Does Exfoliating Clean Your Pores?

A facial brush is one way to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.
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Exfoliation is an essential part of any skin care regimen, as it removes dead skin and leads the way to a clearer and more beautiful complexion. Because exfoliation does such a good job of sloughing off impurities from the skin, it can successfully unclog your pores, revealing even-toned and smoother skin in the process.

1 Pore-Cleansing Benefits of Exfoliation

To clean pores effectively, use a chemical or manual exfoliant regularly. Individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin should stick to exfoliating once or twice weekly; others can exfoliate more often, up to once daily. For the best results, try using a manual exfoliant such as a gentle facial scrub or soft facial brush to lift blackheads from the skin's surface. To further the effectiveness of your pore cleansing routine, try alternating with a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic or glycolic acid. These special ingredients work deep within the skin's surface to loosen dead skin cells and penetrate pores all while promoting the manual exfoliation process. For best results, use all products as directed -- don't overdo it.

Ruth Altman writes on business, lifestyle and careers. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University in addition to a bachelor's degree from Harvard University.

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