Clean pores are the foundation of any good facial care: how well the skin has been cleansed determines how it will receive every product used afterwards. In our studio we cleanse the skin thoroughly, without overworking it. We choose the method according to how your skin is today.
Why blackheads appear
The skin constantly produces oil (sebum), and the cells on its surface are gradually replaced by new ones. When the oil mixes with dead cells, traces of make-up and dirt, a plug forms in the pore – a comedo, to give it its proper name. If the pore stays open, the top of the plug oxidises in the air and darkens: that, not dirt, is what the black dots are. If the pore is closed over, small whiteheads form.
They appear most often where there are the most sebaceous glands: on the nose, forehead and chin. Make-up that has not been removed thoroughly enough, air pollution, stress and hormonal changes all play a part.
Pores in which plugs build up become stretched and look larger. The size of the pores themselves is largely determined by skin type, but pores that are cleared and regularly cared for often look less noticeable.
Why not to squeeze at home
Wanting to be rid of a blackhead quickly is understandable, but squeezing with fingers or nails often does more harm than good:
- when the skin has not been prepared, the plug is hard, so only part of it comes out, and the rest is sometimes pushed deeper;
- bacteria from your hands get into the pore, so an inflamed blemish may appear where the blackhead was;
- the skin is injured: red or dark marks may be left that take a long time to fade, and pores that are squeezed again and again look larger over time.
At the studio, the skin is prepared first: a detoxifying (cleansing) mask softens what is in the pores, so it comes out more easily and the skin is injured less. After the cleanse we calm the skin, and we recommend products for home that help the pores stay clear for longer.
How the cleansing methods differ
Deep-cleansing facial – the pores are carefully cleared by hand, after the skin has been softened with a detoxifying mask. This is the most thorough method when there are many blackheads and they sit deep: for oily, combination and congested skin.
Ultrasonic cleansing facial – ultrasonic vibrations loosen what is in the pores, without squeezing. A gentler method for sensitive, thin skin and for skin with visible capillaries; it can be done all year round.
Combined cleansing facial – the whole face is cleansed with ultrasound, and only the areas where the pores are more deeply congested are cleared by hand; then come an oxygen infusion and a mask chosen for what your skin needs. It suits combination skin, when the forehead, nose and chin are oilier and the cheeks are sensitive.
Acid cleansing facial – gentle acid preparations soften what is in the pores and renew the surface of the skin, with no squeezing needed. It suits small blackheads, a shiny T-zone and uneven texture. Acids do not always suit very sensitive skin that reddens easily.
Hydra Facial – a spiral tip clears the pores with gentle suction and, at the same time, delivers active ingredients into the skin. It suits you when you would like both clean pores and hydration without squeezing, and it is a good choice before an important occasion.
The pores can also be cleared as part of the Classic Plus programme of Hollywood Facial, in which the cleanse is complemented by three peels.
How we choose the cleanse
There is no single best cleanse for everyone – only the one that suits your skin. That is why, before every treatment, we talk and look at your skin under a magnifying lamp. If you have booked one cleanse but another would suit your skin better, we will tell you – and we will make the final decision together.
For acne-prone skin, we offer consistent care with the facial for acne-prone skin. If there are many breakouts, or they are painful or badly inflamed, we recommend seeing a dermatologist first. If you are pregnant, taking any medication or have a skin condition, please tell us before the treatment – together we will decide which cleanse is right for you.
How often to have a facial
Usually once a month or every six weeks is enough. Oily skin sometimes needs it more often, dry and sensitive skin less often. Between visits, home care makes a great deal of difference: make-up carefully removed every day, products that suit your skin, and sun protection. After every treatment we advise you on which products to choose.
If, besides clean pores, you would like smoother, more radiant skin, ask us about microdermabrasion or SQT spicules – we will advise whether they suit your skin.
A very pleasant treatment: although manual cleansing is not the most pleasant thing, the cosmetologist created a cosy atmosphere, explained everything and gave me advice after the treatment […]
Julija, Treatwell (translated from Lithuanian)
