Natural health: Will steaming clear the blocked pores on my nose and chin? 

Less is more when it comes to skin

Picture: iStock 

I often get blocked pores and spots around my nose and chin, particularly before the start of my periods. I’ve heard steaming can help. Or is there another treatment you could recommend?

Steaming once a week is a great way to unclog pores as it helps to remove trapped dirt, oil, and dead cells. Make sure you pat your skin with a soft clean muslin or bamboo cloth immediately afterwards. For extra deep cleansing, you can apply a clay masque following your steam treatment. If your skin is oily then use green clay (often called French green clay, argile, or Montmorillonite clay); if it is sensitive then white or kaolin clay is a better choice. Mix the dry clay powder with water until you have reached the consistency similar to tube paint, then apply to your face. Leave on until it has dried completely then moisten your skin and gently remove the clay with water. Any residue can be gently removed with a soft natural cloth. Splashing your face with lukewarm or cool water eight to 10 times (then patting it dry) each morning and night can help improve the overall condition of your skin.