Open pores, which are usually tiny and barely visible openings, on dilation, become visible and give a cosmetically unacceptable appearance.
More common in oily skin, pores get dilated to excrete oil and become vulnerable to clogging by dirt. This causes blackheads and white heads making the open pores look larger. Further infection can cause acne. Prolonged exposure to sunrays damage skin supporting proteins like collagen and elastin. Reduced elasticity results in dilation of pores.
Wash your face thrice daily with oily skin specific face wash followed by application of astringent to remove traces of oil and tighten pores. Apply noncomedogenic moisturizer. Apply sunscreen, SPF 15 when indoors and SPF 30 while going out.
Professional clean up is a must at least once or twice a month depending on the severity of open pores. Squeezing blackheads yourself, damages the pore and makes it larger. There is also the risk of bacteria transmission from nails or fingers to the skin causing infection and acne.
Steam cleanses and disinfects pores. Add two to three drops of tea tree oil in boiling water and take steam for eight to ten minutes. Splash your face with cold water thereafter. Take this treatment once in a week.
Discuss use of creams containing retinol with your doctor. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative present in anti acne and anti aging products. Retinol unclogs pores, increases cell turnover and reduces pore size.
Do it yourself masks for once in a week application.
- Mix two egg whites and one tablespoon lemon juice, apply for twenty minutes, wash and apply ice cube.
- Mix one tablespoon baking soda and water to form paste, apply for ten minutes and rinse with cold water.
- You can apply ice daily for two to three minutes on face to tighten pores.
dermagirl 