What to do about enlarged pores? Are enlarged pores really irreversible?

I believe you have read a lot of articles and products about shrinking pores, but your pores are still large. Why? Today we’re going to talk about the misunderstandings about pore care.

1. The pores look dark because they are not cleaned properly

That's not "dirty", that's sebum oxidation.

The pores are black not because dirt has entered the pores, but because it is difficult for dust and dirt from the outside to enter.

Pores are the openings of hair follicles on the surface of the skin, and the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands also reaches the surface of the skin through this opening. Most of the oil becomes the raw material for the sebum membrane, a natural moisturizing barrier. However, when sebum is secreted excessively, some of it may accumulate around the pores and look black after oxidation.

Sebum is secreted many times a day. Even if you clean it thoroughly, it may still accumulate as long as the amount of sebum secretion is relatively large. In this case, there is no need to increase the frequency or intensity of cleaning. You can use oil-control products, and go to the hospital to treat "black pores".

2. Hot water can open the pores, while cold water can shrink the pores.

Only oil, age and severe damage can cause pores to "expand".

Pores cannot be "opened" or "closed" at will.

When sebum is discharged through the pores to the surface of the skin, the pores appear more obvious. Oily skin has a large “displacement” and relatively larger pores than dry skin. The reason why pores are more obvious in summer is not because of "thermal expansion and contraction" but because any skin will secrete more oil in summer.

As the skin ages, it becomes looser and the pores become larger. As we age, the sebaceous glands gradually degenerate and the skin becomes less oily. If you can do a good job of anti-aging and firming to prevent skin sagging, your pores will seem to be a little "smaller" than when you were young.

Severe inflammatory damage can cause the tissue around the hair follicles to shrink and collapse, resulting in the pores becoming obvious, looking like they have been chiseled. Therefore - treat acne promptly! Don't scratch your face with your hands!

A deep cleansing mask can help clear the sebum accumulated at the opening of hair follicles, and astringent lotion can also make the opening of pores temporarily look less obvious. Although it cannot shrink pores, it can still help prevent them from expanding.

3. The inside of the pores needs to be cleaned

“Deep pore cleansing” sounds tempting, but there is no need and no way to “clean” the inside of the pores.

What really needs to be "cleaned" is mainly around the hair follicle openings. "Pores are clogged" mainly because of excess sebum accumulation, and sometimes also due to abnormal metabolism of skin cells around the pores. In this case, you need to seek medical attention promptly and improve control through medication.

Healthy people who have excessive sebum secretion can use a deep cleansing mask two to three times a week on top of daily cleansing. It usually contains clay-like substances, which can better "stick" the semi-solidified sebum accumulated around the hair follicles and then wash it away with water.