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Clean pores are a prerequisite of good complexion. Think of pores as “chimneys” that excrete unwanted materials; what do you think will happen to a house that has choked chimneys? Disastrous, obviously. Similarly, when your pores are clogged, your skin is bound to face all kinds of skin concerns: blackheads, acne, roughness, and enlarged pores are some of the common problems associated with clogged pores.

How do our pores get clogged?

Our skin excretes sebum and sweat naturally, and it sheds dead cells every day. When not removed properly, these materials harden and form “plugs” that clog pores. The issue is usually aggravated by improper cleansing and pollution in the air that we are exposed to.

clogged and enlarged pores

What happen to our skin when pores are clogged?

Remember the chimney analogy? When pores are clogged and unable to perform what they’re supposed to do, our skin is unable to “breathe”. The pH level of our skin is also affected, disturbing the moisture and sebum balance of our skin. At the same time, bacteria “feed” on plugs that clog pores, and as these plugs accumulate, bacteria proliferate and inevitably lead to inflammation in skin, which manifest in the form of pimples.

How do we get rid of clogged pores?

The problem is regular cleansing is just not enough to unclog pores. If you’d like to get rid of clogged pores or want to prevent your pores from clogging, you’ll need a dedicated pore care skincare regime. Want to learn what it’s like and the tips to caring for your pores? Read on!

1. Remove your makeup thoroughly

One of the biggest skincare taboos, makeup removal is an important step that many people neglect. While makeup isn’t a direct factor that clogs pores, leaving remnants of makeup behind add to the chance of inflammation of skin especially when your pores are already clogged. It’s the perfect recipe for bacteria to stage a breakout on your skin.

What you need: A makeup remover that gently and thoroughly removes makeup. We recommend oil cleansers because oil has better affinity with natural sebum produced by our skin, and is therefore more capable of getting rid of it. An oil cleanser also doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture.

Labo Labo Super-Keana Oil Cleansing

Try: Labo Labo Super-Keana Oil Cleansing (SGD29.90). Designed for all skin types, including oily skin, this oil cleanser is gentle and contains water-soluble collagen to further provide skin with moisturising benefits. Feel free to use this on your eye area too; this gentle cleanser is able to remove even the most stubborn waterproof eye makeup. (Psst, read till the end to see how you can win Labo Labo products!)

Did you know?

Labo Labo is a sister brand of Japan's No. 1 Medical Cosmetics brand Dr.Ci:Labo, and is developed by certified Japanese dermatologists.

2. Remember to double cleanse

A legacy of Japanese beauty routines, double cleansing (using a facial cleanser after using a cleansing oil) ensures that any oil that is left behind from the makeup removing step is washed off.

What you need: Give this step more mileage by investing in a cleanser that also has a gentle peeling effect, which can help remove dead skin cells that contribute to clogging the pores, and also help get rid of blackheads.

Labo Labo Super-Keana Washing

Try: Labo Labo Super-Keana Washing (SGD24.90). This creamy cleanser clears pores with the help of pore-refining ingredients like hamamelis leaf extract and peeling ingredients like lactic acid. Besides pore care, it also brightens dull complexion.

3. Get rid of plugs and dead skin cells

It’s time to scrub down those choked “chimneys”. Use a facial scrub that can effectively clean out the materials that clog pores. This doesn’t just unclog pores, it also ensures that your skin will be able to absorb the goodness from other skincare products you will apply later.

What you need: Scrubs with large beads may make you feel “cleaner”, but they may not be suitable for all skin types and can hurt your skin in the long run if you use it too often. Instead, go for a chemical scrub that gets rid of gunk from your skin with acids – they tend to be gentler but no less effective.

Labo Labo Super-Keana Peeling Gel

Try: Labo Labo Super-Keana Peeling Gel (SGD34.90). This product exfoliates the skin with mannan, a plant polysaccharide, and a selection of acids (lactic acid, malic acid, royal jelly acid, just to name a few). You only need to use it as part of your evening regime, and you’ll see your skin’s texture improving (thanks to unclogged pores!) and your complexion will look more radiant.

Did you know?

Labo Labo products are all made from naturally-derived ingredients and are free from additives like fragrance, alcohol, artificial colouring. They also don't carry mineral oil, and paraben.

4. Balance your skin’s pH

Now that your skin is thoroughly cleansed, soothe it by balancing its pH to the best level. This can usually be done with a good toner.

What you need: Don’t ever think that you can skip the toning step. This step is more important than you think it is. Besides balancing your skin’s pH, toners that have pore caring benefits are also able to eliminate the appearance of opened and enlarged pores.

Labo Labo Super-Keana Lotion

Try: Labo Labo Super-Keana Lotion (SGD24.90). This wipe-off lotion has multiple benefits, including hydrating skin, balancing its pH, soothing skin, and managing open pores. Like the other products in this collection, it carries a naturally-delivered orange scent that refreshes your skin and spirits!

5. Fill your skin with moisture

It is usually those with oily skin types that suffer worst from clogged pores. But it’s also usually those with oily skin types that avoid using moisturiser, falsely thinking that it will make their skin oilier. That’s a myth! Moisturiser is a must for all skin types because it helps keep skin hydrated, which is an important feature of healthy skin.

What you need: A lightweight moisturiser that’s oil-free and can help visibly tighten pores.

Labo Labo Super-Keana Gel

Try: Labo Labo Super-Keana Gel (SGD34.90). This is a multi-functional gel which will never overload your skin, thanks to its comfortable and lightweight oil-free gel texture. It can be used as a moisturiser, toner, serum, mask and makeup base, and is fortified with vitamin-C derivatives to help with tightening pores.

Labo Labo products are available at #B3-41 Ion Orchard (Tel: 6238-8395), online at www.ci-labo.com.sg and selected Watsons stores (Anchorpoint, Bugis Junction, Bukit Panjang Plaza, Causeway Point, ION Orchard, JEM, NEX, Ngee Ann City, Parkway Parade, Toa Payoh Hub, Westgate, and West Mall.)

From now till 27 July, you’ll enjoy 15% off Labo Labo Super-Keana products in selected Watsons stores! Find out more about the brand and latest promotions on their Facebook (DrCiLabo-Singapore) and Instagram (@drcilabosg) accounts.

Want to win the full set of Labo Labo Super-Keana products?

Click here to win it!

This article is brought to you by Labo Labo.