Unclogging Facial Pores

Women, like me, who have oily or combination skin tend to have larger more pronounced pores. Our glands produce oil naturally to protect the hair follicles and prevent hair from becoming brittle and breaking off. If too much oil is produced, pores can easily be clogged by make up and daily grime from our environment.

Additional attention needs to be given to women with oily or combination skin to reduce the probability of acne due to clogged pores. Below is a list of good skin care practices to aid in reducing the amount of clogged pores produced due to excess oil.

• Be sure to cleanse at least twice per day with a cleanser suitable for your skin type.
• Use a toner twice daily to remove any left over debris in the pores. Moisturize.
• Twice a week use a clay based mask to pull excess oil from the skin.
• Once or twice each week treat yourself to a steam facial to clean pores completely. For normal skin type use mandarin or lavender essential oil. Oily skin is a bit more tricky and requires oils that will not add more oil; lemon or eucalyptus oils are very suitable for this purpose. Dry skin can be cleansed with a facial steam by adding rose or chamomile essential oil.

Every woman enjoys being pampered at the spa. Why hot replicate a spa experience at home? A simple steam facial can be created by pouring boiling water into a large bowl, allow to cool a bit. Add essential oils and place face over the bowl. Create a steam tent by placing a towel over the head to hold steam in. Stay under the steam tent for 10-15 minutes. Pat skin dry. Below are a few hints and additives to aid unclogging pores:

• Peppermint Rosemary Facial – 1 gallon boiling water, 4 drops of peppermint essential oil, 4 drops of rosemary essential oil. Peppermint is a natural emollient with soothing qualities. It is also a natural antiseptic. Rosemary is a natural muscle relaxant.
• Lavender Cleanser for Clogged Pores – 1 gallon of boiling water, 6 drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender is a natural muscle relaxant, soothing agent, conditioner and astringent.
• Tea Tree Oil Facial Steam – 1 gallon boiling water, 4-5 drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a potent antiseptic, it prevents and heals infections, tea tree oil is ideal for oily, acne prone skin.

Steam will open the pores and naturally extract any debris clogging the pores. Do not plan a steam facial the day prior to a major event as it may cause redness and a potential breakout as the toxins are released from the pores. It is imperative to close the pores by splashing cold water or using an astringent toner. Finish with a light moisturizer.