Pore Minimizing Treatments
Pores exist all over the skin as the openings of hair follicles, sweat glands and oil glands. The appearance of pores is a common skin care concern, since visibly large pores can cause one's complexion to look dull and uneven. Regardless of age and skin condition, however, the pore size is mainly determined by genetics. It can only be made worse by problematic skin conditions, negligent skin care and poor health. No matter what cosmetic treatments and products promise, pores cannot literally shrink or close, though certain skin treatments can offer the illusion of smaller pores. Products can achieve this by causing the swelling of the pores' surrounding skin tissue, though the effects are short-lived. Does this Spark an idea?
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Causes of Large Pores
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Although the most significant determinant of pore size is genetics, there are plenty of extrinsic factors that can enlarge the pores. Acne is a problem involving built-up oil, which clogs the pores and causes them to stretch. Similarly, oily skin that is not properly cleansed will hold the accumulation of oil and dirt in the pores, making the pores appear much larger with the trapped residue. The common facial areas of problematic pore size are the chin, nose, and the apples of the cheeks. Since these areas are often also prone to more pimples, particularly blackheads, because of dirt and oil build-up, the pores are more likely to be over-stretched as a results of squeezing pimples. Also, larger pores can result from aging skin, since sun damage and decreased elasticity cause the pores to dilate.
Cleansing
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Consistent daily cleansing is crucial. Cleansing the skin of excess oil, bacteria, and other pore-filling debris helps reduce the visibility of pores. The cleanser should be appropriate for the skin type, as recommended by a dermatologist. If it is too gentle, it will not loosen the dirt. One that is too harsh can cause dryness, which will only increase dead skin cells on the surface and maximize pore size. Cleansers with Retinol or alpha-hydroxy can effectively remove dirt while shedding the old, useless skin cells to minimize pore appearance. Skin-care products with antioxidants can have similar effects, while stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin. Also, if appropriate for the skin type, toners and/or astringents are useful in reducing pore visibility, though this effect lasts only minutes to an hour.
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Exfoliaton
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Exfoliation is the process of sloughing off the old, dead skin cells of the top layer, or epidermis, of the skin, so that the exposed layer is comprised of healthy, "new" skin cells. By expediting this natural skin process, skin cell turnover and the regeneration of healthy skin cells is promoted, increasing the skin's protective capabilities and rejuvenating the complexion. The regeneration of new cells minimizes pore appearance since evenness of the skin is restored, and the healthy cells cause a "plumping" of tissue around the pores. Baking soda is an effective natural exfoliant. Many other exfoliating scrubs are available wherever other skin care products are sold.
Microdermabrasion
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Microdermabrasion is like an intensive exfoliation procedure. This cosmetic treatment uses a hand-held device as a "sander" to sweep oxidized crystals over the skin surface, shedding the skin of dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production. One benefit of microdermabrasion is its ability to minimize the appearance of pores, in addition to its other core corrective and preventative benefits. This increasingly popular anit-aging solution has become a basic component of the average skin care regimen. Microdermabrasion can be performed at beauty salons, spas, or the dermatologist's office, and is also manufactured for home use by many cosmetics companies, including Neutrogena, L'Oreal and Kiehl's.
Laser Treatment
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Laser treatment is a nonsurgical, noninvasive cosmetic procedure that uses laser technology to correct skin irregularities and deliver younger looking skin. While laser treatment is rarely used for the sole purpose of reducing the appearance of pores, this is one benefit of the treatment. This is optimal for aging skin, as laser treatment also restores collagen and elastin production, resulting in healthier, rejuvenated skin that appears more even-toned and smooth. Plasma laser technology works beneath the skin surface on the skin's foundational architecture, making this type of treatment more effective in tightening the skin.
Misconceptions
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Too much cleansing and excessive use of astringents are counterproductive. They can lead to dryness. Dried-out cells (especially on oily skin) at the skin surface will only make the pores appear larger.
Tanning seems to shrink the pores at first, but the sun exposure only implies the future materialization of larger pores.
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References
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- Photo Credit Bio.Skinergy: Flickr.com/creativecommons
