How to Minimize Large Facial Pores

  GOT ENLARGED PORES?

   You know the ones. They have plagued you for as long as you can remember.  What are they?  Why are they there?  What can you do to finally make them less noticeable?

  SKIN 101

  Aside from being the largest organ in the human body, your skin  plays many vital roles, including protection, temperature regulation, sensation, and the ability to heal itself.  There are millions of pores covering the surface of your skin and these pores are very important to the  function of your skin and thus overall health of your entire body.  A great many estimations can be made about a person’s health by the condition of their skin, although there are factors above and beyond what you had for breakfast that affect your skin’s appearance as well, especially the phenomenon of enlarged pores.

   The skin is divided into two layers: the Epidermis (outer skin) and the Dermis (skin below the surface). The epidermis is the epithelial tissue layer of the skin and contains hair follicles, sebaceous (oil) glands, and sweat glands, (which originate in the dermis and protrude to the surface of the skin through the epidermis).   Pores are located in the Epidermis.

  OKAY, SO WHAT IS AN ENLARGED PORE AGAIN?

  Enlarged pores reflect the fact that there is an accumulation of dead cell build-up within the pore.  This build-up actually stretches out the pore itself, and is a sign that your skin is becoming acne prone.  Heredity plays a key role in having large pores, so if one or both of your parents have enlarged pores, you are also unfortunately a candidate for the unsightly little devils.   Don’t lose hope.  There are things you can do to take control over your pores!

  WHAT CAN I DO?

   The most important step in diminishing the appearance of large pores is CLEANLINESS.  Your cleanser should have an active ingredient to empty out the pores, specifically a salycilic or benzoyle peroxide cleanser.  You should also think about using a gel or leave on lotion that will help empty out those pores.  If you have sensitive skin, be careful not to use harsh cleansers, as they will strip the skin of moisture, causing the production of more oil and ultimately more blocked pores…and we know what THAT causes, don’t we?   There are also products on the market that contain natural oils such as coconut or jojoba,  which do not block the pores.   Along with cleansing, a gentle daily exfoliator is recommended to remove dead cells that cause enlarged pores.  Be GENTLE!  Over-exfoliation will only exacerbate the conditon and may add additional woes to your largest organ.  Use a good bentonite clay mask, or a kaolin clay mask twice a week.  These masks will absorb dirt and oil in the pores, and help tighten the pores a bit.    Drink plenty of water.   H2O is the best way to hydrate your skin and clean impurities.  A healthy diet never hurt anyone, either. 🙂

  WHAT TO AVOID

   Okay, so large pores are your parents’ fault and there’s not much you can do to get rid of them completely.   No, you don’t have to avoid daytime photo-ops, or pool parties.  It is, however, prudent to stay away from products containing the following ingredients : alcohol, lanolin, sodium lauryl sulphate, isopropyl mystate, sodium laureth sulphate, propylene glycol, parabens, and mineral oil. Just remember, the closer to nature the better.