Keeping things clean

 A Daily Routine:

The first line of defense is to keep the skin clean.  It is one of the best and easiest ways to start minimizing enlarged pores.  Enlarged pores are caused by an accumulation of dirt and oil, often resulting in blackheads or whiteheads.  When you clean the skin and remove the dirt and oil from your face, you minimize the overall appearance of the pores – although this is not permanent.   The following is a simple four-step daily process for keeping the skin clean:

1.      Wash the face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.  Gentle cleaners are recommended because they do not irritate the skin.  Irritated skin will expand the pores even more.  Gentle cleansers are non-foaming or low-foaming cleaners like Cetaphil  – a mild antibacterial soap.     

2.       Using, clean, tepid water – lather up your face with the cleanser – do not scrub the skin.  Rinse completely removing all residue and taking care to pat dry with a clean towel.

3.       Apply a mild astringent or toner on clean skin with a cotton ball or pad.  Avoid strong products with alcohol or witch hazel – these will dry the skin.  The goal is to soften and gently tighten the skin, not dry it out.

4.       Apply a moisturizer – preferably a water-based moisturizer to avoid further clogging of the pores (the ones you just cleaned!).