Pores are small openings on the surface of skin that allow light, natural oil production to moisturise skin’s outermost layer.
Pores are also where you will find hair follicles on your skin. You have pores everywhere, apart from on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.
When pores are tight, they are barely visible to the naked eye. But sometimes, pores can appear enlarged or ‘open.’ Simply put, this means that pores appear pronounced and rounder.
Skin Therapist Naomi helps you understand open pores by comparing your skin to a bundle of drinking straws. If you picture a bundle of drinking straws and look through the straws holes, you will see that they are always open.
Drinking straws, like pores, don’t actually open and close, but they do shrink and expand depending on if you squeeze them. Pores secrete oil and sebum from the skin, as if through a drinking straw. Of course, if you have larger pores, you will be able to get much more fluid out at once.
"each individual pore does not have their own little muscle that will open and close it. However they do become blocked and expand through lack of exfoliation and a build up of oil in the gland"
Enlarged pores can be a genetic factor, but pores can also appear bigger as you get older. If you don’t work to boost your skin’s structure, then you will notice enlarged pores. This is because, as collagen and elastin in our skin’s deepest layer naturally weakens, our skin’s structure appears less supple and incredibly loose.
“As oily skin has a high production of oil, oily skin sufferers tend to get enlarged pores and you will see those around the chin area, nose area and on the forehead,”
Enlarged pores can be a genetic factor, but pores can also appear bigger as you get older. If you don’t work to boost your skin’s structure, then you will notice enlarged pores. This is because, as collagen and elastin in our skin’s deepest layer naturally weakens, our skin’s structure appears less supple and incredibly loose.
Exfoliation is key to reducing the size of your pores. Dermalogica Skin Therapist, Naomi, explains, “Exfoliation clears the plug of debris and so obviously reduces the appearance of the pore.” She further recommends steaming as a brilliant method of clearing out debris from your pores, which will, in turn, reduce their enlarged appearance.
“Steaming loosens pores so it’s easier for extraction if your pores are filled with blackheads, papules and pustules – basically whiteheads and spots,” Naomi comments.
Another really brilliant way to treat open or enlarged pores is to invest in a professional primer. Dermalogica’s Hydra Blur Primer contains mushroom extract which helps reduce the visibility of open pores. This primer is silicone based, so it will smooth out any imperfections and even your skin tone. Dermalogica Hydra Blur Primeralso hydrates skin’s outermost layer, giving a plump effect.
Blur fine lines and pores, hydrate and brighten for flawless-looking skin. Lightweight, non-greasy primer minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, mattifies against oily shine and imparts a silky, smooth finish.
One of the biggest skin concerns we get asked about is how to treat open, clogged pores. While breakouts can be frustrating, they can at least feel temporary. Clogged pores can feel, for some of us, like they are a permanent part of our skin! But that doesn’t have to be the case.
Pores are a crucial part of everyone's skin! Read on to discover what causes open pores on your ace and how you can reduce them.
Everything you need to know about open pores and the skincare tips you need to treat your skin.
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