How to Overcome Fear of Enlarged Pores?
We often feel self-conscious about certain ‘imperfections’ on our faces. So, if you could make them disappear, which ‘flaw’ would you choose: stretch marks, ingrown hairs, blackheads, dehydrated skin, or discoloration…? Each of us would have a different answer, and one of the answers is ‘enlarged pores,’ with over 3 billion searches on Google.
Summary of Content:
- What are enlarged pores and why do they appear?
- What are the causes leading to the formation of large pores?
- Tips to address and minimize them.
- However, there are mistakes to avoid.
- Products to shrink pores for Vietnamese enthusiasts.
Enlarged pores are tiny openings on the skin’s surface through which sweat can escape, regulating body temperature and releasing the body’s natural oils, called sebum, which moisturizes the skin, keeping it soft and elastic. There are about 150 pores per square centimeter of skin, and they are nearly invisible. However, under certain conditions, pores can become enlarged, affecting the skin’s aesthetics. Typically, the T-zone on the face is where they are most prevalent.
So, what causes enlarged pores? Pores can form on any skin type and can be hereditary, but there are other reasons that explain this phenomenon:
Firstly, genetics play a role; if one or both of our parents have large pores, it’s likely we’ll have a similar condition.
Additionally, aging is a common factor. As the skin ages, it’s more prone to congestion due to sebum, impurities, and dead skin cells. Collagen production decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity in the skin. This can cause congestion and the pores to appear larger.
Gender also plays a role; men tend to have larger pores than women. However, women can also experience enlarged pores, especially on the nose and cheeks. This is more common in very oily skin types and those who have experienced hormonal changes.
We can’t overlook environmental factors such as climate and UV rays from the sun. Humid climates can increase sebum production and sweat, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can degrade collagen in the skin, making it less elastic and causing pores to appear more prominent.
In cases where sebaceous glands produce more oil and you don’t regularly cleanse pollutants, dirt, makeup, pores will be more clogged and larger than usual. These clogged pores can turn into blackheads, whiteheads, and become infected.
If you feel you don’t fall into the above categories, it’s possible you’ve been using acne-causing products. Some skincare or makeup products may contain pore-clogging ingredients, exacerbating blackheads and whiteheads.
Ways to Address and Minimize Them: While you can’t eliminate pores or permanently change their size, you can minimize their appearance with certain products and treatments that help firm the skin’s structure. However, it’s important to understand that pores cannot be reduced by washing the face with hot or cold water.
To put it simply, they’re not doors but simply openings on the skin, so they can’t contract. However, cold water can constrict blood vessels, making pores appear smaller temporarily in cold weather, while hot water and steam can dissolve sebum and debris inside pores, allowing surface impurities to escape more easily.
The first step in reducing large pores is proper skincare. Start by thoroughly cleansing your face daily, using a suitable facial cleanser in the morning and evening for your skin type. It’s better to choose a gentle facial cleanser and avoid products that cause dryness or have a high pH. Additionally, remember to cleanse before and after exercising to prevent makeup, dirt, and bacteria from getting trapped in the pores. Once a week, you should exfoliate the skin with mud or clay masks. Due to their oil-absorbing properties, these products help temporarily reduce the appearance of large pores, unclog them, and prevent congestion and breakouts.
Among the treatment methods performed by dermatologists that yield good results are fractional laser treatment or IPL therapy, chemical peels that can exfoliate the skin more deeply and improve skin texture; microneedling is also beneficial in stimulating collagen production, making pores appear smaller.
Moreover, there’s a therapy worth trying called Good Pore Day, available at Benefit Brow Bars. This exclusive skincare therapy helps you achieve clean pores and extremely smooth and bright skin through the use of Porecare products and special devices.
You can use toners containing salicylic acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like Glycolic, Malic, and Lactic Acid. Alternatively, you can opt for niacinamide, which may help minimize pores and give the skin a healthier and more natural appearance. Retinoids stimulate collagen production, plump the skin, and make pores less visible.
After cleansing, moisturizing is essential. Choose lightweight moisturizing products and avoid overly dense textures as they can clog pores. Among moisturizing ingredients, those with large pores often choose hyaluronic acid, collagen, elasticity, and purifying agents like aloe vera. And don’t forget sunscreen because sunlight can negatively impact the appearance and health of the skin.
However, there are mistakes to avoid: Although there are some skincare methods and preventive measures to reduce pore size, there are also some things to avoid:
If you can’t stop touching pimples, remember that your nails and hands contain many bacteria. Repeatedly doing this will disrupt your skin’s balance and break down the skin’s protective barrier, causing redness, infection, more blackheads, and scars.
As mentioned above, we should avoid using acne-causing skincare products, especially those with oily skin types. Going to bed without thorough makeup removal can clog pores, enlarge them, and tend to form blackheads or whiteheads.
And you shouldn’t be too obsessed with large pores because it’s normal and something that anyone can experience. Set realistic goals and establish appropriate skincare habits.
Products to Shrink Pores for Vietnamese Enthusiasts:
- Makeup Remover Oil/Wax
- Facial Cleanser
- Serums
- Clay Masks
In conclusion, while enlarged pores can be a concern, they’re a natural part of the skin and can be managed with proper skincare and treatment. It’s essential to understand the factors contributing to their appearance and adopt suitable strategies to minimize their visibility without becoming overly fixated on them.