There are tiny little openings all over your skin. Called pores, these openings allow small particles into and out of the skin. These little openings contain hair follicles and interact with important glands in the skin as well. Pores are essential to the skin’s health and function.

However, pores can be problematic. Able to be dirty or clogged, pores contribute to acne, skin irritation, and even skin oiliness when problems arise in them. That’s why it is so important for the pores to be cleaned effectively, especially on the face.

Unfortunately, even the best facial cleanser is not always sufficient for the job at hand. Sometimes, you need to try more intense and even strange methods to get your pores thoroughly cleaned. Try these options:

1. At Home Exfoliation

One of the reasons that pores get dirty and clogged is because the skin naturally encounters impurities in the environment through a person's daily living. Additionally, the skin sheds dead skin cells on a daily basis. These dead cells do not always just fall off the skin. Often, they cling, get stuck, or hang out in or near pores. Between impurities and dead skin cells, the skin has a lot potentially blocking off those pores.

The process of exfoliation is important for counteracting these potential issues. Best performed about once a week, exfoliation involves scrubbing the skin to remove dead skin cells and dirt particles that are not coming off easily on their own or through basic washing. To exfoliate, make a cream or paste out of ingredients including coffee, sugar, salt, lemon, and honey. These ingredients will gently rub against the skin, working off dirt and dead skin cells.

2. Homemade Facial Peels

Sticky homemade peels can also be used to adhere to impurities in pores. As you pull the peel off of your skin, impurities will be pulled off the skin and out of the pores as well. Make peels out of ingredient combinations like sugar and yogurt or baking soda and water.

Be sure to allow the peel time to set on the face before it is removed. When removing the facial peel, take it off all at once if possible. This prevents the peel from accidentally spreading instead of removing impurities.

3. Astringent Toners

Used to tighten pores so that they are not as easily clogged, toners help the skin to have a smooth, tight appearance. Toner for face pores is the most commonly used. You can make your own toner using apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, or grapefruit seed oil.

4. Concentrated and Enhanced Steaming

When you steam your skin, your pores open up. This makes it easier to clean out your pores thoroughly. To steam effectively, create a source of steam that you can get up close to. For instance, fill a bowl with extremely hot, steaming water. Place a towel over your head and hover over the bowl. This will concentrate the steam on your face.

For an extra enhanced steaming, add oils or herbs to the water. Lavender in steaming water, for instance, creates a soothing scent. The calming aroma helps you to relax, which means your skin relaxes too. This helps in the facial cleansing process.

5. Simple Pastes

A paste is unique in the skin care process because it has a multi-pronged approach. Paste are applied to the skin first to loosen up any dirt and impurities in the pores. As the paste sits on the face, nutrients in it are absorbed by the skin to moisturize and clean. When the paste hardens, the skin is softened. Finally, as the paste is removed, impurities and dirt are too. The pores and skin are left cleaner, softer, and healthier.

There are many ways to make simple pastes at home. Popular recipes include:

•    Avocado and yogurt
•    Egg white and orange juice
•    Honey and lemon
•    Brown sugar and coconut oil
•    Buttermilk and oatmeal

To best enjoy your homemade paste, lay back while it dries and hardens. Relax, listen to music, or find another way to rest. Pastes can be very calming and need time to set, so use that time to take care of your whole self, not just your skin.

Also, always cleanse the face thoroughly after using a facial paste. Rinsing well ensures that the impurities the paste pulled up out of the pores are completely washed away after the paste is removed.

6. DIY Facials

Each of these methods for cleaning your pores is highly effective. Combining them all is even more powerful. In a DIY facial, you use a combination of methods, like washing your face, steaming it, and then applying a peel or paste. These combined methods deep-clean the skin on your face as well as your pores.

References:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/skin-toner1.htm

http://www.missnicselegantedge.com/home/2016/5/19/7-spa-level-facia...