What is Open Pores?
Enlarged pores or open pores are the visible expansion of hair follicles on the skin’s surface. Pores are small holes in the skin, the house of hair follicles and sebaceous glands that serve as pathways for oil (sebum), sweat and hair.
What Causes Enlarged Pores?
Pore enlargement can be caused by various reasons, most of which are a combination of hereditary, environmental, and lifestyle variables.
Genetics- Hereditary factors mostly influence pores size. If your parents or other close relatives have wide pores, you may be prone to getting them as well.
Excess sebum production- Overactive sebaceous glands can result in excessive sebum production on the skin. Excess sebum can build in the pores, clogging and enlarging them.
Aging- The skin changes as people age, including a decrease in collagen and elastin production. The loss of structural proteins reduces skin flexibility, which contributes to the appearance of bigger pores.
Sun damage- Prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can destroy collagen in the skin. Weakening collagen may consequence in decreased skin firmness and making pores appear wider.
Hormonal Changes- Hormonal abnormalities during puberty, pregnancy, and any other disease can all have an impact on sebum production. Hormonal imbalance can cause increased oil secretion, which can contribute to larger pores.
Comedogenic products- Certain types of skincare and makeup that contain oils, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals can cause clogged pores. Long-term use of such products can contribute to enlarged pores.
How to Reduce Enlarged Pores?
Non-comedogenic products- Non-comedogenic skincare products serve an important role in preventing the appearance of enlarged pores by preventing pores from getting clogged. The specialty of non-comedogenic certified products is they are formulated with ingredients that are less likely to cause clogged pores and breakouts.
Oil-free Skincare Products- Oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil are highly comedogenic and this can lead to pore blockage. Oil-free skincare products prevent the visibility of enlarged pores by regulating oil production. Use products that are lightweight and oil-free certified. Non-comedogenic and oil-free are not the same.
Double Cleansing- A skincare practice that involves applying two different types of cleansers sequentially to completely wash the skin called double cleansing. Excess oil production, dust accumulation, and poor washing are all reasons that cause enlarged pores. The importance of double cleansing in minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores stems from its capacity to remove pollutants, makeup and excess oil from the skin. Double washing allows you to get deep into your pores and remove substances that a single cleanser may not be able to remove. This is especially essential in reducing the accumulation of dead skin cells and pollutants which can cause pores to seem larger. Perform this method every day at night.
Exfoliation- Dead skin can lead to pore expansion. Regular exfoliation helps to eliminate dead skin cells and keep skin away from enlarged pores. For better skin renewal use a gentle exfoliating treatment containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Dry-skin individuals go for 5% to 6% glycolic acid cream (AHA), while oily-skin folks start with 6% to 7% glycolic acid (AHA) toner or 2% salicylic acid (BHA) toner. Remember to use only one exfoliator, either AHA or BHA.
Niacinamide- Niacinamide reduces the appearance of enlarged pores by controlling sebum production, and anti-inflammatory effects, improving skin barrier function, stimulating growth of collagen, and tightening pore lining. Start with a lower concentration of 1% to 5%. Gradually increase up to 10% according to your tolerance. Apply niacinamide serum every day in the morning after cleanser. Remember a broad-spectrum, mineral sunscreen as the last step of your AM skincare routine.
Salicylic Acid- Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid. It penetrates deeply into the pores. Dissolves excess sebum, exfoliates, and removes dead skin cells and impurities. By promoting sebum production salicylic acid minimizes the size of enlarged pores. Use 2% salicylic acid serum at night only, after double cleansing.
Retinol- Retinol stimulates collagen formation and enhances skin regeneration. Retinol helps to reduce the build-up of dead skin cells within the pores and accelerates cell turnover. Lower the risk of clogging pores. Moreover, retinol improves skin elasticity which might help to tighten pores and make them, less visible. One should start with lower concentration (0.1%).
Tretinoin- Tretinoin like retinol, increases cell turnover, and prevents the accumulation of dead skin cells within the pores. It also boosts collagen formation which enhances the firmness and suppleness of the skin and by doing so it minimizes the visibility of enlarged pores. Tretinoin also has the eligibility of being more potent than retinol and it’s a prescription based. Ask your doctor for better recommendations according to your circumstances. There is a proper way how to start with tretinoin as a beginner.
Sunscreen- Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure can destroy collagen and elastin, skin loses its elasticity, and pores get enlarged. Sunscreen prevents these harmful effects, preserves skin structure, and reduces pore enlargement. Always apply a broad-spectrum certified, mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher and reapply every 2 hours.
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