Blackheads and Large Pores
What is a blackhead?
A blackhead is a type of acne called an open comedone. Blackheads occur when oil and dead skin cells become trapped in pores. When air is added to the trapped oil it produces a flat, dark spot called a blackhead. People with more active oil glands tend to get more blackheads.
Preventing blackheads
Normalizing skin's oil production and keeping pores clear will help you avoid blackheads. Look for an oily or combination skin face wash that helps dissolve surface oil without removing too much moisture. Wash and cleanse your face 2-3 times a day with warm water. Warn water helps break down surface oil and keep pores clean. Blot excess oil from your face throughout the day. At night, apply a salicylic acid based treatment. Salicylic acid will help unclog your pores so oil can pass to the surface without becoming trapped.
Getting rid of blackheads
If you already suffer from blackheads, try exfoliating your skin each day. (Never pick or squeeze a blackhead.) A gentle scrub over your cleanser will help loosen blackheads without aggravating or irritating surrounding skin. After cleansing, apply a .05-1% salicylic acid lotion to loosen dead skin cells and begin to dislodge blackheads. You can also try a 2-5 % concentration of either alpha hydroxy or lactic acid. Once a week, apply a clarifying peel or clay mask to your forehead, nose and chin area. With daily cleansing and exfoliation you will begin to notice much fewer blackheads and much clearer skin.
What are pores?
Pores serve an important function. They allow oil glands to excrete oil to the skin's surface and keep it hydrated.
What causes large pores?
Pores usually appear larger in the t-zone where oil glands are the most active. People can inherit a genetic tendency towards large pores and sun exposure can permanently dilate pores. As we age, pores appear larger because we lose the collagen and elastin support around them.
Can I make my pores smaller?
A pore's actual size cannot be changed but the right skin care routine can make pores appear much smaller and less noticeable.
How can I make my pores look smaller?
To help minimize pores' appearance look for skin care products that contain alpha hydroxy, glycolic or salicylic acids. These acids work to dissolve dead skin cells, clear out pores and refine skin's texture. Beta (Salicylic) acids also encourage new cell turnover to reveal fresher-looking skin. For a weekly mask, try one containing algae which firms and tightens skin. Tight, clear, exfoliated skin with a refined texture will reflect light better and make your pores appear much smaller and less noticeable.
Limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen can help you avoid large pores. Over time UVA rays dilate pores and cause skin to sag and stretch. Try to out of the sun between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and always wear sunscreen and a hat.
Protecting your skin from the sun and refining your skin's texture will go a long way in making your pores seems to disappear.