This morning I was inspired to write a post about pores and if it’s possible for them to open and close. The inspiration came from a friend who asked me if getting a facial would help ‘open her blocked pores’.  It was at that moment when the light bulb went off over my head.  I decided it was time to debunk this common beauty myth.

  How many times have you heard this?  Steaming the face will ‘open’ the pores.  Or, what about this: Splashing cold water on the face or using a toner after cleansing will help to ‘close’ the pores.  Chances are you’ve probably heard both statements at one time or another.

Well, the truth is pores DO NOT open and close.  Pores are NOT doors. Pores (the opening to the follicles) do not have muscles in order to do this.  Facial steaming simply hydrates the surface of the skin, making it more ‘flexible’ to work with; especially if extractions need to be performed.  Using a cold water splash or toner makes the capillaries constrict giving a temporary tightening sensation to the skin.  If you’ve ever done a homemade egg white masque on yourself, you know the feeling I’m talking about.

The best way to treated your blocked pores is to visit a licensed skin care professional; preferably one who specializes in the treatment of acne. They can perform professional extractions and recommend the proper home care products to assist in keeping your pores from getting blocked.