How Do We Minimize Pores?
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It contains millions of pores, most of which are not visible to the human eye. All of these pores open, allowing the skin to breathe. Each pore contains a hair follicle. Each pore also contains sebaceous (oil) glands that make an oil called sebum.
The sebaceous glands are most abundant in the pores on your face, back, chest, and groin. Hormones play a role in stimulating these glands in order to produce more sebum. That’s why the pores on your face, most specifically those on your nose, forehead, and cheeks, may appear larger than they do on other areas of your body. Any skin type, whether it’s oily, normal, or dry, can take on the appearance of having large open pores. These may give your skin a dull appearance, particularly if they’re clogged with dirt, bacteria, oil, or dead skin cells.
While not a medical concern, open pores can be a cosmetic issue for some people who do not like the way their skin looks. In adolescents, and in adults who are prone to acne, open pores may become clogged, turning into blackheads or whiteheads. Ageing skin containing less collagen may also take on the appearance of having larger, open pores, which might also cause concern.
Pores cannot be opened or closed. But the good news is, you can make your pores appear smaller. Often, when people say they wish to make their open pores look smaller, what they’re referring to is deep cleaning to remove excess oil and debris. The excess oil in pores makes the pores open up and appear big. Therefore, by removing this excess oil, it may make open pores look as if they’ve shrunk or closed.
Causes of large-looking open pores
There are several causes of large-looking open pores. They include:
- high levels of oil (sebum) production
- reduced elasticity around pores
- thick hair follicles
- genetics or heredity
- reduction of collagen production in skin, caused by aging
- sun damage or overexposure to the sun
Types of treatment
You can’t get rid of open pores. However, you can reduce their look and improve your skin’s appearance. There are few treatments that you can try, but what has been suggested by our dermatologist is exfoliation. Despite the prevalence of products promising to “open pores,” it’s important to remember that they’re already open. Steamy facials may make you feel as if you’re opening up your pores but in essence, what you’re really doing is cleansing your pores of oil, dead skin cells, and debris. While the skin doesn’t technically breathe the way our lungs do, it does require open pores to keep you cool and to eliminate dead skin cells so that new cells can grow.
Exfoliation
It`s important to remember that pores are already open. And it becomes wider when there is excess oil in the pores. Therefore, exfoliating will make them look smaller. This is because when you remove all the oil and dirt that clog up pores, your pores will be empty, and it shrinks. Exfoliating toners works best when used twice or three times a week. Our dermatologist also suggests using retinol every day to reduce sebum production.
Steaming
A steamy facial can help clean out pores, making them appear smaller, and giving your skin a fresh glow. Try adding herbs or essential oils to the steam, to make your experience more aesthetic and pampering.
Facial masks
Masks that dry on the skin are effective at eliminating blackheads and may also help reduce the look of open pores. Try experimenting with several kinds to see which work best for you. Good ones to try including clay or oatmeal masks. Facial masks help draw out impurities from pores, making them look smaller.
Takeaways
Open pores on your cheeks, nose, and forehead can appear larger as you age, or when your pores are clogged. Keeping your skin clean, and avoiding the sun, are two of the best ways you can reduce the appearance of open pores. While nothing actually opens or closes pores, treatments are available that can make them look smaller, giving you the appearance of healthier and more vibrant skin.
Would you like to know more? SkynFyx is a platform that provides completely free skincare education. It is run by a group of skin doctors and skincare experts who want everybody to achieve flawless skin at the cheapest possible cost. Therefore, feel free to contact SkynFyx if you have any inquiries concerning skincare.
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