Solving the two stubborn problems of blackheads and enlarged pores: Traditional Chinese medicine treatment to eliminate spleen dampness, three-times-a-day pore-shrinking therapy, and dietary restrictions.

Blackheads are plug-like substances composed of sebum, dead skin cells, and fungi, which oxidize and turn black upon contact with air. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the root cause of blackheads lies in excessive dampness in the spleen. The *Huangdi Neijing* states, "Those with spleen heat will first turn red on the nose," highlighting the nose as a central feature of the face and an external manifestation of the spleen and stomach. The spleen is susceptible to dampness, and excessive damp heat is particularly pronounced in summer. Therefore, the best way to remove blackheads is to eliminate spleen dampness. Massaging the Yinlingquan acupoint for 10 minutes daily (located in the depression at the bend of the calf bone below the knee) and applying moxibustion to both Zusanli acupoints for 5 minutes before bed (located 3 cun below the outer knee eye) can effectively eliminate blackheads with consistent practice.

Besides traditional Chinese medicine internal treatments, men can also try various external remedies. Salt and milk method: Mix 4-5 drops of milk with salt, gently massage for half a minute while it's partially dissolved, then wash off. Pearl powder method: Mix pearl powder into a paste, apply evenly to the face, wash off after it dries, twice a week to exfoliate. Egg white method: Soak cotton pads in egg white and apply to the nose, peel off after 10-15 minutes when dry. In addition, applying eggshell membranes and rubbing with rice balls are also simple and effective methods. Removing blackheads requires patience and must be done periodically in conjunction with a regular skincare routine.

Large pores are often caused by the atrophy of elastic tissue due to aging and prolonged exposure to air conditioning and dryness. To achieve silky smooth skin, try a pore-shrinking treatment three times a day. In the morning, try the "Iced Pore-Shrinking Treatment": Wrap ice cubes in a towel and apply to your face for at least one minute, using the principle of thermal expansion and contraction to cool and control oil production, followed by astringent toner. At noon, try the "Green Tea Pore-Shrinking Treatment": Utilize the acidic components in green tea to kill bacteria and tighten the skin. Gently pat cool green tea onto your cheeks or wash your face directly for noticeable results. In the evening, try the "Fruit and Vegetable Pore-Shrinking Treatment": Rub the pulp from celery, rapeseed, or lemon juice onto your pores; their natural astringent components gently exfoliate and control oil. The pulp can be portioned and stored in the refrigerator for a week's worth of tightening benefits.

There are strict dietary restrictions for men's skin care. First, avoid animal fats, as excessive intake can produce acidic substances in the body, severely irritating the skin. Second, eat more plant-based foods rich in cysteine ​​and tryptophan, such as black sesame seeds, wheat bran, and seaweed, which can prevent rough skin and delay aging. Protein intake needs to be balanced; deficiency can cause skin to lose elasticity, but excessive consumption of fish, shrimp, and crab may cause allergies. In addition, it is essential to supplement calcium, maintaining skin vitality through seafood and dairy products. Improper dietary choices, such as an overly salty diet, can inhibit the activity of trace elements, leading to melanin deposition. Long-term excessive consumption of strong alcohol and smoking can cause dull and sagging skin and must be avoided. Through these comprehensive internal and external adjustments, men can achieve truly healthy skin.