WHY ARE MY PORES SO BIG?

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror, been shocked at the size of your pores, and wondered, “Why are my pores so big?” you’re not alone. The truth is pores are a natural part of your skin. While you can’t get rid of them completely, you can take steps to make them appear smaller and less noticeable. First, let’s take a look at what pores are and what causes them to become enlarged.

PORES ARE A GOOD THING

Pores are simply small openings in the skin that release oil and sweat to the surface. They play a vital role in maintaining your skin’s natural balance and hydration. Without them, your skin would become incredibly dry and unable to regulate its temperature. Sweat pores release moisture that naturally cools the body as it evaporates. We have pores all over our bodies, but they’re most visible on the face, especially the T‑Zone: the nose, forehead, and chin.

Here is what causes them to become large and clogged.

• Dead Cells & Debris: A buildup of makeup, trapped dirt, oil and dead cells known as sebum can clog pores and cause blackheads, melia (whiteheads) and acne.

• Excess Oil: Overactive oil glands and a thick buildup of oil expands the pore opening and makes it look noticeably wider. 

• Genetics: Pore size can be inherited from your family. DNA plays a significant role in your natural pore size.

• Sun Damage: UV radiation damage to the skin alters the structure of the surrounding tissue of a pore. As a result the pore stretches.

• Aging: A loss of collagen and elasticity can cause pores to look more elongated.

CAN YOU TOTALLY SHRINK PORES?

No, you cannot completely shrink or remove pores. However, you can absolutely minimize their appearance! By keeping the pores clear you can tone and refine your skin to make them noticeably smaller.

With the right skincare routine alongside Professional Treatments, enlarged pores can look smoother, smaller and much less visible.

THE RIGHT PRODUCTS CAN MAKE YOUR PORES LESS NOTICEABLE

• Salicylic acid (BHA): Known as the oil-loving acid, it helps to clear excess oil and buildup off the surface of the skin. Salicylic acid has the ability to dive past the surface oil deep down inside the pore channel to help clear it. 

• Retinol: Also known as Vitamin A, it keeps dead skin cells and oil from getting trapped down into the pore. Retinol also firms the skin around the pore, which squeezes the pore openings tight so they look much smaller.

• Exfoliation: Clears trapped dirt and dead skin cells. Exfoliants with AHA and or BHA may be more beneficial for some, but be careful not to use ones that are too drying. It an also help to boost collagen to support better structural support to pore walls.

• Niacinimide: Helps to regulate oil by communicating with overactive sebaceous oil glands and lowering their production. Niacinamide also prevents oil from turning into dark visible blackheads.

• Sun protection (SPF): Using daily protection supports the strength of the skin and prevents pores from stretching by losing elasticity.

SPF is also extremely important in stopping heat triggering oil. When we have sun exposure, our skin naturally gets dry and we produce more oil to balance it out. Before you know it, our skin is in overdrive, flooding the pores with oil and leaving them stretched and enlarged.

The key is in finding the essential right combination for your unique skin!  At Radiance SkinCare we carry a wide range of professional-grade skincare products to help diminish your pore size, tone and refine your skin. Skincare isn't one-size-fits-all. Your age, skin type and skin tone all play a role in achieving a smoother, refined, radiant complexion. Our skilled staff and your Esthetician are here to help you choose products tailored to your needs.

A CHEMICAL PEEL CAN BE AN OPTION TO SHRINK PORES

Professional chemical peels can be a great option by encouraging skin renewal. Think of a chemical peel as giving your skin a fresh start. The treatment helps loosen the bonds between dead skin cell layers, allowing them to shed and flake naturally over the next several days.

Depending on the type and strength selected, you may notice more flaking. The result is clearer, more refined skin with pores that are visibly less noticeable.

Our experienced staff can help you to find a treatment program and revised skincare routine that works for you.

Give us a call (914.664.0666.) to schedule an appointment or order the right products to start shrinking those pores right away.