Three Surprising Ways To Win The War On Clogged Pores
Now that winter is poised to begin in earnest in most parts of the country, consumers are stocking up on skin care products designed to keep skin hydrated in the cold, dry air characteristic of the season. However, keeping skin moisturized is just one factor of maintaining an attractive, healthy complexion when external elements create drying conditions. Following are three strategies designed to help you win the war on clogged pores.
Personal Facial Steamers
One of the best way to keep facial pores clear is to steam them on a regular basis. You can accomplish this by boiling water in a saucepan and holding your face over the steam it generates, but this can result in burned skin if you're not extremely careful. Facial steaming devices are available from health and beauty supply retailers that you can program to meet your individual needs and preferences. Adding a pinch or two of fresh rosemary or lavender to the water creates a heavenly aroma as well as help open up your pores. As an added benefit, they'll help relieve stuffed up sinuses. Most people find that thoroughly steaming their facial skin once a week is sufficient.
Basic Clay Mask
Clay has been used as a beauty aid ever since prehistoric times -- for good reason. Clay tends to have abundant amounts of magnesium, which attracts water to the skin as well as aids in its retention. Magnesium also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate puffy skin.
Cleansing Products Fruit Enzymes
It's tempting to reach for harsh cleansers that offer optimal exfoliation when combating clogged pores, but this option often irritates sensitive skin, particularly if it's already been dried out by winter weather conditions. Cleansing products containing fruit enzymes provide exfoliation without further drying out the skin. Many different types of fruit enzymes exist, but the most common kinds found in cleansers designed to exfoliate include blueberry, papaya, and pineapple.
Water Softeners
All of the above strategies may be in vain if you're washing your face with hard water. The minerals in hard water often form a film on the skin that can result in irritation as well as clogged pores. Although cleansers exist that are designed to help counter-effect this, they generally contain such high levels of detergent that they're just as damaging to the skin as hard water. Fortunately, you can bypass this problem by having a home water softening system installed in your home. Used water softeners are an excellent alternative for those on a budget.
Don't hesitate to contact your local water softener retailer, like Water-Pro, for more information.