Narrowing pores is a myth. We tell you how to properly care for skin with visible pores

Cleansing your facial skin is an important part of self-care. To properly carry out cosmetic procedures at home, you need to choose a gentle product that will not harm, but at the same time intensively cleanses. Actually, these are hydrogenating gels for facial cleansing.

Among the large number of options presented on the cosmetics market, you need to find the right one, only in this case a visible result is guaranteed.

Why steam your face?

Skin types are divided into normal, mixed, oily and dry. All of them need timely cleansing, competent, appropriate care, which leads to problems:

• premature aging;
• the appearance of “black spots”, acne;
• peeling;
• loss of facial contour;
• unhealthy look.

Pre-steaming is carried out in different ways.

1. A hot terry towel, which is first soaked in hot water, then applied to the face.
2. Equipment in a beauty salon.
3. Due to the impact warm effect in the bathhouse, sauna.
4. Scrubs that don't always help.

One of the simple, economical, reliable methods before cleansing is to steam your face at home using a mask.

How to prepare for cleaning

At home, it is not always necessary to prepare the skin for cleansing procedures. Usually a cosmetologist points out the need to preserve health and integrity of the skin. It is advisable to abstain from alcohol and medications that can affect the quality of the skin (hormones, antibiotics) a week before cleaning. It is recommended to include cosmetics with the ability to loosen the epidermis and soften the contents of pores into your home care regimen. This will speed up the preparation of the skin on the day of the procedure and make cleaning easier.

In a cosmetologist's office, before deep cleansing, it is necessary to remove contaminants from the surface. After this, the doctor performs actions aimed at expanding (opening) the pores and softening the contents of the ducts. This will make the cleansing process quick, effective, and eliminate pain and various damage. The stage consists of steaming the skin, which can be performed in various ways.

Mechanism of action

Due to the active components, the pores expand, blood flows in, and the mechanisms for renewing the cellular composition are activated. The masks contain components that create a thermal effect: extract, plant oil, minerals, chemical elements, compositions. It is after such steaming that film masks and other cleansing products work better.

They have a gentle, safe effect on the face, helping:

• remove toxins;
• remove comedones;
• maintain tone;
• tighten deep expression wrinkles;
• rejuvenate;
• even out facial tone.

A mask is the simplest and safest product. Belongs to the category “thermal care cosmetics”.

Efficiency of the procedure

Expanding pores through steaming is necessary for high-quality cleansing of the epidermis from acne, comedones and blackheads.

This stage is aimed at:

• delicate softening of the stratum corneum;
• surface disinfection;
• oxygen saturation;
• stimulation of active regeneration and collagen production;
• removal of toxins from the upper layers of the epidermis;
• removal of puffiness;
• increasing skin tone.

Indications for steaming:

• hardware or mechanical cleaning, deep peeling is planned;
• There is an intolerance to any skin care products.

Salons and clinics often use a vaporizer that produces moist steam. It is filled with ozonated water or medicinal solutions. Classic methods include compresses and steam baths. The safest and most modern way is to use a steaming gel for subsequent facial cleansing.

Types and features

Among cosmetic preparations, two main types are offered.

1. Fabric masks in the form of a compress. This is a napkin with slits for the nose and eyes. It is impregnated with special components. They act due to the thermal effect, reacting with the skin.
2. Creams, emulsions, liquids packaged in tubes, sachets. Distributing them evenly, they are applied to the surface of the face, then washed off.

It is up to you to choose a product that does not cause harm. Find out also about popular bubbles here.

How to properly steam your skin

Before the cleaning procedure, you must carefully remove makeup with a tonic or wash with water and dry. There are several general rules.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Apply only to the face and neck area.
3. Keep on your face for no more than 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse off with warm water.
5. A cleansing scrub will help enhance the effect.

Steaming masks are used no more than once every 2 weeks. Too frequent use is the path to rosacea.

Rules for opening pores

To obtain a high-quality result, it is important to adhere to the general rules when performing the procedure:

1. You should not start steaming before superficial cleansing of the skin. Residues of cosmetics, dust, and other contaminants can get into the pores, causing inflammation. This will aggravate the situation and will have the opposite effect from cleaning.
2. Steaming has a number of contraindications and limitations. Before performing a manipulation, you must make sure that the action will not cause harm. Perhaps the procedure is permitted, but you need to choose the type of influence wisely.
3. Steaming is not carried out if there are inflammations on the skin containing pus. Defective contents of elements can become a source of infection.
4. The procedure is carried out strictly according to the instructions. Even when performing cold steaming, there is a danger of excessive softening of the tissues, which will complicate further cleaning.
5. After steaming, rinse the face with warm water, wipe with an antiseptic, and wait until the surface dries completely. Only after this can you begin cleaning.
6. It is impossible to carry out the pore opening procedure often. Deep cleaning is performed as needed, but not more than 2 times a month.
7. After cleaning, the pores must be closed using agents or influences that narrow the ducts.

