How to clean out your pores?

[unixgirluk]

Ok yucky subject I know but my skin is looking rather congested for want of a better term (blocked pores). I cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day but still I have this problem. I put on a nice face pack on last night and my pores looked lovely and clean (sorry this is a gross subject isn't it?), and I know by tomorrow it'll be back looking like it usually does (I try and use a face pack about every 2 weeks). So can anyone tell me how I can get nice clean pores all the time?

[jinky67]

try steaming over a bowl of boiled water followed by a face scrub.Also make sure that your moisturiser isnt too heavy

[unixgirluk]

How often should I be doing this? I got a facial steamer through freecycle.

[AbbieCadabra]

i've been using micro-peel face cloths & this serum (http://www.lookgr8.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=41_32_34&products_id=43)for a couple of months now, the results are amazing!
i thought i just had open pores on my nose, now it seems they were little pale blackheads all along, ewwww! (i'm never admitting that in public, ever!)

[OrangeProse]

What sort of stuff do you eat and drink?

My OH recently gave up alcohol, and the pores on his face reduced an enormous amount. I've also found that increasing my intake of fresh green veg like brocolli, spinach (I know) or sprouts (I KNOW) makes a huge difference to the appearance of my skin.

Also make sure you're drinking loads and loads of water - especially if you work in front of a computer screen or under fluorescent lighting, or in an air-conditioned room.

[unixgirluk]

What sort of stuff do you eat and drink?

My OH recently gave up alcohol, and the pores on his face reduced an enormous amount. I've also found that increasing my intake of fresh green veg like brocolli, spinach (I know) or sprouts (I KNOW) makes a huge difference to the appearance of my skin.

Also make sure you're drinking loads and loads of water - especially if you work in front of a computer screen or under fluorescent lighting, or in an air-conditioned room.


I don't drink at all (have been on medication for over the last year). Stomach won't handle processed food (long story) so its a pretty good diet I have, HM stuff and fresh fruit and veg although I do have a little chocolate.

[ka7e]

Exfoliation works wonders! If you are using cotton wool for cleansing etc. there is very little friction - try using a rough flannel or one of the many facial cleanser pads around. Your skin will benefit from the stimulation which encourages blood flow, and sloughs off the top layer of dead skin. Use a light moisturiser afterwards.

[icklejulez]

Ive just bought some Garnier FAcial clothes in Boots. They have a side that scrubs your face with little beads to make sure nothing is left on the skin and then another side that has blackhead beating ingrediants in it.

As I have to wear heavy make up for work I get really clogged up skin on my days off. These make my skin feel so clean and soft. Ive only been using them since thursday but my skin feels good. No amazing results yet but no appearance of any spots etc.

[jw1096]

I know people recommend steaming but dont do it! It will open up your pores and allow much more dirt become trapped - leading to breakouts of epic proportions! I know - I did this! My mum did too and she seems to have enlarged pores as a result of steaming her face a lot when younger.

The best thing you can do is drink a heck of a lot of water, have a very good diet, some exercise, and a good regular cleansing routing - if you are finding problems then you might need to change some of your products. Try to avoid things that are too harsh and exfoliate often. Dont mositurise your nose either!

Sorry I cant be of more help!

[the devil made me do it]

sorry to kinda hijack this, but on the subject of open pores.. how do you close them?

I don't particularly suffer skin problems like the ones disscussed, but I do have a lot of open pores. I also cleans , tone and moisturise, but dosen't do anything to close the pores.

[SmileyHappyBeing]

Sorry to say but you cant , you may be able to reduce them slightly but you wont be able to close them :( Sorry to be the bearer of bad news..
You can buy creams though that fill them and smooth your skin surface out that you can use before applying foundation ...

HTH

[the devil made me do it]

I don't use foundation, but if you could recommend some creams I'd appreciate that.

[MrsTine]

I think generally if you "open" your pores and cleanse etc then closing your pores with ice cold water and toner helps tighten your pores afterwards :D

[SmileyHappyBeing]

I don't use foundation, but if you could recommend some creams I'd appreciate that.

This is a review for the Rimmel one,

<LI class=Colour2>Rimmel's new skin primer


A Kate Moss favourite, Rimmel is offering up yet another innovative skin fixer to help us in the struggle to emulate the supermodel's annoyingly gorgeous face. Rimmel Recover Perfect Skin Primer in Bright, Glow or Calm, £4.99, is a brand new gel-based product you can smooth on alone or under your foundation to perfect your skin. It shrinks pores, blurs imperfections and mattifies oily patches. Now, where can we get ourselves a wayward, rock star boyfriend to match?!


Just pop in to boots and ask someone on the make-up counters, or if you dont want to spend as much just ask them for there help with make up thats not on the counters.. Il have a nose for some more, and post them if i get time ..

[Valentina2]

The devil made me do it - I would recommend that you try Clinique Pore minimizer instant perfector to minimise the look of open pores. I swear by it. It is expensive but i use it most days and the tube has lasted me for a year now. Try some next time you pass a Clinique counter.

[the devil made me do it]

Thanks, I'll check out both options. Not too bothered about the price to be honest.

[chika]

To really keep your pores clean you need to open them by steaming them. You only need to steam once a week. I have a mega pampering session with the footbath and face steamer. When your pores are open cleanse your skin and apply a clay face mask. The clay is fantastic at drawing the dirt out of the pores. Any old clay mask will do but I think the body shop, boots and montagne jeunesse (sp) do the best ones.

Then wash of the mask in hot water. Tone your skin using a mild astringent. Toner is very important as it is what ensures your pores are fully closed after cleansing.