Keeping Pores Clean

I am frequently asked by actors and actresses what they can do to keep their pores clean when they have to wear heavy make-up while filming in 100 degree weather...

Keeping skin looking fresh requires a good skincare regimen. To keep pores clean and skin smooth, I recommend using a facial scrub 2 - 3 times a week. Look for exfoliants that contain very fine abrasive particles, such as date seed poweder or jojoba esters. I also recommend using a clay-based mask a few times a week to tighten pores and firm skin, but not on the same day you exfoliate. Doing both on the same day may cause overdrying.

And, like anything, preparation is key:

Before applying make-up, wash your face with a facial cleanser that fits your skin type.

Next, apply an astringent or toner with a cotton pad. A good toner will help refine pores while gently exfoliating dull skin.This helps prepare your skin for moisturizer.  Again, you need to use a toner that matches your skin type, but I suggest not using one that contains alcohol because it can be too harsh or overdrying.

Next, follow with a moisturizer with a minimum SPF 15. No matter how oily your skin is, you need to use some type of moisturizer to balance the dryness or harshness of the toner. You need moisturizer to balance your skin's oil production and SPF to protect your face from UV damage, which is the #1 factor in causing premature ageing (i.e. wrinkles, age spots, skin cancer, etc).

Moisturizer can also be considered a protective make-up base, so even though your make-up gets caked up in hot weather, you can be assured there is a 'protective' layer between your pores and the gunk. Acne sufferers should be aware that some thick creams can cause acne to flare.

LASTLY, try to wash off the caked-up makeup as soon as possible. Use a separate make-up remover, or a cleanser that can remove make-up.

Skincare Products  Skin Philosophy

Comments

[Lynn Ross]

I really enjoyed your blog. Its full of great info...I will visit often. Thanks!

[Carlos]

Very useful info... Thanks!

[mineral makeup user]

You have a very informative blog. using natural cosmetics can also help lessen pore problems like using mineral makeups

[Martha]

Excellent post!

Can I add something about astringents?

An astringent (also spelled adstringent) substance is a chemical that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues, usually locally after topical medicinal application. The word "astringent" derives from Latin adstringere, meaning "to bind fast". Two common examples are calamine lotion and witch hazel.

Astringency is also the dry, puckering mouthfeel caused by tannins found in many fruits such as blackthorn, bird cherry and persimmon fruits. The tannins denature the salivary proteins, causing a rough "sandpapery" sensation in the mouth. Astringency tastes unpleasant to many mammals (including humans), which tend to avoid eating astringent fruit; conversely, birds do not taste astringency and readily eat these fruit. It is thought that fruit astringency gives a selective advantage to some plant varieties because birds are better than mammals at long-distance seed dispersal, often flying a great distance before passing the seeds in their droppings.

[suti]

Everybody is aging. But with the professional anti-aging solutions and resources provided in this website, you will certainly be able to slow down the tick of your biological clock!

[Acne Treatment Critic]

It's great to use facial scrubs and masks etc, but when I used to have bad acne it had the opposite effect - it would irritate my face and make things worse, however now that it's cleared up I use a scrub a couple of times per week and it works great.

All the best, Craig

[angel petter]

I would like to express my delight in the quick results that I have had since starting to use kaplanMD Skincare products. Other skincare products I used only worked marginally. I became very down about my appearance and felt taken by all the marketing and advertising. When browsing the Internet one day, I came across your kaplanMD Skincare website. I ordered only one bottle of the Perfecting Serum to start with - I was wary of ordering something from the Internet!. I noticed an improvement within the first week and over the last 2 weeks skin is visibly firmer, and with fewer wrinkles. Overall, my skin just glows. This really is a miracle cure! Thank you so much.

[Acne Treatments]

I think the exfoliant is one of the most important aspects of this process. The main cause of clogged pores is the skin's oil mixing with the dead skin cells, so this really helps that out. As Suti mentioned above you need to be careful with your face when you have bad acne, because any irritation can make things much worse. I would still use the exfoliant, just be sure to only use my hands and water with it.

[Acne Treatments]

I think the exfoliant is one of the most important aspects of this process. The main cause of clogged pores is the skin's oil mixing with the dead skin cells, so this really helps that out. As Suti mentioned above you need to be careful with your face when you have bad acne, because any irritation can make things much worse. I would still use the exfoliant, just be sure to only use my hands and water with it.

[Winston]

This is a good blog ;) Very informative and complete.