Skin is the largest organ f the human body.it has millions of pores, which are the openings of the sebaceous (oil) glands, sweat glands and the hair shaft also comes out through these pores. They are basically open, but not visible to the naked eye, so it’s a misnomer to call them open pores when they are visible and prominent, basically they are enlarged pores. Certain factors as genetics and or environmental lead to the enlarged pores and these become visible to the naked eye and are called open pores. When these pores get blocked with dirt, cosmetics, oil and sweat secretions and pollutants, they are known as comedones also called as whiteheads or blackheads.
What leads to open pores?
These openings can’t be seen normally, as the skin is taut and firm, supported by collagen and elastin. All skin types dry or oily are predisposed to enlarged pores but oily skin s more so. Certain individuals genetically are more predisposed to open pores. The other factors are excessive sebum or oil production, cosmetics, pollution and natural aging process. As we grow older, the production of collagen and elastin decreases and this results in loss of support and prominent pores. Not following a good daily skin care routine of cleansing, moisturiser and using sunscreen and using the wrong cosmetics, all this leads to damage to the skin or required treatment for Acne. The open pores give the skin dull look, especially when they are clogged. Once the pores enlarge and become prominent, they are difficult to treat and reverse especially so when they are since a long time.hence its important to start taking the corrective and preventive measures right from the beginning at the earliest, so that further irreversible progress is put to a stop.
How to prevent open pores?
Follow a good daily skin care routine of cleansing and applying a moisturiser and sunscreen based on your skin type. Use non comedogenic cosmetic products which will not clog the pores. Moisturiser is an essential step for all skin types, oily or dry or sensitive. Do not forget to apply a sunscreen, irrespective of the weather, as we know the UV rays damage the collagen and elastin, leading to enlarged pores. Use vitamin C and other antioxidant serums, which prevent damage from sun and pollution, this helps boost collagen production. Do include antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables in your diet. Keep yourself well hydrated, drink plenty of water and other fluids like lemon water and fresh coconut water.
Treatment of open pores
If started early it can prevent the further damage to the skin, leading to further increase in the size of the pores, but if delayed for a long period of time, it becomes an irreversible damage. Your dermatologist can advise you products like retinoids, AHA’s and BHA’s, vitamin C and other antioxidants can be incorporated into the daily skin care routine. Also beneficial can be few medifacials. Hydra facial is an essential facial, which does deep cleansing, exfoliation and hydration. Non invasive treatments like laser facials, known by different names (based on the type of laser used) such as laser genesis, laser toning, photofacials, Fraxel etc, can also prevent and treat the open pores. Micro needling with serum infusion also gives very good results. These are skin rejuvenating procedures which increase the collagen and elastin production, making the skin firm and tight. These procedures have no downtime, they are known as lunch hour procedures and give wonderful results. CO2 laser rejuvenation is another great modality, but needs a downtime of 7-10 days.
We can’t change our inherent genetics or skin type and even for that matter the natural ageing process, but a good skin care routine, along with sun protection and a healthy lifestyle can help with a good healthy, glowing and smooth skin.