Little known fact: men tend to have more pores on the skin of their faces than women. This means that men are also more prone to acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and ingrown facial hairs. In short, pores can make life really difficult and uncomfortable for men. This is just part of the reason why deep pore cleansing is so important.
But if you haven’t made deep pore cleansing a part of your daily skincare routine, you likely have a few questions. For instance, what can you do to tighten pores? Is there a way to unclog pores without damaging your skin? What kind of material is best for a pore cleansing mask? Most importantly, where can you find a quality facial pore cleanser for men?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s examine what a pore cleanser is and how it works:
What Is A Pore Cleanser?
A pore cleanser is aptly named, as it works to clean out the pores of your skin. The vast majority of pore cleansers are specifically designed for the face, as this is the area with the most sebaceous glands. This means your face is producing more sebum (oil) than nearly any other part of the body. As a result, your pores are getting clogged or are at risk of getting clogged. A pore cleanser provides relief from this issue, targeting enlarged or congested pores on the face.
The formulation and even application of a pore cleanser can vary from one product to the next. However, all pore cleansers are designed to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin, as well as any other impurities that could potentially clog pores and cause blackheads, whiteheads, or acne.
To understand how pore cleansers work, you’ll need to know what kind of products are actually available. Once again, different types of cleansers can yield unique results, but here are some of the most common features and components of pore cleansers for men:
- Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is often used in skincare products to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, so it’s no wonder why many pore cleansers include this ingredient.
- Charcoal - You might have heard of charcoal masks before, as they are a popular way to draw oil and impurities out from the skin and pores.
- Aloe Vera - Aloe vera is a very gentle cleanser that’s packed with antioxidants. It offers a way for people with very sensitive skin to cleanse their pores without irritation.
- Clay - Clay is far and away the most effective ingredient used for pore cleansers. It is extremely good at absorbing excess oil and controlling oil production in general, while also being the best option for men with moderate to oily skin. Just keep in mind that clay is a bit stronger than charcoal and similar alternatives, so it is not the best choice for sensitive skin.
How Clay Masks Clear Pores
You’ve probably heard of clay mask products like Rare Earth, especially since clay masks have become a go-to cleansing solution for men and women who struggle with clogged pores. It may sound strange to put clay on your face, but many historians believe that people have been applying clay as a skincare treatment for more than 1,000 years! While people may not have known exactly why it worked back then, we do have a better understanding of how and why clay masks work so well today.
Most quality clay masks will have one or two types of clay: kaolin and/or bentonite. Kaolin is a clay mineral made up of kaolinite (sometimes “kaolin” and “kaolinite” are used interchangeably), as well as minerals like quartz and feldspar. In its natural form, kaolin is a relatively soft type of clay with a white or off-white appearance. Even though it has been used for centuries, it was recently discovered that kaolin can naturally brighten dull skin, while also possessing cleansing properties.
Bentonite is another type of clay that is highly absorbent and has been used as a natural remedy all around the world. It is unique insofar as it is most often created in very particular circumstances, namely when volcanic ash combines with seawater. Though bentonite is usually used as a topical cleanser and detoxifier, it has even been used as a dietary supplement to help settle upset stomachs. In any case, if you’re considering a bentonite clay mask, you’re making an excellent choice, as bentonite can remove toxins from the skin, help calm excess oil production, and even help treat rashes or irritated skin.
As previously mentioned, some clay masks include both kaolin and bentonite clay, allowing you to get the most out of both components. They work together to absorb oil from the deeper layers of the skin and remove dead skin cells. These two actions can unclog blackheads and whiteheads, while also preventing the occurrence of newly clogged pores.
How To Use Deep Pore Cleansing Clay
You may think that pulling the dirt, oil, and toxins out of your pores would be a lot of work, but if you get the right cleansing clay, it’s surprisingly easy! All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Make sure that your face is clean and dry; consider using cleansing face wipes or a gentle face cleanser and giving your skin a few minutes to dry before you start with the clay
- Apply a thin layer of the clay cleansing mask to your whole face and neck; it’s best not to shave right beforehand, and if you do have facial hair, only apply the clay to the bare areas of your face and neck
- Leave the clay mask on for 5 to 10 minutes
- Rinse the clay mask off using warm water
Most people should aim to use a cleansing clay mask 1 to 2 times per week, though your needs may vary. If you’re really struggling with clogged pores and oily skin, you may want to use a clay mask more often. On the other hand, if your skin is only moderately oily and you don’t have a lot of breakouts, you might be comfortable using your clay mask less frequently.
The Best Pore Cleanser For Men
Do want a pore cleanser that is specifically designed for men? Are you in need of a deep pore cleansing mask that actually pulls the dirt and oil from your pores? Finally, do you want to enjoy the benefits of both kaolin and bentonite clay? If so, Anthony has the solution for you!
Anthony’s Deep Pore Cleansing Clay combines the power of kaolin and bentonite to provide the best and most effective pore cleanser for men. By using our deep pore cleanser on a weekly basis, you’ll see a noticeable difference in the way your skin looks and feels. It can help diminish blackheads and whiteheads, brighten dull-looking skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, and leave you with a cleaner, happier face. To make Anthony’s Deep Pore Cleansing Clay even better, we use a special formulation that features menthol and Vitamin A to refresh and revitalize your skin.
Want to learn even more about men’s deep pore cleansing? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
