Skin Issues: Clogged Pores

Dear Readers,

Over the last few weeks, I have been busy as hell, and my new restless routine has taken its toll on my poor skin. Generally speaking, my skin and I have a pretty good relationship, excluding those phases in Winter where it gets really dehydrated and it makes me sad. But, as I said already, as of late, my skin wasn't looking very great so I had to take action. Like a boss.

What was bothering me most about my skin were clogged pores. I dreaded looking at the mirror every day knowing that I would see those little stupid things on my face. I've never suffered from this problem before, so I was unsure how to deal with this unprecedented issue. Therefore, I contacted a professional for advice. I spoke to my cousin Donna, who you might remember from my latest Style ID post, since she runs the very lush Apollo Day Spa at Corinthia San Gorg (Visit their site here!). So, since I'm very helpful (and humble of course) I'm sharing the tips she gave me about today's featured issue, namely clogged pores.

let's imagine this is me in front of my mirror

What do clogged pores look like?

'They look like blackheads,' she told me. They're like all sorts of little bumps on your skin basically.

What causes this problem?

People tend to get clogged pores when they 'don't use the right products' as well as when they don't 'exfoliate and clean their face well enough'. In a few words, when your face is full of dirt, oil and a myriad of other minuscule, yet still gross, stuff, your pores get clogged. Very much like a toilet. Okay, that was slightly disgusting...

Are clogged pores a common problem?

'Yes they are especially if you don't clean your face twice a day and if you lead an unhealthy lifestyle'. Ouch.

Does this problem affect certain skin types more than others?

Donna told me that it's more common for people who have oily skin or combination skin types.

How can you prevent / remove clogged pores?

Apparently, both preventing and getting rid of clogged pores requires the same work. Donna recommends washing your face twice daily, remove make-up well, exfoliating (ie. use a scrub) and applying a mask once a week. She also suggested getting a facial done regularly.

Does steaming help?

You've probably heard about this home-made method: getting a bowl of hot water, putting a towel over your head, lowering your face towards the bowl and letting the steam open your pores for a few minutes. Well, apparently it works, but according to Donna, 'it's not enough'. On my part, I've seen a considerable improvement ever since I started steaming twice a week. I usually follow these 15 minute sessions with some exfoliation and a little mask. This reminds me I need to write about my skin routine!

STEAM!

Donna also told me that there are plenty of good products on the market at different prices. It depends on how much you want to spend!

I hope this post was useful for all those who are battling this bitch of a problem like myself. I intend to win, as always! :)

-B

p.s. leave any comments / questions for Donna (on clogged pores or other skin problems) below and I will forward them to her. I promise! xx