The Wondrous World of Pores. Ahhh, to be the bearer of news you probably don’t want to hear. (No earmuffs please) There is not one product out there that can change the size of your pores permanently. That’s right. Not. A. One. Don’t believe the hype people. It’s exciting to walk into your very favorite skincare shop and be showered with eternal promises. I am the first one to admit it. Who doesn’t want the answer to come in a cute, colorful little bottle that gives you wooey eyes as it sits on your skincare shelf? With that said, the claim that I find consistently disturbing is the one that promises to change the unchangeable. Want smaller pores? How about no pores? Done and done. (According to said products). Why so distraught about pore size products? Unfortunately, these promises have created a mindset that we are all expected to walk around like a perfectly retouched image. And while some of my clients are blessed with porcelain skin (which also comes with it’s own set of worries), it is a rare breed that ladies everywhere are working so hard to emulate. This expectation has even caused what dermatologists are calling “Porexia” (an obsession with having perfect pores). People are becoming increasingly determined to get rid of their pores without realizing how important their function is and how grateful they should be for them. Why are pores so great? Pores are tiny hair follicle openings that we have all over our bodies. That’s right. All over. With the exception of the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. These little guys are there not only to help moisturize and protect your skin from external factors, but also (in an ideal world), they help release any dead skin cells and sebum (pockets of fats, proteins, cholesterol and salts) from within the follicle. These little openings also help regulate temperature by releasing sweat when your body is overheating. Pretty neat, right? What can I do to treat my pores right? Keep them clean. Keep them healthy. Everyday. While you cannot change the size of your pores, you can create practices that help them appear smaller. Picture this: A garbage bag that is overflowing, it is always going to appear much larger than a garbage bag that is disposed of on a regular basis. Same size bag. Different visual. Replace this image with your pores. Proper Pore Maintenance: Always. Always. Always. Cleanse your face at night. That’s a non-negotiable. Removing all of the debris, pollution and particles you came in contact with throughout the day. It’s just the right thing to do. Your skin will thank you for it. Cleansing in the morning is on a per person basis depending on skin type and preference. Use toner! It’s a very important / underrated step. Curious why? Familiarize yourself with the importance of toner. Once a week: Clarifying Masque & Exfoliation. I am a big fan of enzyme exfoliators as opposed to gritty ones. SPF. Always use SPF during your AM regimen. Yes everyday. Summer. Winter. All year round. Just because the sun is not beating you into a beach chair, doesn’t mean that it’s not nonchalantly weakening your collagen and elastin. When the collagen in your skin becomes weaker, the pores no longer have the strength to keep taut and can appear larger. Regular facial treatments. Every 4 – 6 weeks is ideal for anyone who is not experiencing problematic skin. Every 8 weeks still keeps you on track. Having a professional prepare and cleanse your skin is extremely beneficial, as is that lovely facial massage bit. That is my absolute favorite part of a facial! (And I secretly love when my clients nod off into nap land during this part). So there we have it. As much as I do believe in the genie in the bottle, I don’t think he works in the scope of pore control. But you now have a handful of helpful tips to keep your skin looking as healthy and glowing as possible! Go ahead and share with us why you love your pores! About the author missdrepants: Maker. Baker. Writer. Daydreamer. Curator. Creativepants. Investigator of curious nooks & crannies. When she isn’t brainstorming not-so-secret ploys to make the world awesome, she can be found adding “pants” to the end of words.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 15:30:31 +0000
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