6 Ways To Unclog Your Pores & Minimize Breakouts
I'm fortunate to not have serious skincare issues, but I still complain when bumps appear on my face *shrugs*.
When I usually get these bumpy breakouts, they appear in groups on my forehead. Most of the time, when I get these minor acne outbreaks, I would assume it's caused by a reaction to a moisturizer or face wash, but that wasn't the case. I did some research on what can cause them and I realized, my pores were crying for help. Besides maintaining a healthy diet and drinking more water, here are six ways to unclog your pores and get rid of pesky bumps:
Wash Your Bonnet/Scarf More Frequently and Separately.
Naturally Curly
I realized a big contribution to my forehead breakout was the build-up of products from my hair and face. I've honestly been slipping and haven't washed my bonnet in a couple of weeks and when I did, I washed it with the rest of my clothes, which I don't recommend.
The type of bonnet I use has a wide black band that protects my edges and tends to lay on my forehead. I realized how much oil and product must be living on my forehead causing my clogged pores, so now I hand wash my bonnet every week with Urban Hydration Lemon vegan laundry detergent. I use it because it's a way more gentle than my Tide detergent and I don't want anything else to irritate my skin.
Use A Charcoal Mask In Affected Area(s).
Writer Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Charcoal masks, face washes, and moisturizers are great for clearing out your skin's impurities and unclogging pores. Since I work from home and I don't particularly have to get glam in the morning, I apply my charcoal masks twice a day to the affected area— once in the morning and again at night. If you don't have this flexibility, I recommend washing your face twice a day with a charcoal face wash/moisturizer and/or applying the mask at night.
I also used a charcoal-infused peel off mask twice a week to make sure I'm really cleaning out my pores and a retexturizing mask to give my face a deep clean and reduce the appearance of pores.
Keep Your Hair Away From Your Face.
This may sound simple, but it's very important.
You can follow every other step, but if you miss this one, then it's pretty counter-productive. I would refrain from wearing your hair in your face until your pores are cleared and allowed to breathe. Even if you're using natural products, it can be a lot of build-up from both your hair and skin.
Change/Wash Your Pillowcase.
Oh Joy!
Ideally, you should change or wash your pillowcases every week or every other week.
Acne breakouts can not only stem from your hair, but your sheets as well. Just think about this, our skin tends to rejuvenate and repair itself at night, so why not give it a clean environment to do so? Our pillowcase can have a lot of build-up and irritants we can't see like dead skin, sweat, and bacteria, which can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Use Non-Comedogenic Products.
Writer Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Products that are labeled as "non-comedogenic" simply mean that they don't block pores. Other products you can use are cleansers made specifically for unclogging pores or fighting acne.
Wash Your Face With Warm Water or Do A Facial Steam.
Turning up the heat a little bit is a good way to open your pores.
You can either use warm water when washing your face or you can boil water and pour it into a bowl and lower your face allowing the steam to go onto your face. As an optional step, you can add a few drops of tea tree or peppermint oil to help open up your pores.
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These 10 Sleeping Masks Will Keep Your Skin Hydrated Overnight – Read More
I Cleared Up My Hyperpigmentation Thanks To This 5-Step Method – Read More
I Got a Chemical Peel To Help My Acne & Here's What Happened – Read More
The Black Girl's Guide To Color Correcting – Read More
Featured image by Shutterstock
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Freelance writer, content creator, and traveler. She enjoys the beauty of simplicity, a peaceful life, and a big curly fro. Connect with Krissy on social media @iamkrissylewis or check out her blog at www.krissylewis.com.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Recently, I watched Ayesha Curry and Lindsay Lohan on Hoda & Jenna discussing their new Netflix film Irish Wish. While they play BFFs in the movie, they also revealed that they were besties in real life. In fact, Ayesha and Steph Curry are godparents to Lindsey and her husband, Bader Shammas’ son Luai. I may be late to the party, but it got me to thinking: what other celebrities have other celebrities as godparents to their children? If you were wondering the same thing, then look no further. Below is a list of celebrities you may not have known were godparents.
