In the skin care world, skin pores are the enemy. People flock to products that claim to shrink the size of pores. Skin cleansers, toners and other astringents give people the wrong impression that using them can somehow "open and close" pores. With so many misconceptions floating around about pore biology, here's a little primer on skin pores.
Skin pores are natural openings of hair follicles, oil and sweat glands at the surface of the skin. That's all they really are. When skin is behaving, just the right amount of sebum, or natural skin oil, is being secreted from the pores to naturally lubricate skin. But when hormone levels fluctuate, or we don't take care of our skin (like washing with a good facial cleanser), pores become clogged with excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, or dead skin cells. If we don't clear clogged pores, we get the dreaded pimple.
Facial
Contrary to belief, skin pore size cannot be changed; it is genetics. The largest pores tend to be at the center of your face, such as the nose, chin and cheeks; at times you may be able to see just by looking in the mirror. Since pores become more apparent when there's "stuff" in them, facial cleansers can clean out the junk and help "shrink" the appearance of pores.
Exfoliating facial skin cleansers slough away the dead skin cells that might be filling pores. Some people like to steam their face before washing. You must have heard at least one person say, "Steam opens pores." Now that you know better, you know steam helps loosen the stuff inside the pores, making it easier to remove during the washing step. Another step that helps clear pores is microdermabrasion. This process "roughens" up skin and literally shakes loose the dead skin that is clogging pores. Though you may love the look, exfoliating or getting a microdermabrasion too frequently may irritate skin. Switch to a gentler exfoliant or lessen the frequency between treatments.
Using an astringent temporarily helps lessen the appearance of pores. These products remove excess oil which is why they tend to leave skin with that "cool" feeling. However, they contain acetone or alcohols, which can be drying. Some people think the "shrinking pore" effect caused by astringents is actually a result of irritation of the skin. The skin temporarily swells around pores, "closing" them up. However, this effect is only temporary.
Other unusual methods to reduce the apparent size of pores include patting faces (don't slap yourself too hard!), using ice packs, or splashing face with cold water. Again, these are temporary tricks. For longer term results, use a good effective facial cleanser followed by an appropriate facial moisturizer.
Do NOT for any reason pick at or squeeze pores. This includes the oh-so-tempting habit of squeezing pimples since that can lead to scarring or infection. Recall that pimples result from clogged pores. The source of the clog occurs beneath the skin. The pimple is the raised surface above the obstructed pore. That white spot you see on some pimples are the dead cells, sebum, pus, and bacteria that are clogging the pore. If you see what is known as a blackhead instead, that is a clogged pore exposed to the air; the blackness are exposed skin cells, not dirt. In any case, wash acne-prone skin carefully and gently with facial cleansers that contain anti-acne medications. Then, hands off!
You can't change genetics or your skin so you might as well learn to live with it. Follow proper skin care routine with a good facial cleanser, toner and lotion. Don't overstress skin by continuously washing it or applying astringers. A little surface oil is expected and by sapping that away, skin pores will only produce more to make up for the lack. So keep your hands off and let skin take care of itself. Keep it clean, keep it protected and your skin will have a healthy glow.
Facial Cleansers and the Pores of Your Skin
Mark Robbins is an expert in skin care and the treatment of large pores and dryness. His ideas on the best facial cleansers [http://www.facialcleansers.com] to treat these symptoms are considered the gold standard of reviews. Many consumers will not buy a product in the beauty segment without consulting with Mark beforehand.