Pores & Texture
Pores are like the lungs of our skin, they are vital to our skin health and allow it to breath.
What is the purpose of your pores?
Pores play a vital role in skin health as they act like tiny portals for the skin to breathe. They allow oil produced in deeper layers to escape onto the surface, maintaining the skin’s moisture balance. To keep your skin looking and feeling its best, it’s important to take care of your pores by keeping them clear and unblocked. This will ensure proper functioning, minimise clogging, and give the appearance of smaller, more refined pores.
What causes rough, uneven skin texture?
Uneven and rough skin texture can be caused by a number of factors, including clogged pores and dryness or dehydration. Clogged pores can occur when oil, dirt and other impurities accumulate in the pores, leading to an irregular skin surface. Dryness or dehydration, on the other hand, can cause the skin to become tight and flakey, leading to a rough texture. Dehydration can be caused by a variety of factors, including harsh weather, lack of hydration, and using harsh skincare products.
How can you ‘shrink’ your pores?
Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to shrink or eliminate your pores permanently. The term ‘shrinking your pores’ is often used in marketing, but it is not a realistic or necessary goal. Instead, focus on maintaining the health of your pores to minimise their appearance. By keeping your pores clear of impurities, unclogged, and functioning properly they will appear smaller and more refined, giving your skin a smoother, more even texture too.
How can you promote healthy, clear pores?
Cleansing
Cleansing is an essential step in removing excess oil and debris that can accumulate overnight or throughout the day, minimising the potential for clogged pores.
Exfoliation
Dead skin cell build-up can act like dust, causing clogged pores. Gentle exfoliation is an effective way to wipe your skin’s surface clean without damaging your skin barrier. Avoid using harsh actives that can dehydrate your skin and lead to excess oil production, which can clog pores.
Control oil production
Prevent excess oil production by keeping your skin barrier healthy and maintaining your skin’s water content through the use of hydrating ingredients such as humectants.
Wear sunscreen
Sunscreen protects against unstable molecules known as free radicals, which can penetrate deep into your skin cells and damage their ability to repair themselves, leading to the depletion of pore-plumping collagen.
Try a retinoid
Retinoids are considered the ultimate age management ingredient, but they can also be an effective active ingredient for supporting overall skin health at all ages. They can help to improve cellular renewal and stimulates collagen production, keeping skin and pores strong and healthy.
How can you smooth and even textured skin?
Exfoliation
Regular, gentle exfoliation can help minimise the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and excess oils, resulting in smoother and more even skin texture. The intensity of the exfoliant you use should depend on your skin type. Oily skin types can generally tolerate stronger ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, but for those with sensitive skin, lighter chemical exfoliant ingredients like lactic acid, mandelic acid, gluconolactone, or enzymes are recommended.
Retinoids
Retinoids promote cellular renewal and increase skin cell production, which helps to plump and smooth skin texture. This active ingredient can provide a rejuvenating effect on the skin and contribute to a more even and smooth complexion.
