How to deal with enlarged pores?

To keep your skin healthy and beautiful, you need to take care of it every day. The basis of daily care is skin cleansing. Is it possible to cleanse the skin of sebaceous plugs and get rid of pimples and acne at home? This question worries many, and not only women. We offer you several remedies and recipes for homemade masks made from natural ingredients that will help cope with your problem.

canva.com

Flawless skin is a blessing that only a lucky few enjoy. Many of us, at certain points in our lives, have to wage a tireless battle with clogged pores on our faces. Since our skin is exposed to dust and dirt every day, clogged pores are an inevitable result.

However, sometimes just washing your face is not enough to unclog your pores. For most people, regular care, including deep cleansing, is the most effective way to open pores and prevent acne from developing.

Why are pores enlarged?

Almost the entire surface of the skin has sebaceous glands, except for the palms and soles.
Most pores are found on the face, upper back, and chest. The structure of the sebaceous gland is the secretion zone and the excretory duct. The function of pores is to secrete sebum, a combination of water and lipids. Their activity is regulated mainly by steroids produced by the adrenal glands and sex hormones. Excessive production of sebum leads to the accumulation of secretions in the excretory ducts and expansion of the orifices. You need to solve the problem from a young age, but first you need to determine the reasons that caused it. There may be several provoking factors:

heredity - mom and/or dad have skin with wide pores;
hormonal changes in the body - during puberty, during pregnancy, during menopause;
unhealthy diet - the diet includes fatty, smoked, salty foods, foods high in sugar, baked goods, fast food, sweet soda;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system;
deficiency of macro- and microelements in the body - mainly vitamins A, zinc, iron;
excessive passion for comedogenic cosmetics based on lanolin, glycerin, stearic acid and others;
passion for tanning in the sun or in a solarium, so-called photoaging;
use of low-quality decorative cosmetics;
improper care - untimely makeup removal and so on;
stress, alcohol abuse, smoking;
frequent infectious and viral diseases;
age-related changes - against the background of loss of firmness and elasticity, pores become more noticeable.

Also, the cause of porous skin is improper care - self-cleaning without observing hygiene and safety standards.

Causes of white comedones

Why does hyperkeratosis form and changes in the amount and composition of sebum:

According to medical research, the most common cause is hormonal imbalance .

Other reasons:

Genetic predisposition
Improper facial hygiene and cosmetics used
Side effect of drugs
Diet disorders and gastrointestinal diseases

It is rarely possible to establish the true cause. If possible, you need to pay attention to the list above and try to eliminate the root cause.

However, white comedones will not disappear on their own; external influence is necessary to get rid of them.

Steps to care for skin with large pores

On the one hand, such a defect spoils the appearance of the skin - there is no smoothness, there is bumpiness, a constant oily sheen. In addition, wide pores quickly become clogged with particles of dust and dirt, which leads to inflammatory processes and provokes the formation of acne and comedones. But, on the other hand, oily, thick skin ages more slowly than dry skin.

At the same time, the porous epidermis requires special care. Stages of morning procedures:

Washing with foam or thermal water based on salicylic acid, probiotics, but without alcohol or aggressive chemicals.
Toning with a mattifying effect. The toner will help dry the skin and normalize the pH level.
Application of sebum regulator serum. The product should contain oak bark extract, betulin, grapefruit and so on. Serum for day care and marked “For oily skin”.
Apply a treatment to the area around the eyes.
Day moisturizer with a light texture based on glycolic or hyaluronic acid.

It is also necessary to take care of protection from ultraviolet radiation. In winter, before going outside, treat your skin with SPF 30, in summer - SPF 50.

Evening care steps:

Makeup remover with micellar water or foam for thorough cleansing. A composition based on hydrophilic oil is also suitable.
Toning. The toner can be applied using a cotton pad and should not be rinsed off. A composition based on avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, squalene, and seaweed is suitable.
Treatment of the periorbital area - along the protruding parts, without affecting the skin of the lower and upper eyelids.
Apply nourishing night cream to slightly damp skin. A restorative concentrate with a deep moisturizing effect is suitable.

It is advisable that all skincare products be of the same brand, this way the maximum effect is achieved.

Methods of disposal

Detected sebaceous plugs are eliminated independently in apartment conditions, by a cosmetologist in his office, or during inpatient treatment under the supervision of a doctor. For this purpose, folk remedies, cosmetics and medications are used.

In some cases, when the format of the areas has a serious degree of damage, dermatologists treat the plugs. They first study the prerequisites for the appearance of sebaceous plugs, the activity of their development and the patient’s response to medications.

Cosmetology

The most common method of cleansing the face from sebaceous plugs is cosmetic procedures using laser and chemical therapy. Treatment is carried out sequentially, step by step and manually.

At the first stage, the cosmetologist’s task is to destroy the sebaceous plug. Solutions based on chemical reagents soften the sebum in the pores. At the second stage, in order for the skin to remain smooth and free from postoperative scars and scars, the blockage is eliminated with a laser. By removing the plug, it does not deform the operated area of the skin.

Hardware

Of the hardware procedures shown:

electrotherapy;
cryotherapy;
peeling;
laser facial resurfacing;
ultrasonic cleaning.

During ultrasonic cleaning, areas of the face are treated with a directed flow of microparticles. They remove keratinization in the upper layers, penetrate into sebaceous plugs, and destroy them. The procedure helps to even out the skin, rejuvenate it and cleanse the pores.

Instrumental treatment is good for clearing sebaceous plugs from hard-to-reach areas and the back.

