woman holding faceUnderstanding why clogged pores occur in the first place is a great way to be able to deal with them effectively. Skin pores are one of the body’s mechanisms used to maintain a hygienic environment. Below the skin’s surface are oil-secreting glands known as the sebaceous glands.

The oil secreted by these glands is known as sebum, and it has a tendency to dead cells on the skin, thus giving way to the creation of new skin cells. When there is an accumulation of cells in the pores, they become clogged. The reason for this is that the sebaceous glands continue to secrete the oil, yet there is no release mechanism. The clogged pores cause an infection, which is commonly referred to as a pimple.

This is just one of the causes of clogged pores: other external causes of the condition include excessive makeup, hormonal changes as well as environmental pollution. All these factors contribute to the excessive secretion of oil on the skin, leading to clogged pores. When one gets recurrent pimples, the continual blockage of pores causes them to enlarge which makes individuals more susceptible to blockage.

For those who have experienced clogged pores, one of the most recurrent challenges is that of a low self esteem. Since clogged pores often occur on the face, it is easy to see why this condition has the capacity to alter one’s self-image. The good news is that there are a number of natural remedies that you can use to deal with clogged pores. Note that even with these remedies, it is not sufficient to clean the skin as this only gets rid of the superficial dirt. These remedies are able to penetrate into the skin’s pores and avert the build up of sebum fluid and dead skin cells.

1. Facial Steaming:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Boiling water, pan, bowl, clean towel or washcloth, skin toner, and/or moisturizer.
Difficulty:  Moderate (due to the risk of scalding, this method should not be used for young kids and the elderly).

 

Facial steaming is both affordable and effective in getting rid of clogged pores. The steam loosens the pores and allows the build up of dirt and oil to drain away. This works perfectly well, and has absolutely no side effects. Owing to the nature of the remedy however, you need to exercise caution to avoid scalding. In the same regard, it is extremely important that you do not splash the water on your face, no matter how terrible the clogged pores are.

Directions:

  1. Fill the pan with water and heat it to get the boiling water.
  2. Once the water is boiled, transfer it to a bowl.
  3. Cover your head with the washcloth and bend over the bowl containing the boiling water.
  4. Let the steam soak in for about 10 minutes.
  5. Dab your face with a clean towel and apply facial toner or moisturizer. The two work in synergy to maintain the skin’s optimal pH as well as ensure that the skin stays hydrated. This remedy can be used once daily, but facial steaming thrice a week works just fine for those who are time-strapped.

 

2. Honey:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Half a cup of raw honey and warm water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Honey is an excellent natural remedy for many different conditions, and its versatility makes it a must-have in the home. Raw honey not only ensures that the skin is moisturized, it also works excellently to decrease the amount of oil produced on the skin (this is one of the reasons it is used in skin care products). Additionally, it helps tighten the pores on the skin, leading to less build-up of materials in the pores.

Directions:

  1. Dab some of the honey on the palms of your hands and apply it on the affected skin. Let it stay for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. Use this remedy twice daily for best results.

 

3. Baking Soda:

Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: Two tablespoons of baking soda, a tablespoon of water, warm water to rinse, and a tablespoon of honey (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Baking soda is one of the most popular remedies for clogged pores. This is because it is an effective skin exfoliator. Its mode of action revolves around the removal of dead skin cells and debris found on the skin. Dead skin cells and debris are one of the causative agents of clogged pores. By eliminating the two, you are then able to deal with this condition. What’s more, the baking soda helps improve the skin’s glow by maintaining the right pH.

Directions:

  1. Prepare your own skin exfoliating agent by combining the water and the baking soda to create a smooth paste.
  2. Massage your skin with this paste in gentle circular motions for a couple of minutes before allowing it to stay on for 5 minutes.
  3. Use warm water to rinse the paste and pat your face dry before applying facial moisturizer.
  4. The other option of using baking soda revolves around mixing the baking soda with honey (whose benefits have been mentioned above). Mix the two ingredients evenly and apply the paste on your face. Let it stay on your face for a couple of minutes and rinse with warm water. Use this remedy thrice weekly for effective results against clogged pores.

 

4. Granular Sugar:

Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: Granular sugar, half cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, a teaspoon of water, and warm water to rinse
Difficulty: Easy

 

Sugar, just like baking soda, is an excellent exfoliating agent. When scrubbed on the affected skin, it not only removes the dead skin cells, it also eliminates dirt trapped in the clogged pores. Sugar as a natural remedy is also effective in releasing scar tissue that often leaves unsightly marks on the skin. The addition of lemon juice compliments the exfoliation process thanks to the presence of citric acid.

