27 Jan Dermatologist Tips: How To Treat Facial Pores: The Best Products And Treatments To Reduce Pore Size
UPDATE: Back by popular demand, Neutrogena brings back their once discontinued Neutrogena Pore Refining Daily And Exfoliating Cleanser and Toner – Review
Think you know everything about pores? Well, do you know that you need some of that sebum to help balance your skin’s hydration? Cosmetic chemist Upasana Sahu gives us the rundown on how to properly care for our pores, along with some beneficial product recommendations from dermatologists.
Pores are basically small openings on the skin where hair follicles grow that keep our skin hydrated by producing sebum. We all have pores and we need them. But we don’t want them to be so large that it’s the only thing we see when we look in the mirror!
Pores may be more prominent on the nose, cheeks and chin where you have most of your oil glands. Usually, pores are barely visible. But when you don’t wash your face for long periods of time dead skin cells, sebum and dirt can build-up on the skin.
According to Dermatologist Audrey Kunin M.D., “these substances can build-up around the edges of the pores giving them a larger appearance than they really are.”
Large facial pores are usually due to genetics or highly active oil glands, and tend to be more of an issue for women than men. People with dry, thin skin are less prone to having enlarged pores than those with more oily, thicker skin. Blackheads: facial pores that have become clogged with dirt, oil and dead skin that gather into a ball, are usually the result of having large pores. If the blackhead is very large in size, it will expand the pore’s diameter. You can find the best peel-off masks reviewed on BeautyEssential.net
Pores are more severe in adults than in teens. The sun and natural aging are the two biggest culprits of large pores in adults. According to Dr. Eric F. Bernstein, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, “exposing the skin to sun’s harmful UV radiation can over time damage elastin and collagen fibers [two key compounds that give your skin elasticity]. This can lead to premature aging. This causes the same effects on pores as natural aging does, but at an accelerated rate.” When the elasticity in your skin begins to decrease, it can make the pores dilate and increase in size.
Exfoliating your face about three times a week could eliminate extra oil that causes pore ducts to enlarge. So, use a gentle facial scrub. Although it is essential, too much exfoliation can lead to rather large pores. When too much oil is removed, the oil glands may produce more oil to compensate. Diane Berson, M.D. recommends using a scrub that contains 2 % salicylic acid such as Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub.
Salicylic acid seeps deep into the sebum-packed pore, exfoliating the dead skin cells built upside down. Always wash your face with warm water as steam will open up pores and unclog them. Many acne cleansers also include a mild exfoliant like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur. Professional facials are great for deep pore cleansing and extracting nasty blackheads.
At home microdermabrasion kits like the DermaNew Microdermabrasion Facial Rejuvenation System and Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Face Cream are also great options. Dr. Ellen Marmur, Chief of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City recommends to “optimize your daily routine by picking a product that reduces inflammation and helps to build new collagen to tighten the pores. Try StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum or The Olay Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol Kit. [And remember to] always wear sunscreen – my favorite is NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen or Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily UV Care SPF 50 lotion.”
Want to get rid of your pesky pores? Let us know by commenting below (you just might win a free sample)! Make sure to follow us on our Pinterest page by clicking HERE! And don’t forget to get the latest beauty and skincare news by following us on Twitter @BeautyStat!
– Upasana Sahu
For more giveaways and contests, sign up for our newsletter HERE.
If you like this post, share it with your friends and give it a LIKE on Facebook.
Chic Benefits
Posted at 05:54h, 29 JanuaryAfter my series of facials to treat acne,i started noticing my pores. Like they were everywhere. Now its getting so annoying because that’s all I can see when I look in the mirror. My acne is controlled now, not gone, but the pores have taken over!! Help!
JP Evans
Posted at 23:42h, 30 JanuaryI could use a good at home facial exfoliator with a reasonable price tag for mature, somewhat dry skin… Got any ideas for a home made version? Any tips for mild rosacea?
I enjoy your tips and suggestions. Thanks!
Upasana Sahu
Posted at 15:43h, 07 FebruaryHi JP, Oatmeal along with fat free milk is a very good natural exfoliant. Its very mild and polishes your skin instantly. I use it everyday and love it.
rinki pramanik
Posted at 18:24h, 07 FebruaryHey Upasana i would like to add that i severely face this problem and i would like to add i used mild salicylic acid based cleansers like neutrogena acne control cleanser . it helped me lot for controling my acne breakouts. and for pore control i use Ponds Ore tightening face wash with glacial clay. And also scrub ur face daily with Aveeno daily scrub , its gentle . small partilce size helps u to unclog ur pores.
Joanna
Posted at 13:23h, 18 SeptemberEver since I moved to Florida from Ohio 2 years ago I have been breaking out in acne really bad and my pores have been clogging up more than usual. I never had a problem with acne and this is so frustrating. I have been reading up on how to take of this problem and what products would be useful to me. I have been using microderm abrasion kit from MK and daily facial scrubs along with washing my face daily.