Stevie, I use steam with aloe vera gel then us my microcurrent to open pores before I do extractiions.  It is very mild for inflamed skin. At school there was a baking soda and water treatment to do this also but can't remember the ratio. I close the pores down after extratctions using the setting on my machine. I sometimes use chamomile essential oil, a drop in the gel if the skin is really inflamed.  Essential oils are my favorite for healing and improving skin function.  There are a variety of books on the market about their use combining them with natural ingred.  You must be causious using them! I work out of my home also and would not have it any other way, selling my own hand made cleansers, serums and masks.