Our skin is a fascinating thing. Not only is it one of the largest organs of the body, but it also plays an important role in key body processes. There is so much that goes on within the different layers of our skin, that if there is any imbalance or wound, it can have a series of repercussions on the rest of our body too! One of the key functions of the skin, apart from protection and offering sensation, is to regulate body temperature via sweat and hair. And this is only possible due to the millions of pores present on the surface of our skin.
Yes, pores.
So, what are skin pores and why do we have them?
Our skin is covered with millions of microscopic pores which allow it to breathe. Pores are small openings just above hair follicles, and they also contain sebaceous glands that release oil called sebum. When sebum is released, it tends to rise to the top layer of the skin and settle in its pores, which helps skin elasticity. These glands are present across all the pores, except for the ones on our palms and soles of our feet. They are one of the ways that our skin can release sweat, oil and toxins, and keep itself cooler, cleaner and healthier.
Despite the fact that pores play such an important role, having enlarged pores can impact the appearance of our face, and can be a source of aesthetic discomfort for those wanting flawless looking skin. Men and women who have larger pores often feel really self-conscious. So, is there something that can be done about this? Absolutely! But first, let us look at what are the causes behind this?
What are the causes of enlarged pores?
Enlarged pores can be observed in almost all skin types – be it oily, dry or normal. They can make the skin look dull
There are multiple factors that contribute towards enlarged pores:
a. Genetics
This is one of the strongest factors that determine the size of your pores. Our skin type and pore sizes are influenced by our genes and it is likely that many from the same family will have similar skin and pores. So if your parents have had enlarged pores, there is a high chance that you might have them too!
b. Oily skin
If you have predominantly oily skin, it is almost a given that you will have enlarged pores. This is because when you have overactive oil glands that secrete more sebum, your skin pores will try to accommodate it by increasing in size. This also increases the likelihood of clogged pores, when the oil combines with dirt and makeup residue.
c. Age
It is a known fact that our skin loses its elasticity as we age. As the skin becomes lax and stretches, it can also cause pores to appear larger. This can also make them prone to getting clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells, increasing the incidence for larger pores. Moreover, ageing skin thickens and causes tiny skin cells to gather around existing pores, making them look bigger.
d. Clogged pores and blackheads
These two are not only the results of, but also the causes of blocked pores! When enlarged pores become clogged with oil or dead skin cells, they in turn appear larger, and can also end up enlarging further. This is also why it is a good idea to cleanse and exfoliate your skin regularly.
e. Sun damage
Prolonged sun exposure can make pores appear larger than what they actually are. Also, this can result in loss of moisture as well as collagen and elastin from the skin, making it less supple. This causes the underlying skin tissue to shrink, and pull the edges of the pores apart, causing them to appear bigger.
f. Gender
Men and women both have different skin types, and because men tend to have comparatively oily skin, they are also more prone to having enlarged pores. The increased oiliness can be attributed to hormonal differences between the two genders. Using the right type of products for your skin type can help in keeping your pores tight.
What are the available options for enlarged pores treatment?
As you would have realized, most of the causes of enlarged pores are not always in our control, and it will not be possible to completely get rid of larger pores. But you can definitely do a few things at your end to reduce the appearance of pores.
-Daily cleansing with a suitable cleanser to keep your skin clean
-Weekly exfoliating, to clear away dead skin cells and unclog pores
-Daily moisturizing, to soften the skin and allow oil to be absorbed into the skin’s deeper layers
But while all of these can help in some effect, if you are really eager to get more noticeable results, you can explore the many cosmetic options we have for enlarged pores treatment. At Victorian Laser & Skin Centre, we offer three different types of very effective procedures that can help improve the appearance of enlarged pores:
You can learn more about each of these treatments by clicking on the links above. You can also choose to visit us at any of our four locations to have a personal, no-obligation consultation with our skin experts on how you can reduce enlarged pores on your skin.
