OPEN PORES
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OPEN PORES
Skin is the largest organ of the body. It contains millions of pores, even if most of them are not visible to the human eye. All of these pores are open, allowing the skin to “breathe.” Each pore contains a hair follicle. Each pore also contains sebaceous (oil) glands that make an oil called sebum.
The sebaceous glands are most abundant in the pores on your face, back and chest. Hormones play a role in stimulating these glands in order to produce more abundant quantities of sebum. That’s why the pores on your face, most specifically those on your nose, forehead, and cheeks, may appear larger than they do on other areas of your body.
Any skin type, whether it’s oily, normal, or dry, can take on the appearance of having large, open pores. These may give your skin a dull appearance, particularly if they’re clogged with dirt, bacteria, oil, or dead skin cells.
While not a medical concern, open pores can be a cosmetic issue for some people who do not like the way their skin looks. In adolescents, and in adults who are prone to acne, open pores may become clogged, turning into blackheads or whiteheads. Aging skin containing less collagen may also take on the appearance of having larger, open pores, which might also cause concern.
Causes of large-looking open pores
- High levels of oil (sebum) production
- Reduced elasticity around pores
- Thick hair follicles
- Genetics or heredity
- Reduction of collagen production in skin, caused by aging
- Sun damage or overexposure to the sun.
Types of treatment
Chemical Peels
Some chemical peels are fat soluble (salipeel).They bind to clogged sebum, make it flow out easily. As all the pores are cleared of dead cells and sebum, size of the pores comes down.
Microdermabrasion
Skin polishing removes the surface dead cells and sucks out clogged sebum from the pores. When done at frequent intervals it keeps acne and tanning at bay.
Laser Treatments
Professional laser treatments such as fractional co2 laser and microneedling RF do minimise the appearance of pores. They work by rejuvenating collagen production and may be most effective for large pores caused by aging or sun damage. They may also be effective at reducing acne scars.
Preventive skin care
- You can’t change your heredity or your age, but you can adopt a proactive skin care routine geared toward reducing the appearance of open pores. Steps include:
- Keep your skin clean with exfoliation. You can use products made for this purpose or go low-tech with a warm washcloth followed by an astringent, such as witch hazel.
- Keep your skin protected from the sun by wearing sunscreen every day.
- Opt for non comedogenic skin care products that don’t clog pores.
- Always moisturize your skin, even if it’s oily. There are moisturizers designed specifically for this skin type.
- Use collagen-boosting products that contain antioxidants, which may also be beneficial for keeping your skin healthy