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When we say “clean face”, we first of all mean clean pores. How to get rid of sebum and impurities that clog them at home? We will answer right now.
What is pore cleansing
Among the many functions assigned by nature to the skin, there is an excretory function. In this regard, one cannot help but recall sebum – sebum, without which the skin would be dry or dehydrated, flaky, cracked. The sebaceous glands secrete sebum continuously, with the peak of its synthesis occurring in the pre-dawn 4-5 hours of the morning – the period of maximum levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood.
At the same time, the sweat glands of the skin constantly secrete sweat, even if we don’t feel like we’re sweating. And sweat contains quite a lot of impurities, including uric acid and its salts, residual nitrogen products, and creatinine. In a healthy person, the percentage of excretion of these substances through the skin is relatively low, only 5-7%, but it can increase many times with kidney diseases.
Thus, the skin “self-pollutes”, constantly releasing sebum and sweat to the surface, which can become excellent food for bacteria. Sebum is a fat that protects sweat components and bacterial flora from washing away with water. Therefore, for cleansing it is necessary to use special products – gel, foam or micellar water. You need to do this twice a day: in the morning and in the evening, even if leaving the house is not included in your plans.
If you apply a care product to poorly cleansed skin, the remaining sebum will clog the pores and provide a breeding ground for the development of bacteria, and hence inflammation. Not to mention that the cream will not be absorbed and will not bring the expected benefits.
Is the mask able to clear the pores of the face
Masks serve as an effective aid in maintaining youthful skin.
Masks are a special category of products. Due to the fact that they are applied in a dense layer (or in the form of impregnation of the fabric base), occlusion is created – as a result, the active components act purposefully and effectively. At the same time, clay-based masks also have the super ability to absorb impurities from the pores.
Due to the instant action, masks can be present in the care not only as part of a permanent regimen, but also as an SOS tool.
Rules for the use of home masks
In order for the effect to be noticeable immediately, it is necessary to properly prepare the skin for applying the mask and follow the rules for subsequent care.
Prepare
Rules of application
Start applying the mask to your still damp face. It is more convenient to do this with a cosmetic brush or spatula.
Spread the mask in a rather dense layer, moving from the center of the face to the contours.
Avoid the area around the eyes.
Do not forget about whiskey, forehead and chin.
Then sit on the couch and try to relax. Rest until the mask begins to dry.
Do not allow the mask to dry completely: this can lead to tightness of the skin.
Post-procedure care
Rinse off the mask with your hands or with a sponge. Use warm water for this. At the end, be sure to do a contrast wash. Pat your face with a clean terry towel, apply toner. Then spread a moisturizing or nourishing cream over the still damp skin.
Result after using cleansing masks
Usually, after using clay-based cleansing masks, the effect is visible immediately.
The skin looks healthy and clean.
Black dots become invisible.
The skin becomes radiant.
The pores are narrowed.
Which mask to choose: homemade or purchased
One of the favorite ingredients in homemade cleansing masks is redcurrant.
Today, masks according to the recipes of our grandmothers are regaining popularity. This is most likely due to the general fashion for the so-called “clean beauty” – in the Western beauty industry, this trend is called Clean Beauty.
Interest in the origins is normal, but one must be realistic (see table).
Homemade | Purchased | |
composition | Natural ingredients contain vitamins and minerals, but they can cause an allergic reaction or irritation. So you act at your own peril and risk. | Specialists in the laboratory have studied and repeatedly tested how safe and effective the components are combined. |
Efficiency | One can only believe in the wow effect of a mask prepared by oneself. There are no guarantees that its ingredients really have the desired properties and cannot be. | The manufacturer is responsible for the produced masks. All formulas of funds are calculated and verified, and the effectiveness is confirmed by numerous tests. |
Convenience | A mask prepared at home does not always lie on the skin the way we would like it to. Sometimes it leaks, which is extremely inconvenient. | Manufacturers care about the comfortable texture of the products, pleasant aroma and ease of use. |
Expert opinion. “Ready-made masks are tested for effectiveness. For cleansing at home, we can recommend kaolin-based masks that help cleanse pores, get rid of comedones and excess dead cells on the surface of the skin, even out the tone of the face, ”says Elena Eliseeva, Vichy brand expert.
Home recipes vs ready-made products
Oatmeal, flour, egg white, clay are often used as ingredients for cleansing masks.
Cleansing mask of cottage cheese and celery
Act: cleanses pores, evens out complexion.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp. l. cottage cheese;
1 st. l. celery.
How to prepare and use:
in a bowl, mix grated celery and cottage cheese;
cleanse the face of impurities;
apply the mask for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque, Kiehl’s
Cranberry seeds exfoliate the skin, clay helps cleanse pores, and turmeric protects against the negative effects of free radicals.
Currant and cosmetic clay cleansing mask
Act: cleanses pores, refreshes the complexion, softens the skin.
Ingredients:
½ st. l. kaolin;
mint decoction;
freshly squeezed currant juice.
How to prepare and use:
dilute the clay with currant juice;
brew mint in a glass of boiling water and let it brew;
cleanse the skin of the face;
apply the mask on the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes;
leave for 10 minutes and rinse with mint decoction.
Exfoliating face mask Énergie de Vie, Lancôme
The formula is based on soft exfoliating particles. Together with extracts of ginseng, cranberry and lemon balm, they gently cleanse and renew the skin.
Film mask with gelatin and grape juice
Act: tightens and cleanses the skin, visually narrows the pores.
Ingredients:
2 Art. l gelatin;
4 Art. l. grape juice
How to prepare and use:
mix gelatin and juice in a porcelain cup and leave until swollen;
put the cup in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds, not letting it boil;
cool the liquid and refrigerate;
wait until the consistency begins to resemble a gel;
cleanse the skin and apply the mixture on the face with a brush;
hold until solidified, and then remove the mask, like a film.
Gelatin masks can be stored for several days in a cold place in a sealed container. Before use, 2 hours before the procedure, the mask must be removed so that the mixture is at room temperature. The effect of such masks will be noticeable if the procedure is carried out regularly 1-2 times a week.
Mineral peeling mask “Double Radiance”, Vichy
Fruit acids, together with soft exfoliating particles of volcanic origin, help to purify and exfoliate the skin, restoring its radiance. The mask has a moisturizing effect due to the mannose included in the composition.
Safety measures
In order for cosmetics to be useful, some limitations must be remembered. The mask should not be done if:
there are open inflammations and irritations on the face;
acne and acne are in the acute stage.
Speaking of application homemade masks, the following points should be taken into account:
the mask cannot be made from expired products;
masks from fresh vegetables and fruits should be used immediately (it is not recommended to store them in the refrigerator for more than a day);
tightening protein and clay masks are not suitable for thin skin (there is a risk of damage).