Enlarged pores have overtaken wrinkles in areas of complaint. Most of my clients have add large pores to their list of skin woes and I would have to agree. Unfortunately for me, I inherited enlarged skin pores from my mum, and while I do everything possible to minimise their appearance, they will always be there. So, I have to keep up with regular maintenance, using the right skin care and in-clinic treatments. Check out my enlarged pores tips…
So what exactly are pores? The start to your enlarged pores tips!
Pores are the tiny holes on our skin which are actually openings for hair follicles. The average human adult has around 5 million hairs on their body, which means 5 million pores! Each pore also contains a sebaceous gland which is responsible for producing the oil on our skin. In some parts of our face, such as the nose and forehead, the glands are bigger, so the pores will be more obvious in these areas.
The function of pores, in a nutshell, is to allow an opening for hair and oil to pass through. The small sebaceous gland that sits inside the follicle carries through the skin and exits out of the pore, bringing with it dead skin cells that are found within the follicle.
Sweat does not come out of our pores, but rather through tiny sweat glands that are all over our skin. So while sweat emerges through a different channel, when it dries on our skin, it leaves behind a salty residue, which can become trapped in our pores. When our pores become blocked with dirt, oil and dead skin cells, we are prone to inflammation and acne. They also become more noticeable, so the first step in minimising pore size is to keep them clean. Luckily, most of our pores cannot be seen, just like the wispy hair that comes out of them.
So what can we do to avoid blocked pores?
Always cleanse your skin
1. If you wear makeup, remove it as soon as you are home. If your busy, consider Aspect Micellar Water or Medik8 Micellar Mousse.
2. Use a gentle cleanser morning and night that will effectively remove the days grime such as Medik8 Gentle Cleanse. Always double cleanse.
3. If your skin is excessively oily, you may want to try a cleanser that contains salicylic, which will assist in oil control. We love Medik8’s Pore Cleanse Gel Intense. They also have a Pore Refining Scrub which is divine and can be paired back with their Pore Minimising Tonic.
Enlarged Pores Tips – Serums produce long term improvements
4. Dead skin cells will sit in and around the pore, making them appear larger. The use of a Vitamin A serum will ensure that any dead skin cells are dissolved and exfoliated away. A great starting point is Medik8’s Night Ritual Vitamin A as it’s gentle and works while you sleep.
5. A pore minimising serum will help with the elasticity around the area, making it softer and therefore reducing the size of the opening.
Moisturise and exfoliate to stop the oil cycle
6. Make sure you are adequately moisturising. Dry skin will force the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leaving you oily and blocked.
7. Weekly gentle exfoliation will also ensure that dead skin and debris is removed from in and around the pore. An enzyme exfoliator such as Société Superfruit Enzyme Peel works well as it is not too harsh. Medik8’s Refining Moisturiser is developed with your enlarged pores in mind!
Protect your skin from further damage
8. Always protect your skin from the sun. The UV damage causes the outer layer of skin to thicken, making the pore appear much larger than it is.
9. A mineral based makeup will allow your skin to function as it should, and does not contain harmful chemicals which break down your skin.
Professional facial treatments
10. In-Clinic treatments every 4 to 6 weeks. Receiving lactic peels or dermabrasions as enlarged pores treatments, will assist in keeping your pores clear.
Although large pores are frustrating, the best pore minimiser is really about the right care and maintenance. If you’re unsure, we can always help you work out the best ‘next step’ for your skins’ needs. Check out the links below.
Still not sure?
If you need more help or would like personalised advice on what skincare products are best for you, book now for your consultation with a skin care advisor. Check out our range of in-clinic services today.
Or fill in the Online Skin Consultation, and our skin care advisor will happily help you to choose the right treatments and products for your skin type or concern.
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Meg H. says
We are glad you have found it helpful! Best wishes with your skin care goals.