n these humid, hot summer Texas days, makeup can settle deeply into the pores and begin to clog them up.  Congested pores can lead to larger pores, which isn’t the prettiest look for your skin.  Since a routine facial is best but sometimes not in the budget, here are a few tips to open up those pores and clean them out deeply for more radiant, clear skin.

Step #1: Cleanser is key.  One of the best times to use a deep cleanser is during a warm shower or after spending time in the sauna at your gym.  Your pores will enlarge and open as the heat penetrates the skin.  Use your fingertips or a device like the Clarisonic to distribute a cleanser to your skin and scrub away any makeup, sweat, or residue.  Make sure the cleanser is appropriate for your skin type: sensitive, combination, or oily.  One I love is Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser. It freshens the skin’s appearance as it cleanses, but without drying it out! (And it smells heavenly.)

Step #2:  A mask is a wonderful once monthly treat for the skin.  It not only further pulls toxins from deep inside the pores, but will soften the skin’s surface by removing dead skin cells.  There are masks that do a variety of different things: if you need to deeply cleanse and revitalize your skin, the Sisely-Paris Black Rose Mask is a soothing skin care mask rich in trace elements, vitamins and plant extracts.

This mask attacks the signs of aging and fatigue to rejuvenate skin and restore vitality.  If a glow is what your skin is missing, the GlamGlow Mud Mask will do the trick.  Whatever mask you choose, massage it into the skin gently, covering the entire face, but avoiding the eye area.  Leave on as directed, and follow with a light toner.

Step #3: Serums can do wonders.  A serum is usually a very light, thin consistency, and packs the largest punch when it comes to delivering the good stuff to your skin.  Always put on a serum before your moisturizer and let it sink in a for a few short minutes. Vitamin E Moisture Serum from The Body Shop is an affordable option to help hydrate and protect the skin.

Step #4: Moisturize, of course!  Last, but not least, keep your skin moisturized throughout the day or night.  Make this your last step before applying makeup in the morning, and your last step before you sleep at night.  A night cream is best before sleep, which will be a heavier consistency and keep the skin firm during your sleeping hours.  For day, make sure the product you use has an SPF if you don’t already have one in your makeup.  A brand new favorite that has been getting tons of national attention is the VenEffect Anti-Aging Intensive Moisturizer.  This super-hydrating, luxurious moisturizer is formulated with advanced phytoestrogen technology, to dramatically increase skin’s elasticity as it reverses the signs of hormonal aging. Plus, VENeffect products are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and paraben free-all good things for your skin.

Protect your skin and keep those pores clean as a whistle!