Steaming is recommended to precede not only mechanical cleaning. After the tissue heating procedure, peeling, ultrasonic treatment, deep cleansing or therapeutic masks are performed.

Attention! How long it takes to thoroughly steam a nose with blackheads or other problem areas is decided individually. Usually 10–15 minutes is enough.

Contraindications

Despite manufacturers' assurances that masks are completely safe, there are recommendations in which cases the procedure should be avoided.

1. Do you have any rashes on your face? A heating structure will make problems worse.
2. For acne-prone skin, you need to be especially careful. The thermal effect promotes the appearance of new acne.
3. Avoid eye and mouth area.
4. Take into account your skin type and individual intolerance to any components in the composition.

Do a preliminary test on your wrist or elbow. In case of allergic reactions, quickly rinse with plenty of water and wipe with lotion or cream.

Dermalogica Charcoal Revitalizing Mask

Charcoal in cosmetics for cleansing pores is not new, but the Dermalogica mask contains another rather curious and rare component - sulfur, which combines antibacterial and exfoliating functions. That is, while charcoal draws out impurities from pores, sulfur kills acne bacteria and promotes skin renewal. When using a mask, it is important not to overexpose it. Sulfur has a fairly high pH, ​​so overuse of the product can lead to disruption of the epidermal barrier and dryness.

About the face AHA-, BHA-, PHA-acids and rules for their use for the skin: detailed instructions

Rating of the best

Choosing a mask for steaming is not easy. There are many options, the components are different. It is important to take into account the structural features of the skin and application features. Pay attention to packaging and application methods.

ORGANIC KITCHEN Facial bath 50°

Price from 91 rubles and above.

Available in a black jar with two bright stickers: on the lid and sides. It appears to be a heterogeneous mass of light brown color with inclusions. It smells strongly of forest herbs. The composition of ORGANIC KITCHEN “Facial bath. 50°” includes: chamomile extract, shea butter, lavender, cinnamon, tea tree, salt and glycerin. All these components nourish and help open pores. The disadvantage of Organic Kitchen is that it is difficult to apply and has a strong medicinal smell. Large particles are difficult to wash off with water. Inexpensive, not very effective, since the product is from the “mass market” series. But the product can replace the mask against blackheads.

Garnier (Garnier) steaming with zinc

On the cosmetology market it costs 250 rubles.

Available in blister form. Suitable for removing blackheads as a preliminary procedure before scrubbing. Garnier contains zinc, clay, and salicylic acid, which are activated by interaction with the skin. Among the advantages of Garnier Steaming with Zinc is suitable for one-time use. Disadvantage: once a week is recommended. This steaming is best done less frequently when there is a real problem with skin clogging. This manufacturer has several masks for dry skin, discussed in the article.

Compliment Coenzymes of youth

The cost of the product is from 27 rubles and above.

The drug from the company Compliment in the form of a disposable sachet. Contains chamomile, green tea, and coenzyme extracts for a tightening effect and evens out skin tone. 7 ml of product is enough for several times. Soft to the touch, with small granular particles, Compliment Coenzymes of Youth Steaming rejuvenating-cleansing mask can bring benefits for little money. Among the negative effects are the sharp chemical smell of reagents, low intensity of exposure, and no heat is felt.

BIO WORLD warming

Sold at prices ranging from 192 to 200 rubles.

Product of Belarusian producers. Available in the form of a 100 ml tube. Animation design is designed to attract consumers. A motto that proves the use of only natural ingredients. A mask with a warming effect is created on the basis of Chilean hot red pepper extract. The composition includes birch tar and clay, which have an adsorbing effect. BIO WORLD Thermal mask (warming). Effective instantly. The integument becomes bright, blood quickly rushes to the vessels. It is applied in a thin layer - this is a “plus” for efficiency. Easily washed off with plain water. The effect remains for 3-5 minutes. Disadvantages: allergic reaction to the composition, cannot be used for severe rosacea, pimples or acne.

Vilenta Hot and Cool Mask

The new product sells from 200 rubles.

Available in bright packaging with two tubes inside (50 ml) with screw caps. Applying the product involves two steps: a little from one tube (black), then from the other. They are different in composition, and their combination requires active steaming. Active ingredients include menthol, eucalyptus oil, and witch hazel extract. Thanks to shea and tea tree, the skin receives an active nutritional complex and becomes smooth and even. There are enough disadvantages. Vilenta Hot and Cool Mask is designed for step-by-step care, which takes a lot of time. First you need to apply one product, then another. The chilling effect distracts attention from the main goal. You will have to wash it off with a cotton swab or sponge. The advantages are obvious: the comprehensive care promised by Vilenta, bright packaging and low price. Find out also about the range of Thai masks at the link.

Too many chemical elements are another warning for those who have problem areas on their face.

One hundred beauty recipes 7 active oils

The price does not exceed 100 rubles.

A well-known Russian manufacturer offers to try a 50 ml product. One hundred beauty recipes 7 active oils warming film mask is designed for seven active actions: steaming, care, cleansing, nutrition, protection, tightening, moisturizing. The composition includes 7 plant oils: avocado, peach, grape seed, sandalwood, coriander, almond. The complex is complemented by fermented olive extract. The disadvantage is the liquid texture, which spreads too much on the skin and is difficult to apply. The expected steaming effect does not occur. One hundred beauty recipes - after-shower, bath-care products. It is compensated by a pleasant smell and delicate consistency. The drug is more like honey, a nutritional emulsion. Find out about the best nourishing masks in this material.

Skinlite Oatmeal

Price tag from 83 rubles.

The Korean company Skinlight presents an instant product in the form of a sachet. It is designed for 2 uses. The composition includes oatmeal extract and honey, replaces the “hot towel” effect. Massaging movements are expected to enhance the effect. This is a preliminary preparation of the skin for further nutrition. Consumers note several negative points: unpleasant odor, weak effect of the product, unpleasant texture. Skinlite Steaming mask “Oatmeal” is designed to nourish and moisturize. The result of the thermal effect is not achieved. It’s also worth trying to make your own oatmeal mask at home with good cleansing properties.

Floresan Face without problems

The average price is 75-80 rubles.

The instructions for use say that Floresan “Face without problems” is what you need for leisurely steaming of the skin. Delicate creamy texture, convenient 75 ml tube. You can take it with you on a trip or business trip. Quickly refreshes and helps further cleaning. Buyers believe that Florezan is no worse than expensive products intended for the same purposes. The bad thing is that it’s difficult to wash off. There is a saponification effect when, upon contact with water, the product turns into a cleansing gel.

Floresan steaming

Price per package from 80 rubles.

The package contains 4 disposable sachets, which is convenient for use. If you don’t like it, you can donate the product or throw it away. The consistency is thick, easy to apply and lasts for more than 10 minutes. Doesn't flow, doesn't get absorbed. One of the disadvantages is chemically active elements. The moisturizing effect is achieved only through calendula extract and salicylic acid. Among the advantages is the possibility of use for very dry skin prone to rosacea, when it is strictly forbidden to strongly steam the face. After this remedy, you can use masks against rosacea.

Avon Volcanoes of Iceland

Cost from 99 rubles.

The compact Avon tube (50 ml) easily fits into a travel bag or cosmetic bag. The brutal design of the packaging will suit girls and boys due to its specific masculine scent. Avon Warming mask with volcanic minerals and spring water “Volcanoes of Iceland” is based on the effect of thermal springs, filling the skin with beneficial substances. Bentonite and a suspension of volcanic dust help to quickly expand pores and remove blackheads due to the rough peeling effect. Disadvantage: Not everyone feels the warming effect. Find out more about men's masks here.

Reviews

Let's find out how women respond to various creams used to tighten pores.

• Maria, 36 years old: “I have had a problem for a long time - enlarged pores on my face. And if earlier it was possible to cope with this with ordinary and tonal means, now we have to use special preparations. I tried many creams, but in the end I settled on Instant Perfector from Clinic. I like this product because it effectively eliminates enlarged pores, and the results last a long time. The production of sebum also slows down, so the face is additionally matted. I’m happy, but I don’t think this cream is suitable for dry skin.”
• Anastasia, 28 years old: “I am familiar with the problem of enlarged pores firsthand. I use cream from Givenchy Skin Targettes. I’m quite satisfied - the cream quickly tidies up the skin, eliminates oily shine and visibly tightens pores. The price is not the lowest, but the quality is high, and the product does not cause allergies, which is important to me. I recommend

So, we got acquainted with various creams for narrowing pores. As you can see, there are quite a lot of products - and in this article we only considered the minimum from the entire range. By choosing the product correctly and in accordance with your own skin type, you can permanently eliminate the problem of enlarged pores, and at the same time remove oily shine, even out the surface of the skin, improve and refresh your complexion.

Effect of cold hydrogenation

Cold hydrogenation is carried out using cosmetic gels. They contain exclusively natural ingredients (cactus and aloe). Through direct contact with the face, the product moisturizes the skin. The connections between cells are weakened, making it easier to remove impurities. You can remove dead tissue from the skin with a regular damp cloth.

