Pores are small openings in your skin from which oil and sweat reach the surface from their respective glands. The two types of pores: oil and sweat ensure that your skin maintains a healthy balance and outlook. It is important to note that one’s pore size is dependent on genetics and helps maintain healthy skin.
However, having large pores is one of the most sickening things that can happen to you. In doubt? ask a beauty enthusiast. Large pores asides appearance is also a cause for worry for people who have them. Due to the trophic environment that we are in, it is not uncommon to see people with large pores which in turn, are a cause for worry.
Having the barest knowledge of pores can help you healthily manage them. Here are some quick facts
1. They are hair follicles.
2. Environmental factors, dry skin and oil can make your pores look big.
3. Regular cleaning can help minimise the appearance of pores.
4. However, too much cleansing can cause your pores to produce more oil.
5. While you can’t shrink the size, with the right product, you can make them look smaller and smoother.
With good and regular skincare practice, your pores become clearer, smaller and smoother.
Below are tips to consider for minimizing pores and making your skin smoother
Comedogenic Products: Products that are Comedogenic contain ingredients that are likely to promote clog of pores. Asides this, it also causes blackheads by blocking the pores of the skin. You should avoid products that contain comedogenic such as acetylated lanolin alcohol, cetearyl alcohol when combined with ceteareth 20, isostearyl isostearate, isopropyl isostearate, isocetyl stearate, myristyl lactate, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitateIsopropyl palmitate, PEG 16 lanolin, and propylene glycol monostearate. Well-renowned dermatologist, Dr Ciraldo notes that 99% comedogenic comes from what goes into how hair instead of facial products some of which includes Argan oil, Moroccan oil and shea butter. To avoid this, limit the amount of creamy conditioners you use. Instead, you can make use of the non-comedogenic and oil-free products.
Water: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best way to cleanse your face is by using warm water and applying gentle pressure, instead of scrubbing. This procedure ensures your face gets rid of excess oils without causing further irritation. Regular washing of your face helps to prevent pores from increasing because of dirt, oil and debris. Ensure you wash your face day and night.
Cleanser: Buy a cleanser with a non-comedogenic product and apply its two times daily in the morning and at night. However, four cleansers you should avoid if you have sensitive skin: fragrance, sulfates, chemical sunscreen and retinoid.
Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acid: Embody Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acid into your skincare routine. As Dr Haleh Bakshandeh, a dermatologist explains, “Hydroxy acids weaken the cellular glue that makes dead skin cells stick together, encourages exfoliation, revealing healthy and younger skin. For sensitive and dry skin AHAs are preferable for you, while BHAs are suitable for oily or acne-prone skin types.
Retinoid: Retinoid contains Vitamin A, which helps fight the signs of ageing and unclogs pores. Using it for the first time can cause irritations like redness, worsening of acne and peeling of your skin. It is for this reason that those with sensitive skin may have issues with this. Minimize this effect by adding it to a moisturizer.
But before you use that product containing retinoid, here are the dos and don’ts.
– Do not it in the morning because of the sun. According to Dr Lipner, the sun inactivates and makes it ineffective. Sun damage breaks down collagen which leads to saggy pores. The best time to apply retinoid is at night.
– Do not use when planning to wax and get laser hair removal on your eyebrows and upper lip because the result could be serious burns and irritation says.
– Don’t use during pregnancy: Several dermatologists have notes that retinoid is not safe to use during pregnancy.
– Do note that a retinoid-based cream is to stay for 20 to 30 mins after washing your face.
Sunscreen: In protecting sun damage and skin cancer you need to apply sunscreen. More collagen means firmer skin and firmer skin means tighter-looking pores. For optimal protection, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. This is even more crucial when using AHAs, BHAs or retinoid product as they are sensitive products.
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