5 Simple And Easy Home Remedies For Clogged Pores
The surface of the skin has pores to allow the skin to breathe. However, these pores tend to become clogged with accumulation of dirt, sebum and dead skin cells. Clogging of pores can occur on any part of the body.
When the accumulated dirt in the pores comes in contact with the oxygen in the air it gets oxidized turning black in color. This is called a blackhead. They are not only unsightly and embarrassing but can also lead to formation of pimples. It is best to clean the clogged pores before they turn into full fledged acne or pimples. Getting rid of acne and pimples is far tougher than cleaning the pores.
Clogged pores in normally a problem in people with oily skin because of the over-production of sebum. However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. People with other skin types can also get clogged pores. Clogged pores can be easily treated at home using natural and herbal remedies. If all else fails you can always check into a beauty salon for a facial to get rid of blackheads and clean your pores.
Five Natural Ways to Treat Clogged Pores at Home
1. Honey and Oatmeal Face Mask for Clogged Pores
Take two teaspoons of coarsely powdered oatmeal and add one teaspoon of honey to it. Add a little rosewater or plain water if the resulting paste is too thick. People with oily skin can add a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mixture. Apply this paste on your face and other areas where you may have blackheads. Let the paste dry for 10 minutes.
Now wet your hands and gently massage the face to remove the mask. Massage in light, circular motions. The coarseness of oatmeal will exfoliate the skin pores and remove blackheads easily. Honey has astringent properties which will stop the skin from getting irritated as a result of scrubbing. You will have smooth, shiny and clear skin in no time. Use the mask once a week to keep the pores clean.
2. Baking Soda Scrub to Treat Clogged Pores
Strange as it may sound, baking soda is your solution to many skin problems including clogged pores. This baking ingredient is readily available in all kitchen shelves. Preparing a baking soda scrub to clean clogged pores does not require much effort. Make a paste of two teaspoons baking soda and lukewarm water. If you have sensitive skin add half a teaspoon honey to the paste. Apply a thin layer of this paste evenly on all parts affected with clogged pores. Leave for 5 minutes.
Now wet your hands and start scrubbing your face in order to exfoliate. Don’t be harsh as you might injure your skin. Move your hands in slow and gentle movements to give proper exfoliation. Stop once your skin starts tingling and wash off with cold water. You can do exfoliation with baking soda every alternate day to keep your skin pores clean at all times. If you have dry skin then apply a thin layer of fresh cream after every exfoliation. Wipe off the cream with a dry cotton ball or a soft facial tissue after 10 minutes.
3. Fuller’s Earth Mask to Treat Clogged Pores
Take a tablespoon of fuller’s earth and mix it with rosewater to get a paste of spreadable consistency. Apply the paste on the areas affected with clogged pores. Leave on till the paste dries. As the paste dries the minerals present in the fuller’s earth will deeply penetrate the skin pores to draw out all the impurities. Once the mask dries wash off with cold water.
Dry your face and apply a witch-hazel based astringent to close the opened pores. The astringent will close the pores and thus help avoid attracting dirt in the air. Use fuller’s earth face mask twice a week to keep blackheads and pimples at bay. This mask is also excellent for treating acne and pimples.
4. Tea Tree Essential Oil to Treat Clogged Pores
Tea tree essential oil has excellent anti-bacterial properties which help keep the skin free from acne and pimples causing bacteria. Tea tree is an essential oil that should never be used in its pure form. Always mix any essential oil with carrier oil before use. Take five drops of tea tree essential oil and mix them with a teaspoon of olive oil. If you don’t have olive oil then use coconut oil. Mix the two oils well and apply on the clogged pores. Leave for 20 minutes and then wash off with cold water and medicated soap.
Apply an astringent if you have oily skin or coco butter lotion if you have dry skin. Tea tree oil will extract the accumulated sebum, dead skin cells, dirt and grime from the pores making them clean and clear. The skin will appear shiny, smooth and glowing. Use the treatment every day before going to bed at night. You will never face the problem of clogged pores ever.
5. Steam Facial to Treat Clogged Pores
Steaming is recommended in cases where skin has too many blackheads and whiteheads. Steaming is the best process to extract these without causing pain. Take a medium sized basin or utensil. Add boiling hot water to this. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the water if you wish to.
Take a clean towel and cover your head with it. Lower your head to the basin with boiling water and take the basin inside the towel over your head. Remain in the position for two minutes and then raise yourself for a few seconds. Again lower your face and take steam for a few minutes. Repeat this till you feel comfortable.
Now take one teaspoon of baking soda and rub it on your face which is wet due to steam. Massage the skin gently to extract blackheads. Exfoliate for five minutes to ensure the pores are cleaned completely. Now wash your face with cold water or apply a cold compress to close the opened pores. If you have oily skin apply lemon based astringent and if you have dry skin then use Vitamin E cream on the skin.
