2011年9月12日星期一

Say goodbye to pesky pores

When it comes to skin pore size, the rule of thumb is, 'the smaller the better'. This keeps your skin looking tighter and younger. When pores are tighter, light reflects better. You get an overall appearance of vitality, youthfulness, and health.

"You might think that those with dry skin wouldn't have to deal with open pores but unfortunately that's not the case," says cosmetologist Dr Jamuna Pai. Though people with normal and dry skin tend to have smaller pores than those with an oily or combination complexion, they may still be susceptible to certain pore problems. Dry skin and clogged pores tend to go together. "Close attention to your skin care routine, and perhaps changing the products you use, may help unblock your pores and make your skin less dry," she adds.

People with oily skin have over-active sebaceous glands (oil glands). These produce natural oil (sebum) in most parts of the body, not the palms or soles, but on the face, neck, chest, and back. Of these areas, the nose and cheek are the most affected, followed by the chin and forehead. Some people naturally produce more oil than others and some triggers increase the production of oil. "The constant oozing of oil, as well as the clogging of the pores with hardened oil, leads to loss of elasticity of the pores over a period of time which ultimately leads to open pores," says beauty expert Shahnaz Hussain. "This is how women with open pores end up looking pale and coarse," she adds.

A woman usually undergoes hormonal changes in the body during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. This is the time when the pores can get enlarged. Skin type can change with age, or as a result of environmental factors, genetics, nutrition, stress, or other complications related to health conditions. If you're genetically pre-disposed to open pores, adhere to a skin care routine as a precaution to reduce appearance of pores rather than waiting for them to get enlarged and then opting for corrective treatments.

Clean, healthy pores are essential for a healthy skin. Dirt and oil on your face collect around your pores like debris around a storm drain. When those pores get clogged, it creates a pile-up of oil and dead skin cells in the follicle. Soon, bacteria make their way to the blockage, and the growth in bacteria causes inflammation further leading to acne. Mature skin with 'open-pore look' needs exfoliation of different kinds to smoothen the skin surface.

Do not pick or squeeze pimples as this will only spread the infection making you look worse.
Avoid using harsh abrasives and soap on your face. It can aggravate skin pore enlargement and lead to more acne.
Keep your face free of excess oils as it keeps your pores clean and healthy.
Use cleansers and toners that are mild and enriched with AHAS (Alpha Hyrdoxy acids). They help keep the acid mantle undisturbed whilst at the same time doesn't make your skin look shiny.
Use exfoliating agents such as a topical retinoid to remove any excess dead skin cells that accumulate around the pore.
Protect your skin from the sun as it will reduce the enlargement and clogging of pores.
Rub a block of ice on the affected area as it helps in decreasing the pore size.
The presence of oil and dirt in the pores make it more obvious. Hence, exfoliate your skin to keep these culprits at bay.
Always remember to wash off the m

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