Can you shrink your pores? Notice how you never see the models’ pores on magazine photos or glamour shots online? That’s because they’ve been airbrushed out rather than shrunk. It is possible to have the appearance of smaller pores:
@Verywell: “Skincare products can make your pores look smaller by exfoliating the skin—or cleaning out dead skin cells and oil from the pore.
“Pores that are cleared of blackheads and blockages will look less obvious. The surface of the skin will also look brighter, smoother, and more even. Your skin will feel softer, too.”
Here’s some more information on pores:
You have two sets of pores
One set of pores is for oil, the other for sweat. The sweat pores bring sweat to the surface of your skin to cool down the body. It’s only the oil pores you can see, though (these are actually the hair follicles just underneath the surface of your skin). They bring oil to the surface of your skin and moisturise it.
Blackheads are clogged pores
Clogged pores are the result of a mix of too much oil and dead skin cells. The latter blocks the oil in the pore on the skin’s surface. The oil then oxidises and turns black.
Your pore size is genetic
Contrary to what many believe, you can’t change the size of your pores. Again, it’s genetic. What you can do, though, is temporarily minimise your pores (if that’s what you want). You can achieve this with microneedling, laser treatment or using retinol creams. The treatments work by stimulating collagen in the dermal layer. This pushes against the hair follicle, making it appear to contract. You’d need regular sessions to keep the pores looking this way.
Pores look bigger with less elasticity
Elasticity in the skin keeps it from wrinkling, and, like collagen, it’s essential for youthful, plump-looking skin. UV rays from the sun can destroy collagen. The result is drier-looking skin with reduced elasticity and bigger pores.
Cold water doesn’t help
Many of us were brought up believing that if we splashed our face in cold weather after we’d washed it, then our pores would close. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The pores are part of the skin and tissue and are not affected by cold – or warm – temperatures.
Nor does steaming your pores
Sometimes during a facial, you may be given steam before a product. This is in the belief the warm steam will open your pores and soak in more of the moisturiser or cream. But the opposite is true. Heat can cause the skin to swell, conversely making the pores smaller. It might also negatively affect the protective skin barrier, making irritated skin and breakouts more likely.
Get in touch
Do you suffer from shrinking pores? If so, then why not book a free skin consultation with the team here at Vale Laser Clinic ? We can look at your skin and advise on the best course of treatment and skincare routine for you. We are an experienced, family-run business located just outside Cardiff. Make an appointment with us today via Instagram or by calling 01446 750 880.
