Enlarged Pores

What are Enlarged Pores?

Pores are little holes in the skin that release oils and are connected to hair follicles. Pores can appear larger on different areas of the body, for different reasons. Popular factors are acne, oily skin, sun damage and noncomedogenic (pore blocking) make-up.

What causes Enlarged Pores?

Enlarged Pores are caused by the sebaceous glands producing too much sebum, which mixes with dead skin cells. These then block the pores because the sebum cannot escape from the pores, so the pores become bigger.

There are a few aspects you can look at to change your skin routine, which may help. Look at the active ingredients of your daily cleanser, changing your make-up to noncomedogenic ones and ensuring you wear SPF.

If you are using skin care products that are designed for acne and excess oil every day for prolonged periods of time, then you may actually get the opposite results to what you desire as they irritate skin. Be wary of active ingredients such as salicylic acid. This removes the top layer of your skin and can be very drying. Short term this can help to control excess oil on the skin, but prolonged use means your skin tries to produce more oil to counteract the drying effect of these cleansers. This turns trying to reduce any excess oil on the skin into a vicious circle. Use products with salicylic acid for only a couple of weeks at a time.

Avoid soaps for the face. These can create the effect of larger looking pores. Washing your face with warm water, using circular motions when applying cleanser to your face, and patting your face dry will all help to keep your pores tighter. Only exfoliate your face 1-2 times a week, to ensure you are not stripping essential oils and minerals away constantly. Try a clay mask 1-2 times a week, on different days to when you exfoliate. Clay masks help to deep clean pores and can help them to appear smaller.

Other important factors to treat Enlarged Pores are to stay hydrated, there is that drinking water bit again! Keeping hydrated can help to eliminate toxins and keep the skin complexion looking its best. Always apply SPF to the face and of course take all makeup off before bedtime.

Enlarged Pores Treatment

• Specialist skin care products – ask in clinic for details