Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 7: Clean your pores with a clay mask
• Method 2 of 7: Using steam to clean your pores
• Method 3 of 7: Wash your face with parsley
• Method 4 of 7: Make a baking soda paste
• Method 5 of 7: See a dermatologist
• Method 6 of 7: Come up with a daily facial care routine
• Method 7 of 7: Eat well and exercise

If you have blackheads and acne, you may have heard that you need to open your pores to clean them. Experts agree that you can't actually open your pores because they stay the same size. However, there are several ways you can thoroughly clean your pores. This can make your pores appear smaller, even though they are actually still the same size. You can also keep your pores clean by eating well and exercising.

To step

Method 1 of 7: Clean your pores with a clay mask

1. Wash your face. To prepare your face for the clay mask, wash it with warm water and pat it dry.
   • Make sure the water is warm and not hot.
2. Apply the clay mask. Using your fingertips or a fan brush, spread a thin layer of clay mask onto your face. Make sweeping movements. Don't get near your eyes and mouth. A clay mask pulls the dirt and oil from your pores.
   • A clay mask is best for people with oily skin that is not sensitive. Such a mask can be too strong for sensitive skin.
3. Wait for the mask to dry. Do not let the mask dry completely. It should change color and look lighter, but still feel tacky. If you let the mask dry completely, it will pull the moisture out of your skin.
   • If you can wipe the clay mask off when you touch it, it is still too wet.
4. Rinse the mask off your face. Soften the clay with water. Scrub your face with a washcloth, making sure to remove any residue from the mask.
5. Use a moisturizer after the mask. Lightly apply an oil-free moisturizer after you dry your face.
   • You can use a clay mask 2-3 times a week, depending on how your skin reacts to it.

Method 2 of 7: Using steam to clean your pores

1. Wet a washcloth with hot water. Run the hot tap until the water is hot. Soak the washcloth with the hot water.
2. Wring out the excess water. The washcloth doesn't have to be soaked.
3. Hold the washcloth to your face. Hold the warm washcloth against your face to steam clean your pores. The steam helps to loosen the dirt, makeup residue and other particles in your pores.
4. Repeat the process. When the washcloth has cooled down, make it warm again with hot water. Hold it to your face again and do this a total of three or four times.
5. Wash your face. Wash your face thoroughly but gently with a foaming facial cleanser to remove the dirt and oil that you steamed from your pores.
   • It is essential to wash your face after steaming. Steaming loosens hardened dirt and grease in your pores, but your facial cleanser removes that grime and grease from your face. If you skip this step, steaming will not help.

Method 3 of 7: Wash your face with parsley

1. Wash a handful of fresh parsley. You can leave the stems on, but make sure to rinse off all the dirt.
   • Parsley has an astringent effect and can help clear your pores.
2. Pour boiling water over the parsley. Let the water cool with the parsley still in it.
3. Soak a washcloth in the mixture. Soak a washcloth in the cold water and squeeze the excess water out of the washcloth.
4. Wash your face. Gently wash your face with a foaming cleanser to prepare it for the parsley. If you are using facial lotion, do not apply it until after washing your face with parsley.
5. Hold the washcloth to your face. Leave the washcloth on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.
   • You can use this astringent on a daily basis.

Method 4 of 7: Make a baking soda paste

1. Mix one part water with two parts baking soda. You will now get a thick paste.
2. Gently exfoliate your face with the mixture. Rub the mixture into your face with your hands, making circular movements.
3. Let the mixture soak in. Leave the paste on your face for about 5 minutes.
4. Rinse the mixture off your face. Wash your face with water to rinse away the paste.
   • Do this once a week. It helps to exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells that can clog your pores.

Method 5 of 7: See a dermatologist

1. See a dermatologist. Ask him or her what treatments you can undergo.
2. Get informed about the different treatments. Choose a treatment.
   • You can ask for an exfoliator such as a retinoic acid gel. An exfoliator removes the dead skin cells that clog your pores. Choose this treatment especially if your skin looks pale, as dead skin cells may have accumulated on your face.
   • You can also have an acid peel like glycolic or salicylic acid to exfoliate your skin. You have to undergo such a treatment several times to get a visible result.Also choose this treatment if there is a layer of dead skin cells on your face.
   • Another option is a treatment with light or lasers, such as an IPL treatment or a treatment with LED lamps. These treatments ensure that your skin produces more collagen and that your pores are less noticeable. You can combine this treatment with an acid peel.
3. Choose the treatment that best suits your budget. Keep in mind that these treatments can be expensive and can cost anywhere from a hundred to several hundred euros.

Method 6 of 7: Come up with a daily facial care routine

1. Get your makeup off your face. When you get home after a long day, take the time to take your makeup off your face. If you don't let your skin breathe at the end of your day, your pores can get clogged.
   • Try using makeup wipes.
2. Wash your face at least once a day. Over time, dirt and oil can build up on your face, clogging your pores.
   • Try washing your face twice. With the second wash, massage the cleanser really well into your face before rinsing your skin. This is how you wash your face thoroughly.
3. Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week. It is important to exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells and to unclog your pores. Try a baking soda scrub.
   • If you have dry skin, opt for a mild chemical exfoliator or a light facial scrub. Apply a mild facial lotion immediately after exfoliating. The lotion will penetrate the skin faster by exfoliating.
   • If you have oily skin and acne easily, don't use harsh, harsh exfoliants. Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants that contain alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and salicylic acids.
   • If you have sensitive skin, use a cleanser or toner with lots of plant enzymes twice a week. Do not use harsh exfoliants.
4. Use a mask once or twice a week. By taking care of your face with a mask a few days a week, you will keep a radiant complexion and your pores will not become clogged.
   • If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a hydrating mask. Clay masks and charcoal masks are very good if you have oily skin and acne easily.
5. Buy a spinning face brush. Such a brush can thoroughly cleanse your face, keeping your pores clean.
6. Do not use oil-based products. Do not use lotions that contain oil and waterproof make-up, which is also oil-based. These products clog your pores.

Method 7 of 7: Eat well and exercise

1. Eat good. What you put into your body affects how you look, and your skin is no exception. To get cleaner pores, ensure a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. Try to eat at least 5 servings a day. Your skin will thank you for the great amount of antioxidants. Do not eat foods with simple sugars such as white bread, pasta and rice, as these can cause inflammation. Instead, opt for whole grain products.
   • Healthy fats, such as those in avocados, nuts, seeds and fish, are also good for your skin.
   • To get healthier skin, eat more pure, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, yogurt, eggs and multigrain bread.
2. Drink lots of water. Moisture helps your skin to stay healthy and supple. Try to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. It's easier to drink enough water if you have a water bottle with you that you can refill at all times.
   • Try to minimize alcoholic and caffeinated drinks.
   • If you are tired of just drinking water, prepare water with fruit in it or drink caffeine-free herbal tea.
3. Exercise regularly. It may seem contradictory, but a good sweat can make your skin healthier. Exercise improves blood circulation, so that oxygen and nutrients are transported to your skin cells and waste products are removed.
   • Make sure to use sunscreen to protect your skin when you exercise outside.
   • Do not wear makeup while exercising, as it can clog your pores. To keep your pores clean, wash your face before exercise and shower immediately after exercise.