The Best Pore Minimising Routine for Pore Tightening
Pores: Teeny Tiny Openings in Our Skin
The tiny openings that we often see around our nose are what we call pores, but these are also found all over the body and are essential to keeping our skin and body healthy. We have two types of skin pores - sweat and oil pores, but our naked eye may only see the second. It may be tempting to try and get rid of them, but pores are essential to keep your skin from drying out so it’s important to not close or get rid of them entirely. Pore size is often genetic, but there are certain factors that affect their appearance.
What Are Clogged Pores?
Besides the palms of our hands and soles of our feet, our entire body is covered with mini hairs with small oil-producing glands known as sebaceous glands. When the sebaceous gland produces oil it reaches the surface through the hair and lubricates the skin. When too much oil is produced, you become more at risk of having clogged pores.
Clogged pores are more common in teens and young adults, and is the number one cause of acne. Having large pores is not a health concern but rather an aesthetic consideration that can be addressed. However, clogged pores that lead to ongoing problems with our skin, such as severe acne, may be a health concern to address with your doctor.
What causes clogged pores?
A buildup of dead skin cells, oil, or dirt can clog our pores. Possible causes include:
- Skin care products with comedogenic ingredients and certain medication
- Oily skin due to genetics, hormones, or age
- Highly refined and processed foods including dairy products
- Clothing or other elements that rub against our skin
- Humid conditions and pollution
- Picking at pimples
- Stress and anxiety
Ways to manage mild to moderate clogged pores
- Use skin care and beauty products labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free”
- Gently cleanse our skin twice a day with warm water and moisturise to avoid dry skin
- Use products containing retinoids or salicylic acid to help remove dirt, oil, and other debris from pores
Enlarged vs Clogged Pores
Although there are similarities between enlarged and clogged pores, these are not the same. Enlarged pores are highly influenced by genetics, however age, skin products, and sun damage are also common contributors. Enlarged pores doesn’t necessarily mean clogged, or blocked pores, but having clogged pores often increases its appearance.
What causes enlarged pores?
- Excess oil production by sebaceous gland
- Decreased elasticity around pores
- Increased volume of hair follicle from buildup of dead skin cells, oil, or dirt
Additionally, factors such as chronic recurrent acne, hormones, and your skincare routine can affect pore size.
Hold on Tight to This Routine
Unfortunately, you cannot change the size of your pores, but you can minimize their appearance.
Cleanse
Gently massage your face using your fingers for at least 60 seconds and use lukewarm water to rinse. Cleansing your face twice a day helps remove built-up oil and dirt from pores and can help make them less visible. If you are wearing makeup during the day, we recommend double cleansing to ensure this is removed correctly! Make sure to always moisturise after cleansing to hydrate and soften the skin.
Remove build-up with exfoliation
Over the counter products usually contain 7 to 10% of active ingredients to avoid aggravating or drying out the skin with higher dosages. Make it part of your ritual, up to twice weekly, to remove dirt that can clog the pores with suitable products containing beta hydroxy acids, polyhydroxy acids, and/or mandelic acids (better for sensitive skin).
Incorporate vitamin A usage
Vitamin A/Retinoid is an effective active ingredient which works to minimise the appearance of pores. This works to increase cell turnover, removing dirt/dead skin cells from the lower layers of the skin, and reducing clogged pores.
SPF is more than protection from UV rays
Besides the essential role that sunscreen with at least SPF50+ plays in protecting from UV rays, decreasing the risk of skin cancers, and preventing premature skin ageing, it also addresses pore appearance. Increased sun exposure can dry the skin and make pores appear larger.
D-E-E rule for improved skin and overall health
- Drink enough water to keep skin hydrated from within. Half your weight (in pounds) of ounces everyday is a good general rule.
- Eat all the essential nutrients. Our skin’s appearance is the reflection of what’s happening inside your body.
- Exercise and move your body regularly to increase blood flow and help the release of toxins.
The Secret Essentials
For most effective results you’ll want your pore minimising routine to include some of our product recommendations.
Day Brightening Elixir
It’s your daytime Secret to a firmer, smoother complexion by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A mix of prescription and active ingredients come together into a luxuriously smooth and nourishing Day Brightening Elixir. Skin becomes healthier, and as a result, stronger and more resilient to support the actions of your Night Cream. This elixir is designed to be used underneath sunscreen and creates a perfect base for the application of any make up.
Cellular Repair Night Cream
Healthy skin cells are the blueprint for a smoother, even-tone, and tightened complexion. Our hero product, the Cellular Repair Night Cream was carefully formulated to get your skin cells healthy. It encourages rapid cell turnover, and removes dead and damaged skin cells. The result is glowing skin, and moreover, stronger and more resilient to aging external aggressors.
Visit The Secret Skincare’s website to start your skincare journey.
Whether you’re looking to add the perfect products to your skincare routine, treat a specific concern, or are interested to find out if medical grade and prescription skincare is the right option for you, The Secret is here to begin this next part of your journey by your side. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please contact us online.
