Cleansers and treatment products designed for acneic skin used to be the only at-home option for blocked pores, but for difficult skin, now there’s a better solution. Even the most stubborn pores are no match for the Bliss Pore-Fector Gadget, which uses sonic technology to de-clog blockages and keep your skin calm and clear. Read on to learn about how your pores are related to acne and clear skin, and how this gadget can leave you with healthier skin every day.

Pores: The key to a clear complexion

When they’re healthy, you probably don’t give a second thought to your pores – the tiny openings to hair follicles found across your entire body. A flawless complexion is associated with pores that are almost invisible. "When pores are tighter, light reflects better. You get an overall appearance of vitality, youthfulness, and health,” says Mary P. Lupo, professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine, for MSNBC.

But when they become blocked with oil, dirt and debris, pores can stretch and appear dark and prominent. For some, blackheads and clogged pores are a daily frustration. And, clogged pores can also mean acne and red, irritated skin.

Blocked pores and blemishes

If you have a tendency to break out, you’re likely familiar with the appearance of red, irritate blemishes that seem to appear out of nowhere. But chances are these blemishes have been in the making for several days or longer.

When pores become clogged with dirt, debris or excess sebum (the skin’s natural moisturizer), the result is a build-up beneath the skin. Bacteria starts to grow, and the result is those red, inflamed, angry-looking bumps known as cysts or pimples. In non-inflammatory acne, you might notice that instead of a raised lump, the pore is simply blocked – a blackhead or a whitehead. The irritation is largely under the skin’s surface in this case. However, blackheads and whiteheads aren’t any less frustrating to get rid of.

Many acne sufferers mistakenly believe that by drying up oil on the skin, they can keep acne from forming, but doing so can actually create more problems – if your skin becomes overly dry, it can begin to churn out more oil, exacerbating the problem. Preventing acne-lesions requires a two-part strategy: First, you must unclog those blocked pores, sloughing off dead skin cells and gently clearing excess oil. And second, you need to adopt a skincare regimen that prevents the pores from clogging in the future. This is where deep-cleansing products like the Bliss Pore-Fector Gadget come in, along with a healthy skincare regimen.

The science behind the technology

Bliss Pore-Fector Gadget uses two frequencies of sonic vibrations to de-clog and cleanse your skin, and essentially has two separate functions:

• Higher-level vibrations (up to 27,000 per second) work as a deep-cleansing mechanism, helping you to cleanse deep down into the pores for a clean that is impossible to achieve using just your fingers.

• Lower-level vibrations have a different function: massaging in skincare products like serums and moisturizers. The sonic vibrations help the skin to better absorb anything from acne-fighting treatments to anti-aging moisturizers.

Used daily, the Pore-Fector Gadget will give you a deeper clean to gently wash away impurities, and help you get the most out of any treatment products that follow.

Cleansers: Lather up for healthy skin

Before you start looking to products like the Pore-Fector Gadget to help in your pursuit of clear pores, consider that cleansing twice daily is a crucial component of any skincare regimen, regardless of your specific skin concerns. If dull skin, clogged pores and acne are a daily nuisance, choose your cleanser accordingly. Lupo suggests cleansers with active ingredients like salicylic acid (in strengths of .5 to 1 percent) or lactic or glycoli acid (in strengths of 2.5 to 5 percent). These will help your skin to slough off those dead skin cells that can block the pores and lead to breakouts.

Also, when choosing your cleanser, opt for oil-free formulas. As New York City dermatologist Patricia Wexler tells MSNBC, "The idea is to get rid of oil, not add more.” An effective cleanser will create a gentle lather to remove dirt and debris, and rinse clean without leaving any pore-clogging residue.

Gizmos and gadgets: Using the Pore-fector

Start with clean skin to get the best results. First, use with the Bliss Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner to give your pores a thorough cleansing. This moisturizing toner is alcohol-free, so it won’t irritate your skin – instead, it’s full of moisturizers and antioxidants to help fight free radicals and protect your skin from environmental pollutants. It also contains sodium hyaluronate, which helps moisture to bind to your skin. Plus, it’s pH balanced, and great for all skin types.

Next, use the lower frequency setting with any skincare treatment products you like. For acneic skin, try a powerful exfoliating serum like Bliss No 'Zit' Sherlock Correcting Serum, which will even out your skin texture and fade hyperpigmentation from old acne lesions. Or, if you’re concerned with wrinkles, Bliss The Youth As We Know It Serum is a great all-around skin booster.

Bonus points: Bliss Steep Clean

The Pore-fector Gadget comes with two free samples of Bliss Steep Clean, an at-home product that works wonders on a clogged T-zone. It also brightens your skin tone and will prevent pores from clogging, keeping your skin clean and healthy.

Clogged pores, step aside; the Bliss Pore-fector Gadget will have your complexion glowing in no time. Like any addition to your skincare regimen, remember that real changes to your skin take time and patience – and always be gentle with your skin.

See also:

Menopause and Your Skin: Acne and Rosacea

Complete Acne Handbook

10 Skincare and Makeup Secrets from Top Beauty Pros