Enlarged pores — the small openings in skin that release skin's oils and sweat — might seem like a teen or twenty-something issue, but they're actually a sneaky sign of skin aging, too. Smaller pores can mean a smoother-looking complexion and a more even tone and makeup finish.
The bad news: You can't change the number of pores you have or their natural size, which is genetically determined, and can increase over the years. Collagen, which strengthens the walls of pores, making them look tighter, breaks down with age.
The good news: There are solutions to shrink their appearance (and make your face look more youthful), from fast-acting pore-perfectors to in-office treatments.
What Are Pores?
Pores are the opening of hair follicles but that is not all. There are two types of pores - the ones that release sweat and the ones that release oil. The pores that release oil are generally easily noticeable. You must have seen visible pores on the nose and forehead if you have an oily T-zone. How much you may hate pores for releasing oil, they are helping your skin by releasing oil. This prevents disruption of the skin barrier, dryness, and redness.
What Leads To Enlarged Pores?
Let’s first understand skin cells with the help of a balloon. When there is no air or less air in the balloon, it shrinks and sags. As soon as they are pumped with air, you will see the smooth and firm surface of the balloon. It’s similar to skin cells. A cell is like a balloon that needs to have enough moisture and cellular matter to be plumped. The plumper they are, the more space they will take and the lesser the size of the pores. Pores can also enlarge as a response to inflammation. So what can inflame them? A lot of factors. Let’s have a look at them:
1. Environmental Factors
Dust, pollution, heat, extreme cold, humidity, free radicals, etc contribute to inflaming the pore by clogging it.
2. Dead Skin
If your skin is dirty or simply not exfoliated well for a long time, it leaves pores with no space to breathe and that will lead to enlarged pores.
3. Hormones
It is common for the skin to become oily and see visible pores while you’re menstruating. It’s the rise in the hormones that irk the skin and leads to enlarged pores.
4. Ageing
When you start ageing, you will lose a lot of Collagen and Peptides. There goes the elasticity of your skin. Hence, you see visibly larger pores as you age.
5. Sun Damage
Sun damage just takes a lot from your skin. The UV rays induce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), which is a group of enzymes that damages Collagen and other proteins present in the extracellular matrix. This will degrade the cell structure and lead to enlarged pores.
What can you do?
This brings us to the two ways you can deal with your pores: By unclogging them, a.k.a. getting rid of all the gunk that's making them look bigger, and by tightening them. So, yes, and you can effectively shrink them back to their normal, pre-stretched state with the right treatments. Which, lucky for you, we’ve meticulously laid out, below.
1. Double Cleanse
Double cleansing is the technique that first says that you cleanse with an oil-based cleanser or a balm to take off your makeup and sunscreen. Then go for a second cleanser that can take off the remains and maintain the pH of the skin. pH largely affects the pores since an imbalance in pH can irritate the pores. STRIP is the perfect solution for that.
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Deeply Penetrates skin to cleanse Impurities and remove even the most stubborn waterproof makeup
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Plumps and softens the skin to get a clear radiant complexion.
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Promotes smooth, even toned skin and improves skin texture.
2. Use a clay mask:
MUD is a great option for that. MUD is incredibly creamy and moisturizing, leaving your skin feeling smooth and soft instead of tight and dry. It also works to detoxify impurities all over and leave your complexion looking bright. Whether your skin is oily or dry, it'll be a great weekly treat for your skin.
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Reduces acne, breakouts and shrinks pores.
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Controls excess oil production and treats inflammations.
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Improves blood circulation, Tightens and Rejuvenates skin.
- Removes tan, evens out and brightens skin.
3. Use a night repair serum:
We love an all-around product. Glow will minimize pores while improving skin texture and encouraging cell renewal. Glow gently removes dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
4. Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize:
Hydration will keep your skin cells plump and hence, minimize the appearance of pores. Moisturizers are of great aid to draw moisture to the skin and improve the skin’s water retention capacity and prevent loss of water. Lust is just perfect for that.
- Leaves skin velvety soft, smooth and lustrous.
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A sensual fragrance of sultry Woods and Lavender
- Lightweight and nourishing moisturizer.
The Takeaway:
Enlarged pores are caused due to inflammation. It could be internal factors like aging, genetics, hormones, or external factors like free radicals, dust, pollution, extreme weather, excess humidity. Enlarged pores can be managed by sticking to a simple cleansing and nourishing skincare routine. But while you’re treating your pores, note that it is just natural for the pores to be seen!
