There are a number of ways to clear clogged pores, some of them better than others. The best time to clear out clogged pores is after taking a long, hot shower. The heat, water, and steam will help to soften the skin and allow the pores to open. Also, by thoroughly washing the face and hands in the shower, it is unlikely that dirt or bacteria will get into the pores in the process of clearing them.
Other ways to prepare the skin include taking a long, hot bath, sitting in a sauna for ten to 15 minutes, or steaming the face. The face can be steamed by filling a sink full of very hot water. Hold the face just a few inches from the water’s surface and place a towel over the back of the head. This will keep all of the steam in a semi-enclosed area around the face. This method can be painful for people who have back or neck problems.
Once the skin has been cleaned and steamed, it should be disinfected. This can be done by applying an astringent made with rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, or tea tree oil all over the face except for the area around the eyes and on the lips. Once this has been done, there are three products that can be used to help clear clogged pores. The options are a cleansing mask, an exfoliant, or a pore strip.
A cleansing mask helps to pull dirt and excess oil out of the pores. Usually, the mask has to dry, which may be difficult in a very steamy bathroom. Relaxing on one’s bed or couch is a great way to wait while the mask does its work. When the mask has dried, it is either peeled off of the face or washed away.
A pore strip is much like a peel-away mask except instead of being a gel or liquid, it is placed on the skin as a wet piece of paper. Pore strips clear clogged pores by adhering to the dirt and oil in the pores and pulling it out when the strip dries. These strips are usually formed to clear clogged pores in specific areas, such as the forehead, nose, and chin.
An exfoliant is a product that has a rough substance such as salt, sugar, or ground fruit pits mixed into it. When rubbed over the face with warm water, the product helps to slough off dead skin cells and clear clogged pores.