About Pores
Pores are tiny places on the surface of the skin that serve as outlets for oil and sweat. There are thousands of pores on the skin, most of which aren't noticeable to the naked eye. The pores on the face tend to be the most noticeable and the most prone to clogs and other problems. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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The pores are needed by the body to expel the water that keeps the body cool and the temperature regulated. Sweat is mostly water, and it is expelled through the pores and onto the surface of the skin. The pores also expel sebum. This is the skin oil that keeps the skin moist and gives it its supple feel. While it is necessary for the pores to release sweat and oil, it can lead to skin problems if done in excess.
Significance
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The look of the skin can be drastically changed by changes in the pores. These small outlets can become much larger when they are filled with extra sebum and sweat. This creates blackheads that can widen the pores. Clogged pores can also lead to acne and scarring if the pores are repeatedly enlarged by blackheads and pimples. Squeezing the pores to release the clogs can worsen this effect.
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Identification
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It may not be possible to see the pores on much of the body without using a magnifying mirror. The pores on the face may be visible simply by looking in the mirror. The pores on the forehead, nose and chin are often the most prominent. You can locate the pores by looking for small dots in those areas. A clogged pore will be more visible as a small black or brown dot.
Misconceptions
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Large pores are considered by many to be unsightly. Many people look for ways to make their pores less visible, to achieve a smoother skin tone. There are a lot of products that claim they can make the pores smaller. However, there is no way to do this with any permanence. Cold temperatures tighten the pores, but they will return to their normal size when the cold is removed.
Prevention/Solution
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The best way to keep the pores from getting larger is to keep the skin clean. This entails cleaning the skin several times a day with a gentle cleanser. Using a harsh cleanser can make the skin create more oil, which will in turn clog the pores. Cleansing gently will keep the surface oil and sweat from clogging the pores and making them larger.
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