SAY GOODBYE TO PORES

Want to keep your pores free of congestion ?
Blocked pores, blocked skin, uneven texture and white heads are all signs of congested skin. Blackheads are actually blocked pores where the oil has oxidized and created a plug trapping the oil and dirt. Milia (white heads) are small deposits of cholesterol trapped under the skins surface, most commonly found around the eye area.

There are many factors that contribute to congestion and pores :
Oil – The oil that your skin naturally produces can clog and get trapped under the surface. Especially if there is an excess of oil that isn’t flowing freely through the pore this will lead to clogging.

Dead skin cells – If your skin if dull,  cell turn over can slow down. These cells then get trapped in pores and congeal with the excess oil. This is the biggest contributor to blackheads in pores.  Solution, you need to include a scrub 2-3 times weekly, and you can learn more about scrubbing your bod for soft skin here. 

p-bacteria – You've all heard of beneficial bacteria for your gut. Well, the same applies to your skin. The bacteria that causes acne is called p-bacteria, but it behaves a little differently in different people. So in some people this  acne bacteria contains "not desirable" strains associated with pimples and in other people "desirable" strains that may protect the skin. That's why we developed our Jojoba & Camellia Cream specifically for oily / combination skin, because it contains green tea (camellia sinensis) which helps the proliferation of healthy bacteria on the skin. 

Pollution and waste – Living in an urban environment we are constantly assaulted with pollution and dirt that flys through the air. Protecting our skin as much as possible still doesn’t prevent every bit of dirt adhering to our skin and adding to the congestion.

Makeup – If you’re not using a mineral makeup that allows your skin to breathe then it can often suffocate your skin adding to oil and causing congestion. Makeup tends to get imbedded into the skin making it feel bumpy under the surface. Without a thorough exfoliation this can be hard to shift.

Pores – Often the focus of congested skin. They are often stretched by excess oil and dirt making them appear larger.  Keep the skin clean and in great condition will help refine them.
 
So what’s the best way to reduce congestion on the skin?
Keep a great cleansing routine
Be diligent about your cleansing morning and night. Always wash your makeup off at night and then cleanse the skin again to get it clean. Using a natural non-strippingcleanser won’t irritate the skin or cause more oil to be produced.

Exfoliate regularly
Congested skin is sluggish and cells find it harder to shed properly, getting trapped. Exfoliating regularly, 2-3 times a week is necessary to keep the skin clear of excess cells sitting on the surface. This will also lift any excess makeup embedded in the skin.
 
Use a light moisturizer
Keeping the skin lightly hydrated is essential. Without enough hydration the skin will produce more oil and become sensitized. But if your moisturizer is too heavy then it will start to clog. Choosing a non comedogenic moisturizer with a base of Jojoba oilwill allow your skin breathe and feel balanced throughout the day.

Wear mineral makeup
Simply switching your makeup to be mineral based will make a big difference to your skin. Traditional makeup can be full of silicon and mineral oils that suffocate the skin. Minerals allow the skin to breath and don’t congest the skin. They are easily washed off with your cleansing routine without leaving traces of dirt.

Diet and lifestyle
Having a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water to flush out your system really helps. Sugar is the biggest contributor to acne as the body tries to detox itself through the skin. Keeping a diet high in fresh produce will keep your body free of toxins that will eventually make their out, often via your skin.

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