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What Is a Deep Pore Facial?

Alyssa Simon
Alyssa Simon

A deep pore facial is a cleansing treatment to remove oil and dirt from facial pores. It can be performed by an esthetician, also known as a skin care specialist, or at home. A deep pore facial typically includes cleaning the face with an exfoliant or scrub to remove dead skin cells, applying steam to loosen dirt and oil from pores and then extracting the debris either with an implement or hand.

These facials can also involve applying a mask to rid the skin of surface oil and create the appearance of less visible pores. There are several mask ingredients that can be used for this type of facial. Kaolin clay has oil-absorbing properties and is the main ingredient in many masks for oily skin. Salicylic acid is an organic compound and mild exfoliant that can be added to a mask or cleanser. It can also be applied during a deep pore facial in stronger concentrations known as chemical peels.

Deep pore facials can be applied by a skincare professional.
Deep pore facials can be applied by a skincare professional.

A deep pore facial done at home can include masks made from ingredients found in the kitchen. Strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid. Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can be combined with ground almonds or oatmeal for a scrub that absorbs oil. Beware of food allergies when applying these products to the skin.

Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and antiseptic found in natural food stores and most pharmacies. It can be added to a pot of steaming water for a deep pore facial. The pot is then taken off the stove, and the user drapes a towel over her head as she lets the steam rise up to her face. Herbs with antibacterial properties like rosemary and sage may be added as well.

Clay face masks can be applied to help tighten skin and reduce the size of pores.
Clay face masks can be applied to help tighten skin and reduce the size of pores.

While these facials can benefit the skin, pores do not shrink, nor can they be made smaller by applying products. The appearance of large pores comes from oil that is trapped in the pore and exposed to the air. This makes it dark in color and produces what is called a blackhead. A pimple forms when the blackhead becomes infected with bacteria.

Experts say deep pore facials, whether conducted at home or at a spa, should not be done more than twice a month. Even for very oily skin, heavy application of products or manipulation of the skin can cause further breakouts and irritation. Pores are meant to produce oil to lubricate and protect the skin. If the cleansing methods are too harsh or frequent, the skin's appearance may suffer.

Discussion Comments

animegal

How much does a deep pore facial cost when done by a professional esthetician? How often must you have it done for the best results?

I find that the pores on my face, especially near my nose are way to noticeable for me to feel confident about my skin. Also, the pores along my cheeks also seem a bit larger than the rest.

Do you think that the deep pore facials actually work to make pores look smaller, or is it just a gimmick?

I would use this if I knew it was a good investment and actually got great results.

Sara007

A deep pore facial can be made at home with natural ingredients if you are on a budget, or just want something free of harsh chemicals.

All you need is a blender, four bananas, two apples, 1 tbsp. of lemon juice and 7 tbsp. of honey. You can add more apples and bananas if you want a thicker mask.

Blend these items until it is a paste. Apply this to your face after cleansing and washing with cold water and wait 30 minutes. Rinse the mixture off with cold water. Using this mixture two to three times a week will help keep your pores clean.

frankjoseph

I've both tried this at home and at a spa, and the spa one had much better results. I did my best, and a pretty decent job at that, but I just think that having someone do this for you gets you a much better clean than when you do it yourself.

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    • Deep pore facials can be applied by a skincare professional.
      By: bertys30
      Deep pore facials can be applied by a skincare professional.
    • Clay face masks can be applied to help tighten skin and reduce the size of pores.
      By: Darren Baker
      Clay face masks can be applied to help tighten skin and reduce the size of pores.
    • Tea tree oil may be added to a pot of steaming water for a deep pore facial, as it's a natural antibacterial and antiseptic.
      By: Lucie Říhová
      Tea tree oil may be added to a pot of steaming water for a deep pore facial, as it's a natural antibacterial and antiseptic.
    • A deep pore facial can be too harsh for those with dry skin, and moisturizer should be applied afterward.
      By: red150770
      A deep pore facial can be too harsh for those with dry skin, and moisturizer should be applied afterward.
    • Deep pore facials should not be performed more than twice a month.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Deep pore facials should not be performed more than twice a month.
    • A deep pore facial can help remove dirt and excess oil from the skin before acne develops.
      By: Doruk Sikman
      A deep pore facial can help remove dirt and excess oil from the skin before acne develops.
    • Washcloths can aid in keeping facial pores clean.
      By: micro10x
      Washcloths can aid in keeping facial pores clean.