Steph and Ayesha Curry and Lindsay Lohan
As I mentioned, this celebrity couple serves as godparents to Lindsay’s son. The actress and author, who is expecting her fourth child with the NBA champ, opened up about it on LIVE with Kelly and Mark. “Anytime somebody honors you and bestows that upon you, one, I’m like thank you ‘cause that means that you think I’m a semi-decent parent, but two, I’m just excited to have a hand in raising him and helping shepherd him in the right direction,” Ayesha said.
Zoë Kravitz, Marisa Tomei, and Cree Summer
Zoë Kravitz (L) and Cree Summer (R).
Photo by @iamcreesummer/ Instagram
Lisa Bonet enlisted a couple of her A Different Worldco-stars to be godmothers to Zoë Kravitz. Marisa Tomei and Cree Summer are both the godmothers of The Batman star, and they all appear to have a close relationship with each other.
Cicely Tyson and Lenny Kravitz
Legendary actress Cicely Tyson was Lenny Kravitz's godmother and the two shared an inseparable bond. When she passed in Jan 2021, the singer wrote a long, loving tribute on Instagram. "With inimitable style and grace, my dear Godmother Miss Cicely Tyson made her grand exit to the heavens. She lived a remarkable life up to the last moment," he began. "A true pioneer, who bared her heart and soul so we could witness the spirit of the characters she so brilliantly portrayed, which continue to move and inspire generations."
He continued, "A Black queen who showed us how beautiful black is," continued Kravitz. "The love between us was and is tremendous. As long as I have had consciousness, I've known Godmother. She and my mother were kindred spirits. Sisters. And after my mother passed, Godmother's role in my life was amplified." He concluded his post by saying how he spoke to her days before she passed and how she sent him her memoir Just As I Am.
Cicely Tyson, Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry (L) and Oprah Winfrey (R).
Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Warner Bros
Cicely also served as Tyler Perry's son Aman's godmother. But she didn’t have that role alone. Oprah Winfrey is also Aman's godmother. When the filmmaker visited The Real eight years ago, he talked about being a new dad and shared the best advice Oprah ever gave him. “I think the best advice that she’s given me is about just living in the moment. Just be present in what’s going on within your life."
Tyler Perry, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Speaking of Tyler Perry, the Madea creator is the godfather to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s daughter Princess Lilibet Diana. Tyler opened up about receiving that honor in the couple’s Netflix docuseries. "I had to take a minute to take that in," he said. “I thought, 'I'd be honored. I'd absolutely be honored.'”
Usher and Ben Vereen
Usher (L) and Ben Verneen (R).
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
Tony award-winning actor and dancer Ben Vereen is the godfather to “Superstar” singer Usher. While visiting The Kelly Clarkson Show in November 2021, Ben opened up about their relationship and revealed whether or not the multi-platinum artist takes his advice. “I love giving advice. He just don’t take it,” he said. The Roots star also joked about Usher stealing his moves for his “You Make Me Wanna” video.
Nicole Richie, Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson
When famed singer Lionel Richie adopted Nicole Richie, he bestowed the illustrious title of godfather to two fellow legends, Quincy Jones and the late Michael Jackson. Lionel frequently collaborated with both Quincy and Michael throughout his career.
Star Jones and Vanesa Bell Calloway
Vanessa Bell Calloway (L) and Star Jones (R).
Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images
Divorce Court judge Star Jones is the godmother to both of Vanessa Bell Calloway’s daughters, Ashley and Alexandra. They are also all sorority sisters as they are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
CeCe Winans and Bobbi Kristina
CeCe Winans was the godmother to Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina. The gospel legend spoke about dealing with Bobbi’s death in an interview with Toledo’s The Blade. "I don't think there's any words to describe a loss like that. I still can't believe it.
“At the same time, I guess you're just not surprised when drugs are involved in anybody's life," she said. "Most of the time it doesn't turn out well. I pray for the family. I still can't believe Whitney's gone, but now to see that Bobbi Kris is gone too … you just can't even come to grips with it."
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Feature images by Momodu Mansaray/WireImage, Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures