes clogged pores and how to deal with them.
What are the Main Reasons for Clogged Pores?
Pores are something so small that we rarely pay any attention to them. I bet you haven’t even wondered what pores are. Well, let’s learn something new, shall we?
Pores are small openings in the epidermis (the top layer of our skin). And for every hair you see on your skin, there is a pore behind it. So we have millions of pores all over the body. However, we usually notice those on our faces.
You might think that face pores are something unwanted and a hinder to achieving perfection. That’s not true. These little holes have a crucial role in how our skin looks.
The sebaceous gland produces oil called sebum, which travels up the pores. Its destination is the surface of the skin. There the sebum moisturizes and hydrates the skin, keeping it good-looking.
You see, when our pores are working as they should be, our skin looks healthy, smooth and flawless. But clogged pores are a common occurrence. And what’s the reason these holes get clogged so often? Here are the main culprits:
- Oil. The sebaceous gland sometimes produces too much oil. As a result, our skin gets oily. But that’s the least of our worries. When there’s too much sebum, our body doesn’t get rid of dead skin cells as it should because they stick together. And they clogged the pores.
- Dead skin cells. The outermost layer of our skin is made of dead skin cells. When those cells build-up, our pores get plugged. Common reasons for that are lack of exfoliation and dry skin.
- Hormones also play a role in the production of sebum oil. That’s why, you might notice acne breakouts during pregnancy, menstruations, or puberty. During these periods the hormones are constantly changing.
- The cosmetic products you’re using might clog your pores if they contain pore-clogging ingredients.
- Make-up. If you don’t clean your makeup regularly before you go to bed, you are creating a barrier on your skin and plugging your pores.
- Allergic reactions.
- A diet high in sugar.
- Excessive sweating.
As you can see, a lot of things lead to clogged pores. The main thing is that once the pores get plugged, the sebum production doesn’t stop. But the oil has nowhere to go, and you’ll observe the negative effects very soon.
Symptoms of Clogged Pores
It’s not that hard to tell that you have plugged pores. Here are the most common signs:
- Enlarged pores. Pick up a mirror and take a good look at your face. Do some of your pores look bigger than others? When dirt and impurities build-up inside, the pores get enlarged.
- Blackheads. These nasty black bumps form when dirt, oil, and sweat build-up and plug the pores. Because the skin doesn’t close over the blackheads, the dirt particles get exposed to oxygen. And that’s why they look black.
- Acne. When excess oil gets trapped in the pores, a pimple forms. Pimples are different from blackheads because the skin closes over the little bump. In this way, bacteria and impurities get trapped inside. And you get a painful whitehead.
- Excessive dry skin or excessively oily skin could also indicate a problem with the pores.
Home Remedies for Cleaning Pores
When you’ve identified the problem, you spring away to the drug store. You buy some expensive exfoliants or cleansers to help you. Usually, one contains salicylic acid.
However, that’s not your only option if you’re wondering how to clean pores. Here are some very simple home remedies to help you clean your pores quickly.
1. Steam opens pores
I’m not going to be surprised when it comes to pores steam is your best option. And it’s the easiest home remedy for cleaning pores.
But does it work? Well, when you use steam:
- It softens your skin and loosens the build-up dirt.
- It improves the blood flow to your face.
- Steams will hydrate your skin.
The result is that it will be easy for you to remove the accumulated dirt and impurities.
Necessary ingredients:
- A pot of water
- A lid
- A stove
- Towels
- A moisturizer
- A toner
- Water
- Makeup removal pads
- Green tea (optional)
Process:
- If you’re wearing makeup, use makeup removal pads to clean your face.
- Then splash your face with lukewarm water.
- Pat your face dry with a towel.
- Now fill a pot with water.
- Cover it with a lid and place it on the stove.
- Remove the pot from the stove when the water is hot enough to produce steam.
- Add some green tea to nourish your skin.
- Get a fresh towel and put in over your head like a tent.
- Lean over the steaming pot of water.
- Steam your face for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Wash your face with cool water.
- Pat your face with a dry towel.
- Apply a moisturizer and a toner.
- Repeat twice a weak.
Notes: Don’t use hot water on your face. It will dry your skin and might lead to irritation. Also, be careful not to stay over the steam for too long.
2. Parsley tightens pores
You’ve probably used parsley many times in your cooking experiments. But do you know that parsley is a powerful ally when it comes to unclogging pores? This green plan has natural astringent properties, and it removes build-up dirt from the pores. Parsley also:
- Reduces wrinkles and scars
- Lightens the skin and gets rid of blemishes
- Has antibacterial and antifungal effects
- Contains zinc which promotes clean skin and deals with skin inflammation
- Contains some essential minerals necessary for healthy skin
- Prevents dark spots
- Soothes irritation
Necessary ingredients:
- A few sprigs of parsley
- A bowl
- Water
- A washcloth
- A stove
- A pot
Process:
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
- Then clean the parsley.
- Pour water into the pot and put it on the stove.
- Remove the water when it gets hot.
- Pour some hot water into the bowl.
- Soak the parsley in hot water.
- Wait for the water to cool down.
- Then dip a washcloth in the cooled water.
- Apply the cloth to your face.
- Wait 15 minutes.
- Repeat.
Notes: Here’s one fascinating face mask recipe with parsley, honey, and lemon.
3. Honey cleanse pores
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When it comes to skincare and clogged pores, we can’t miss mentioning honey. We all know that honey is delicious and sweet, but it’s also an excellent remedy for many skin conditions. Why is that?
Well, honey is a natural humectant. In simple words, it locks the moisture where it should be – on the skin. Moreover, honey can tighten and cleanse pores, reduce the amount of excess oil, prevent wrinkles, and brighten the skin.
Necessary ingredients:
- Honey
- Powdered cinnamon
- A bowl
- Water
- A tablespoon
Process:
- Measure three tablespoons of honey and pour them into the bowl.
- Add two tablespoons of powdered cinnamon.
- Mix well.
- Apply the paste to your skin and wait 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat once or twice a week.
Alternatively, you can do the following face mask.
Necessary ingredients:
- Honey
- Yogurt
- Olive oil
- A bowl
- A tablespoon
- Water
Process:
- Add two tablespoons of yogurt to the bowl.
- Measure one tablespoon of honey and olive oil.
- Mix them with the yogurt.
- Apply the paste to your face.
- Wait 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.
- Repeat once a week.
Notes: You can also apply raw honey to your face to clean your pores. For safety, you can do a patch test to see if it will cause any negative skin reaction.
4. Fuller’s earth draws out oil and dirt
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Have you heard of Fuller’s earth? If you haven’t, it’s time you learn what this magical product can do about your skin. But what exactly is Fuller’s earth?
Fuller’s earth is clay, which contains many minerals such as iron, silica, magnesium, calcium, quartz, and others. It’s often used as an active or inactive ingredient in beauty products. And that’s no wonder when we take into account its fascinating properties:
- Absorbs excess oil from the skin
- Removes scars and improves the complexion
- Improves skin elasticity
- Fights acne
- Draws out dirt and impurities from the clogged pores
Necessary ingredients:
- Fuller’s earth
- Rosewater
- Sandalwood powder
- A bowl
- A teaspoon
Process:
- Wash your face thoroughly.
- Measure two teaspoons of Fuller’s earth into the bowl.
- Add some rose water and sandalwood powder.
- Mix well until you have a thick paste.
- Apply it to your face.
- Wait for it to dry and rinse off with water.
- Repeat once a week.
Alternatively, do the following face mask:
Necessary ingredients:
- Fuller’s earth
- Oatmeal
- Water
- A bowl
- A tablespoon
- A towel
Process:
- Start by cleaning your face.
- Then measure one tablespoon of Fuller’s earth.
- Add one tablespoon of water and one tablespoon of instant oatmeal.
- Mix the ingredients.
- Apply the concoction to your face and wait 15 minutes.
- Wash your face and pat it dry with a towel.
Notes: Fuller’s earth might not be suitable for dry or sensitive skin due to its supreme absorbing abilities. Use with caution.
5. Sugar removes dirt from the pores
Last but not least, sugar is one of the best natural exfoliating agents. Forget about all those expensive exfoliants in the drug shop. All you need to remove dead skin cells and unclog your pores is this grainy white substance.
Necessary ingredients:
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- A mortar and pestle
- Water
- A bowl
- Moisturizer
Process:
- Start by pouring two tablespoons of sugar into the mortar.
- Then crush it until you have a fine powder.
- Add some lemon juice and water.
- Mix to make a thick paste.
- Clean your face well and apply the paste.
- Use circulars motion to massage the concoction gently on your skin.
- Do this for five minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat your face dry.
- Apply a moisturizer.
- Repeat once a week.
Notes: You can also opt for exfoliating your face with a dry facial brush. But be careful not to brush too hard, or you’ll end up with a red, irritated face.
How to Prevent Clogged Pores?
Of course, a skin problem like clogged pores is very inconvenient and embarrassing at times. But there are some things you can do to keep your pores open. Here are some helpful tips:
- The first thing you should do to keep your skin healthy is established a good cleaning routine.
- Wash your face with a cleanser at least twice a day and remove all traces of it with water.
- Remember to exfoliate but don’t overdo it.
- Don’t use heavy makeup and try not to touch your face with dirty hands.
- Don’t linger too much in areas where you’ll be exposed to pollution.
- Avoid at all cost cosmetic products which contain pore-clogging ingredients. Look for comedogenic or water-based products.
- Keep your hair away from your face.
Remember that plugged pores won’t resolve on their own. You’ll have to take measures if you want to have smooth, blemish-free skin. But it’s not difficult to clean your pores if you know what you’re doing. If standard cleaning products or natural treatments don’t work, you might want to consult a dermatologist.
What do you think about these home remedies for plugged pores? How do you clean your pores? Share your tips in the comments.
Cory Fang
A beauty professional, Cory Fang earned her two-year diploma in Beauty and Skin Care before going on to study Reflexology, Somatology, and electrical face and body treatments.She is committed to her client's well-being, and after working at a local beauty business for three years, she went into business for herself four years ago. A proponent on peels, skin needling, facials, and basic home care, she knows what it takes to keep skin and the body healthy.
