4 Tips and Tricks for Clogged Pores
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “My poor pores!” you’re not alone.
Yes, we’re talking about the approximately 20,000 tiny openings on your face that seem to collect dirt, oil, and other unappealing particles quicker than a woeful teenager inhales a pint of ice cream after a rough breakup.
And, when a face pocked with enlarged pores stares back at us in the mirror, many of us may have the urge to run to the freezer to grab a pint of ice cream ourselves. But don’t despair! There’s hope ahead—and it’s way closer than you think.
INTRODUCTION TO PORES: THE “HOLE” PICTURE
But first, let’s get to know pores more. Pores are the openings at the top of our hair follicles that actually serve a wonderful purpose. They allow sebum, our body’s natural oils, to release and keep our skin moisturized. Think of sebum as your body’s favorite moisturizer, tailor-made for you, that won’t take up space on your bathroom counter.
But now the cons. Though our body fights to keep our skin healthy, many outside factors stand ready to thwart its efforts. The enemies include acne, oil, dry skin, aging, and several environmental factors like pollutants, chemicals, and dust. And sebum, despite its best efforts, can attract said particles, resulting in a buildup that creates the agonizingly awful mess we not-so-lovingly refer to as clogged pores.
CLOGGED PORES: 4 TIPS AND TRICKS
So, you may be wondering with all this chaos: how can you possibly unclog pores so your face can…face the day? Here are four simple tips to keep pores pristine-clean and clear:
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Cleanse your face morning and night—no exceptions. Look for cleansers that contain Salicylic Acid, which does wonders for unclogging pores. Our favorite is the ageLOC® LumiSpa Acne/Blemish System. It not only features a cleanser, but also a super-smart and slick device that gets down and dirty to pump pores and deeply cleanse—and it also treats the skin. In addition to reduced pore appearance, other where-have-you-been-all-my-life benefits include instantly smoother, softer skin and several benefits that, with twice daily use, amplify over time, like visibly improved skin radiance and firmness. As an added bonus, LumiSpa is water-resistant, so you can combine your shower and skincare routines for that multitasked morning your busy life has been craving.
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Set the tone for great skin. For extra benefits, follow your cleansing routine with a toner like Nutricentials Bioadaptive Skin Care Here You Glow Exfoliating Toner, which also features Salicylic Acid, as well as other hydroxy acids for additional chemical exfoliation benefits. As if that weren’t enough, this gentle, multitasking formula also helps banish visible blackheads and blemishes, all while helping prevent new breakouts. Hallelujah!
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Mask up to maximize results. Treat yourself to a luxurious experience a few times a week by applying a mask with ingredients that give impurities taking up residence in your pores their eviction notice. Our pick? Nu Skin’s Clay Pack Deep Cleansing Masque. Featuring natural Kaolin and Bentonite clays, it draws out those impurities, dirt, and excess oils notorious for clogging pores. Plus, Clay Pack contains Aloe Vera to help soothe and nurture skin, as well as NaPCA and other heavenly humectants to keep skin hydrated and soft.
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Moisturize and Protect. Moisturizers are the super-important final step of your regimen. Look for a non-comedogenic moisturizer, which is a fancy way of saying “won’t clog pores.” Maximize benefits with a multitasking moisturizer that does double duty by hydrating and protecting skin. After all, too much sun damage can wreak havoc on collagen—and as a result, lead to sagging pores. No, thank you! Our favorites are Nutricentials Bioadaptive Skin Care Day Dream Protective moisturizers. They feature SPF 35 for broad-spectrum UV protection, but that’s not all. Their unique Blue Light and Infrared Antioxidant Blend helps prevent the damaging effects of blue light and infrared exposure, which can lead to discoloration, dullness, and premature aging. No doubt, Day Dream products are a dream. Opt for Day Dream Protective Lotion for a good lightweight moisturizer or choose Day Dream Protective Creamy for a richer formula.
