Pore Cleansing Must Haves!

I’ve been meaning to do a post on this for a while but somehow never realty got around to it. On average, I clean my pores twice a week. If my skin is a bit oiler or I see more build up than usual, I’ll clean it three to four times a week. My nose area is constantly struggling with white heads. Cleaning it one day will result in build-up a few days later. I simply routinely cleanse the area to prevent my pores from being enlarged. It’s also good to remove any substances that are blocking your pores before it develops into a pimple.

What you will need:

• A good magnifying mirror, preferably one with the extremely unflattering light to amplifies all the skin issues.
• A professional pimple-popping tool. I use the one from Sephora (complexion extractor).
• Cotton buds & tissues.
• Some rubbing alcohol or whichever fluid sanitary product you like to applied onto popped pimples.
• Overnight breakout recovering cream of your choice.
• Pore opening product.
• Patience.

A professional pimple-popping tool will prevent scares from forming and properly cleanse your pores. The metals loops can squeeze out impurities from deep within the pore which regular finger squeezing won’t be able to achieve. Lastly, it’s a much cleaner method that prevents contamination. However, I would not advice people with delicate skin that’s sensitive to scarring to do this. It’s best to consult a dermatologist.

Usually these kind of tools come with two standard loops – a small thin loop and a large thick one. The smaller loop is best for white heads, black heads and small pimples. The target should fit nicely within the loop. Once you have centered the target within the loop, press downwards and continue to exert the pressure as you sweep the loop towards one direction. Repeat in a different direction if you feel there are more impurities. If there is a larger pimple that appears to be ready for extraction, you can place the larger loop gently over it and center the head of the pimple with the loop. Press downwards to exert an even pressure onto the area and the pimple should pop immediately. There shouldn’t be any sweeping motion. If the pimple does not pop easily, you should leave it alone.

For those of you are who quite experienced with pore cleansing is familiar with your skin conditions, you could attempt to use the pointed needle that sometimes comes in the kit to help with popping pimples. Please note, this is not for beginners.

Step 1. Open your pores.

I usually do this after a steamy shower. You can use a hot towel, steamer, Shu Uemura Deep Cleaning Oil or Origins Charcoal Mask to achieve a similar effect.

Step 2. Get to it!

Make sure your hands, tools and face are all extremely clean. Place you magnifying mirror somewhere convenient and start cleaning your pores with the professional tool. Wipe away anything you managed to extract with tissues and cotton buds.

Step 3: Sanitize.

This is essential and almost guarantees a proper cleanse if done thoroughly. Using a cotton bud, apply the sanitation fluid of you choice onto the areas that you’ve cleansed before the pores close up. A liquid formula will likely seep into the pores more effectively than creams.

Step 4: Moisturize & heal.

I always like to follow with a good toner and a light moisturizer. If you just popped any large pimples, I would suggest to apply some sort of overnight healing cream to facilitate the process and prevent any festering in the same pore.