When it comes to getting rid of the grossness that is blackheads on our noses, most of us reach for pore packs, which are basically adhesive-coated strips that yank the debris out of our pores, decorating the strip with dislodged evidence and leaving us with a sense of unparalleled satisfaction.
However as my skin became more sensitive, I found that strips leave my skin itchy, dry and red. I stopped using them years ago and just allowed the blackheads to proliferate (LOL) since I didn't know what else to do with them.
Recently I was introduced to the Tsururi range of skincare which includes cleansers, nose masks, and face masks. The unique ingredient in these products is Mineral Ghassoul Lava Clay.
Ghass.... what? 😳
I've never heard of the word 'ghassoul' before; I had to make sure I knew what I was putting on my sensitive skin first! Upon researching, I learnt that Ghassoul clay is clay that has been formed from volcanic lava and is mined from chambers below the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. HOW COOL IS THAT. After extraction, the pure clay is washed and dried in the sun, and then ground to a fine powder. There are no artificial emulsifiers, fragrances or preservatives in Mineral Ghassoul Lava Clay. Due to its high mineral content and capacity to draw out impurities, it is regarded as the finest clay used in ancient Rome and now in high end spas and salons.
Tsururi has made this finest clay available in very convenient tubes and targeted at specific areas. No more peeling off strips off your skin, no more irritated skin!
Even though Ghassoul clay is supposedly well-tolerated by all skin types, I exercised caution as I always do when it comes to trying new skincare. Especially when it comes to masks, my skin has almost zero resilience and easily breaks out from masks, no matter in what form. I was relieved when I experienced no irritation from Tsururi products and they even helped reduce skin inflammation, a common phenomenon whenever I travel. Here are some best acne tricks I've gathered from experience over the years.
Step 1: Cleanse With Tsururi Facial Wash
[Crazy hair no thanks to the strong winds aboard our cruise at Halong Bay.
Those stray curly hairs make me feel like reaching into the screen and plucking them out 😖 ]
Tsururi White Clay Paste and Tsururi Ghassoul Paste are daily cleansers that gently exfoliate the skin to eliminate dullness to reveal smooth skin.
Tsusuri White Clay Paste - for sensitive or dry skin
Tsururi Ghassoul Paste - for normal to oily skin
How To Use:
- Wet hands and skin
- Work facial cleanser into a lather with the Tsururi brush and gently massage it on your face
- Rinse thoroughly with water
The Tsururi brush is the softest facial brush I have ever come across! It is made from 100% Kanegoto fiber bristles so you get this gentle silky-soft cleansing experience. I feel like I'm stroking a baby rabbit, no, softer than that! The bristles are specially manufactured to be thinner than hair so that they can reach into the pores and draw out dirt.
Step 2: Unclog Blackheads With Tsururi Nose Pack
Here's where you can say goodbye to pore strips! As mentioned, pore strips don't work for me anymore because they exacerbate the dryness when my skin is going through dry periods from acne treatments.
Tsururi Nose Packs contain the unique composition of Ghassoul clay that binds the excess skin oil and dirt particles. These are then easily washed away with water, leaving the natural protective layer intact.
Tsururi Deep Cleansing Cream Ghassoul Power
(aka as Morocco Ghassoul Andes Salt Scrub Power Hot Stone)
How To Use:
- Ensure skin is clean and dry
- Spread a thin layer on nose, t-zone and areas prone to oiliness
- Using your fingertips, massage gently in circular motions for 60 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly with water
- Use 1-2 times a week
I was alarmed when I first used this. Didn't expect my nose to be on fire! Hahaha! Upon close inspection did I realize that this was labelled 'Energy Zeolite Warming Blackhead Remover Cream'. It melts away impurities and blackheads with a warm sensation. Very interesting!
Tsururi Point Clay Pack Ghassoul & Red Clay Power
(aka Morocco Ghassoul Red Clay Argan Oil)
How To Use:
- Ensure skin is clean and dry
- Spread a thin layer on nose, t-zone and areas prone to oiliness
- Wait for 5 minutes for clay to harden
- Rinse thoroughly with water
- Use 1-2 times a week
I applied the nose pack on oilier areas such as my nose and cheeks and a little on my chin as a big pimple was brewing at the time of taking these shots at home.
Step 3: Tighten Pores With Tsururi Mask Pack
Saved the best for last! 😁
For a person who stopped believing in masks a long time ago, Tsururi has done an incredible job with Moroccan Lava Clay to convince me that with the right ingredients, I can find masks that work for sensitive skin. My favorite mask is the Tsururi Mild Sea Clay Pack (love that shade of blue). It reduces dryness, improves skin clarity and elasticity and has extractive abilities that remove impurities and unblock pores. My skin feels smoother and more supple after each use!
Tsururi Mild Sea Clay Pack - for sensitive or dry skin
Tsururi Ghassoul Mineral Clay Pack - for normal to oily skin
How To Use:
- Ensure skin is free of makeup and properly cleansed
- Apply about 2 teaspoons of clay pack onto lightly dampened skin. Spread thinly and even out
- Apply on sides of nostrils, cheeks. Avoid eyes and mouth
- Leave on for 2-3 minutes and rinse thoroughly
- Use 2-3 times a week
The reason why I wrote down the directions for each product in this post is because despite all their greatness, the tubes only have Japanese words printed on them. Mandom Corp, the company that brought Tsururi to Singapore, provides English translations but the stickers are attached on the plastic wrap packaging and once you throw them away, it's easy to forget the directions. Like how much and how often to use each of them. Hopefully you'll find these directions useful if you do forget! ^_^
I brought Tsururi with me on a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam with my mum and got her to try the mask. I have on Tsururi Mild Sea Clay Pack (for sensitive skin) and mama has on Tsururi Ghassoul Mineral Clay Pack (for normal to oily skin).
Despite it being just a 5D4N trip, it was a satisfying respite for me. I'd been feeling down for the longest time and just wanted to go somewhere ASAP. Not to escape, but to recharge, to be inspired. I booked and planned everything under 2 hours after mama agreed to go on a trip with me without knowing where we're going hahaha.
Thank you mama for being the great mum that you are, for loving me despite my many flaws, supporting me in any way you can, and being so funny. LOLLL! I love you very much! 😘
Smoother, brighter, tighter skin with each use! (Not wearing any makeup in this picture at all. Eyelash extensions are lifesavers.)
Now you know what to do the next time your nose is feeling congested from blackheads! Let me know how it goes, I'm sure your pores will thank me later. 👍
List Of Tsururi Products And Where To Find Them:
Cleanser: Tsururi White Clay Paste (sensitive or dry skin) $12.90
Cleanser: Tsururi Ghassoul Paste (normal to oily skin) $12.90
Softer-Than-A-Rabbit Brush: Tsururi Face Pore Cleansing Brush $18.90
Nose Pack: Tsururi Deep Cleansing Cream Ghassoul Power $12.90
Nose Pack: Tsururi Point Clay Pack Ghassoul & Red Clay Powder $12.90
Mask Pack: Tsururi Mild Sea Clay Pack (sensitive or dry skin) $19.90
Mask Pack: Tsururi Ghassoul Mineral Clay Pack (normal to oily skin) $19.90
Tsururi products are available at Metro, BHG, Watsons, Tokyu Hands and Meidi-ya.
This post was written in collaboration with Tsururi.