Directions:

  1. Mix two tablespoons of granular sugar with the freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a paste.
  2. Add some water to make the paste smooth and consistent before massaging the affected part of the skin with it.
  3. Do this in gentle circular motions for about 5 minutes to make sure that exfoliation is thorough and to clean out the pores.
  4. Rinse the affected area using warm water before applying the correct moisturizer for your skin. Repeat this procedure twice weekly until you notice an improvement in your skin’s condition.

 

5. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: One small-sized lemon, warm water to rinse, and a ball of cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy

 

For clean pores and clear skin, make sure you stock your pantry with fresh lemons. The citric acid present in the lemon fruits helps with skin exfoliation. It also gets rid of dirt on the skin surface, while clearing any residual oil accumulated in the pores. If you cannot get lemon fruit, you can always substitute with other citrus fruits for the same reasons.

Directions:

  1. Clean the lemon under running water and chop it into half.
  2. Rub the cut lemon on the affected skin for about 5 minutes, before rinsing using warm water and drying the skin.
  3. You will then apply moisturizing lotion to keep the skin soft and supple.
  4. Alternatively, squeeze the juice from the cut lemon. Using the ball of cotton wool, soak in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply on the affected skin. Allow the juice to stay on the skin for a couple of minutes before rinsing with warm water.

 

6. Parsley Soak:

Time Required: 1 Hr (45 Min for preparation, 15 Min for the remedy’s use).
What You Need: Fresh parsley, a bowl of boiling water, a clean washcloth, and warm water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Parsley does not just make for excellent garnish; it is actually beneficial for clogged pores. The fresh herb has astringent properties that not only tone and tighten the skin, but also get rid of toxins on the skin. This effectively clears out the build up of debris in the pores, making it an ideal home treatment. Harness parsley’s de-congesting properties using the simple directions below.

Directions:

  1. Sort the fresh parsley and wash it under running water.
  2. Place the parsley in the bowl containing boiling water and allow the herb to soak until the water cools down. This is done to allow the herb’s active ingredients to be drawn out into the water.
  3. Drain the water and discard the soaked parsley.
  4. Soak the washcloth in the water you have just drained before placing it on the affected skin.
  5. Let the soaked washcloth remain on the skin for about 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Use this remedy once daily for improved skin glow, and say goodbye to clogged pores.

 

7. Fuller’s Earth:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: A tablespoon of fuller’s earth, equivalent amounts of oatmeal and water, warm water to rinse, and a skin moisturizer.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Fuller’s earth, also known as clay mask, is a superb home treatment for clogged pores. This is because its mode of action helps eliminate the accumulation of dirt and debris in the blocked pores. It behaves in the same way a sponge would effectively absorb dirt on the skin.If you have oily skin, this remedy works wonders for you. It decreases the amount of oil secreted on the skin, maintaining your skin’s glow. The addition of oatmeal compliments Fuller’s Earth’s functionality by drawing out toxins from the clogged pores.

Directions:

  1. Mix a tablespoon of the three ingredients : fuller’s earth, oatmeal and water.
  2. Use the spongy-like substance to massage the affected area of the skin, and allow it to sit on the skin for 15 minutes.
  3. Wipe off the substance from the skin and rinse with warm water. Follow this up with the application of skin moisturizer to maintain hydrated skin.use this remedy twice weekly for improved pores. Regular use of Fuller’s Earth has the capacity to prevent the blockage of skin pores.

 

8. Egg Whites:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Egg white from 2 fresh eggs, a tablespoon of raw honey (optional), a ball of cotton wool, and warm water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Egg white has excellent astringent properties that help to tighten the skin’s pores. This explains why egg whites are a prominent ingredient in skin care products. In addition to these properties, egg white also ensures that the skin remains hydrated. Individuals with oily skin benefit greatly from this home remedy. The addition of honey compliments the role of the egg whites, and the combination ensures that your skin’s pres breathe freely.

Directions: 

  1. Clean your face using your normal skin routine.
  2. Take the egg white and whip it in a bowl.
  3. Add some honey and whip some more to get even mixing.
  4. Soak some cotton wool in the egg white-honey mixture and dab it on the affected skin.
  5. Let the mixture dry on the skin for about 15 minutes.
  6. When the applied mixture is dry and flaky, wash off with warm water severally. Dry the skin and apply skin moisturizer. Repeat this remedy twice weekly for best results.

 

Other natural home remedies for clogged pores include hemp seed oil which is a natural skin cleanser that helps counter the natural production of sebum and jojoba oil which helps control the excessive production of sebum. If the clogged pores persist for a long time even with the use of natural remedies, you may need to book an appointment with your dermatologist to eliminate the risk of an underlying skin condition. In addition, these home remedies ought to be accompanied by proper skin hygiene including practices such as regular deep skin cleansing and exfoliation..

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