The Dermatologist’s Guide to Clear Skin

Many men and women suffer from the common problem of large pores. Those unsightly holes all over the face can make anyone feel bad about their looks. Interestingly, few people know why these pesky pores occur or how to get rid of them. Here are some natural techniques as well as some permanent dermatological cures that can help you manage your pores.

Why Do We Have Pores?

A pore is the gateway through which sebum reaches the outer surface of the skin. At the bottommost point of the pore is a gland that produces sebum, which is the oil that maintains the skin’s moisture and hydration levels. Sometimes, hormonal imbalances can cause an excess of oil secretion, resulting in overly greasy skin. People with overactive oil glands tend to have larger pores, because the oil blocks the pores, causing them to get irritated and inflamed. This inflammation stretches the walls of the follicular pathway towards the pores. Initially, because the skin has some natural elasticity, the pores return to their original form. But, with repetitive stretching, the pores are not able to go back to their normal size.

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However, oily skin is not the only factor that can cause dilated pores. There are a lot of other causes of pore damage as well, including aging. Aging not only slows down the formation of natural proteins like collagen and elastin, it also causes them to degrade faster. This reduces the skin’s resilience, ultimately causing pore dilation. Another cause of large pores is the sun. The sun’s UV rays damage the collagen in the skin, reducing the elasticity of your pores. Since it is impossible to avoid either aging or sun exposure, nearly everyone will suffer from enlarged pores at some point or the other.

Natural Ways to Reduce Your Pores

1. Change your routine: When it comes to your face, simpler is better. Wash your face twice a day to balance your skin and prevent it from getting excessively dry or excessively oily. Also, don’t use skin scrubs. Excess exfoliation causes dry skin and inflammation, which stimulate your sebaceous glands to secrete more oil. This excess oil clogs your pores, ultimately making them bigger. Finally, wear sunblock. It will help protect your skin from the collagen degradation caused by UV rays and keep your skin clear and tight.

2. Look for the right products: For those of you with oily or acne-prone skin, look for face wash that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is the only ingredient that selectively targets oil or sebum. It specifically exfoliates within the follicle, and ultimately releases any plugs or obstructions. Besides unclogging the pores, it is also important to stimulate collagen. Actives such as Vitamin A derivatives (Retinol) and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids do just that. They work by gently causing the skin to self-exfoliate, while also inducing collagen synthesis, making your pores appear smaller.

3. Quick fixes: Masks that tighten the skin and pores only work temporarily. But, they will work when you need that quick fix. One option is a simple mask made of Fuller’s Earth (multani mitti) and green tea. The caffeine and the clay will help tighten your pores while also reducing the secretion of oil. Another option is to mix milk with gelatine. The animal protein in the gelatin will tighten your skin in a pinch. But remember, the effects of these won’t last long, so if you want more permanent options, you will have to visit your dermatologist.

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If you decide that you want to cure the problem once and for all, there are a variety of dermatological options that can help tighten your pores. Overall, for permanent pore reduction, it is vital to use lasers because they can penetrate deep enough to get to the bottom of your pores.

The latest therapy that is being used for pores is Clearlift. This innovative and safe laser is US FDA approved. It penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating collagen synthesis. This collagen makes the skin more elastic, making it appear younger and pore-free. It also works on fine lines and pigmentation, treating them all in one go. The best part is that it is painless and does not require any recovery time, so in 20 minutes you walk out looking like a better and younger version of yourself.

Another option is resurfacing. Resurfacing is a process where you use a laser such as the US FDA approved Pixel Perfect technology to force the skin to renew itself. During this process, newer skin is formed, so the old damaged skin and pores get rejuvenated, making you look younger, clearer and fresher.

Source: healthmeup.com