All hydrogenation preparations have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. After treatment, the skin acquires a natural shade due to cell healing. Pigmentation is completely eliminated.

How to use

There will be no particular difficulties with the use of the products - the use of a steaming product is no different from other skin care procedures. Manipulations are carried out according to the following scheme:

1. Clean your face thoroughly, use natural-based lotion or milk; it is better not to use aggressive products so as not to irritate the skin.
2. Apply a thick layer of gel, distribute evenly over the skin, use a wide brush to facilitate the process.
3. Cover your face with polyethylene film, be sure to make holes for the eyes and nose.
4. Leave for a quarter of an hour, remove the film.
5. Perform a light massage; during the process, the drug will begin to roll into small lumps, which can only be removed with a damp cloth.
6. If, after steaming, deeper cleaning is carried out, remove blackheads and comedones with a spoon of uno or a special lotion.
7. Treat problem areas with a special antiseptic powder.

Be sure to complete the procedure with a soothing mask. There are a number of special products that relieve inflammation and protect cleansed skin from infection.

Some cosmetology companies offer kits that immediately contain a steaming gel, a mask to relieve irritation, and special protective agents. This is quite convenient - you don’t have to experiment.

Cost of service in the salon

Salons perform atraumatic or combined cleaning using cold hydrogenation. The price of the procedure is from 3,000 rubles.

You can also perform passive steaming at home. To do this, you need to buy medications and strictly follow the instructions. In addition to the products listed above, the following products have proven themselves to be effective:

• 3D Cold hydrogenation gel (Cold Pure Medical Collagene) - 700 rubles;
• Hydration whitening peel gel Beauty Style - 500 rub.
• Cold hydrogenation gel (HYDRO COLD MASK) - RUB 1,700.
• Enzyme peeling “Cold hydrogenation” (G-Derm) — RUB 1,800.
• Enzymatic gel with papain for cold steaming of the skin (NEW LINE PROFESSIONAL) - 890 rub.
• Cold hydrogenation gel for enzymatic cleaning with papain (Mesomatrix) - RUB 1,100.
• Cosmetic product “Cold facial cleansing” (Premium) - 1,000 rubles.
• Hydration gel LeviSsime - RUB 1,280.
• Cleansing mask “Cold hydrogenation with red caviar enzymes” (Normal and Dry Skin Florylis) – RUB 2,500.

Steam baths

The traditional procedure involves expanding the pores using steam.

How to make a steam bath:

• Heat the water.
• Cleanse the face of cosmetics and impurities.
• Remove the hair, cover the head with a towel and hold it over the container for 10 to 20 minutes. Distance - at least 20 cm. The exact time of the session depends on the type of skin (oily skin needs longer steaming).
• The towel is removed.
• Remove moisture by lightly blotting your face with a napkin.

For greater efficiency and to solve certain problems, they use not plain water, but medicinal decoctions, antibacterial solutions, essential oils, baking soda and potatoes.

The following herbs are suitable for problem skin:

• calendula;
• sage;
• chamomile;
• St. John's wort;
• mint;
• linden flowers;
• rose petals;
• dandelion;
• parsley.

Antiseptic solutions are simple to prepare. Add a teaspoon of a pharmaceutical drug (Miramistin, Chlorophyllipt or hydrogen peroxide) to the water or dissolve a Furacilin tablet.

The method is considered traditional and is used not only for steaming the face, but also in the complex treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases.

In this way you can not only steam your face, but also cure a runny nose and bronchitis.

Stages of the procedure:

• it is necessary to bring the water to a boil (it is better to take filtered or spring water);
• you need to throw the plant mixture into hot water;
• wait 15 minutes for the mixture to infuse (be sure to cover the bowl with a lid);
• the bowl should be glass, ceramic, but not metal, otherwise you can burn your face during steaming;
• after 15 minutes, add the selected essential oil to the resulting solution;
• the steaming solution is ready - you need to bend over the bowl, covering your head with a towel (you can’t bend too low - it will be difficult for the respiratory tract to pass air through);
• it is necessary to maintain in this position for several minutes while steam flows;
• then you should quickly wipe your face with a cotton pad moistened with any tonic;
• steaming can be completed with peeling or mask;
• At the end of the procedure, you need to apply a nourishing cream to your face.

How to use the products correctly

When applying makeup frequently, girls should thoroughly cleanse their facial skin of pigments using cosmetic milk. Gel for deep steaming the face before cleansing is always applied in a thick layer. The use of cling film enhances the effect of the steamer.

If a girl buys an expensive product from a branded manufacturer, then she needs to follow the instructions. This reduces the risks associated with improper skin treatment.