Dietary

An imbalance of nutrients in food often leads to the formation of skin ulcers. Causes disruptions in the functioning of the digestive system, negatively affecting hormonal levels. A bias towards fatty, sweet or alcoholic foods, instead of easily digestible foods rich in protein compounds, leads to fatty plugs. And then to acne and comedones.

You should also give up pastry products - increasing the amount of carbohydrates and fats consumed disrupts the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands.

The diet, of course, will not get rid of sebaceous plugs, but with complex treatment it will serve as a good acceleration catalyst. Foods that increase sebum production include:

nuts;
cheese: feta cheese, “pigtail cheese”, suluguni, pickled types;
cocoa and chocolate;
fatty meats and fish;
baked goods, sweets;
drinks containing gas and caffeine;
foods rich in fatty acids.

How to narrow pores - cosmetic procedures

The technologies that aesthetic medicine centers use in their practice make it possible to achieve quick and long-lasting effects. Thanks to innovative techniques, the following results are achieved:

deep exfoliation and cleansing;
leveling the relief by grinding;
elimination of post-acne and scars;
activation of metabolic processes in the deep layers of the epidermis;
regeneration at the cellular level;
stimulation of collagen and hyaluronic acid production;
evening out tone and achieving smoothness.

Cosmetic procedures for narrowing pores are used differently, each of them has its own characteristics.

Chemical peeling

The technique involves exposing the skin to acid. Depending on the composition of the drug, exfoliation can be superficial, medium and deep. To cleanse and narrow pores, the first two techniques are sufficient. Fruit, almond, and lactic acids are used. Salicylic peeling is suitable for skin with increased sebum secretion.

The procedures are characterized by safety, quick results and minimal risk of complications. The skin recovers after them in a short period, the effect lasts for six months. It takes 5 – 6 sessions to achieve the desired result. Exfoliation also gives a good anti-aging effect.

Hardware and manual cryotherapy

Thanks to the effects of cold, pores narrow, acne and its consequences are eliminated. Thanks to controlled treatment with liquid nitrogen, lymph flow and blood circulation are stimulated, and regeneration processes are enhanced. Inert gas tightens pores, smoothes the skin, tones, tightens contours.

Treatment is carried out in short exposure periods - 15 seconds is enough. After the procedure, a dense crust forms on the skin, which comes off on its own after a few days. After the session, the dermis becomes pinkish, and then acquires a beautiful shade, smoothness and velvety.

Microdermabrasion

Grinding of the epidermis using equipment and special attachments equipped with aluminum oxide crystals. Thanks to the effect, the surface layer of the skin is exfoliated, dead skin particles are removed, pores are narrowed, and blackheads disappear. The epidermis acquires an even color and structure.

The procedure is painless and does not require a long rehabilitation period. To achieve maximum effect, 4–6 sessions are required with a frequency of 1 in 10–14 days. It is better to carry out the procedure during the season of minimal solar activity: winter, spring and autumn.

Laser resurfacing

Modern cosmetology equipment allows you to achieve high results. The laser acts on the skin in a targeted manner, without affecting healthy areas. Innovative devices are equipped with cooling units, so the patient experiences virtually no discomfort during the procedure.

Before the session, preparation is required, the rules of which are explained by the cosmetologist. Care after grinding also plays an important role. The result is noticeable within a week - the pores are narrowed, the tone is evened out, the epidermis acquires a healthy glow and a beautiful color.

Formation of sebaceous plugs

If you do nothing, the formed fat plug can cause negative cosmetic changes or even diseases. Quick and clear actions are important here. However, without knowing the basics of their origin, it will not be possible to recover quickly.

Sebaceous plugs can form due to:

excessive production of fatty secretions by the glands;
neglect of hygiene rules;
peeling of the upper layers of the epidermis;
poor nutrition, oversaturation of the diet with fatty foods;
psycho-emotional state;
increased sweating;
period of puberty;
action of drugs.

One of the first manifestations of these reasons is an increase in the amount of fat on the skin. It should become a signal to clarify the nature and eliminate the root cause of the development of sebaceous plugs. This approach helps eliminate the problem at the initial stage.

How to deal with enlarged pores?

Independent measures will help in solving the problem, as they are part of a comprehensive methodology. Home care treatments include:

Masks. The composition should have several effects - cleansing, nourishing, moisturizing. You can purchase ready-made masks or make the product yourself. The following ingredients are suitable for this: lemon, ascorbic acid, B vitamins, potatoes, clay, egg white. This type of care is required 2-4 times a week.
Before applying the mask, cleanse your skin well. Homemade scrubbing can be done from sea salt, ground coffee, aspirin, almond crumbs, activated carbon. Oatmeal, honey, soda, and so on are added to the product. The skin must first be steamed. The procedure should be carried out 2 times a week.
Home peeling. Beauty products with a low concentration of chemical acids, night-time serums, mineral products, and so on are suitable. Can be done no more than once a month. It is recommended to consult a cosmetologist first.

Procedures using the Darsonval apparatus are also available at home. But to control special attachments, it is better to take a training course.

Treatment

The process of getting rid of sebaceous plugs requires considerable time, during which the patient must adhere to a clear schedule for all procedures. The method of treatment depends on the degree of damage, characterized by its complexity:

I degree.
II degree.
III degree.

For mild changes in small areas, home treatment with folk remedies can be carried out. But for moderate and severe cases of the disease, in which large areas of the skin are affected, a specialist - a cosmetologist or dermatologist - should consult and treat.

Drugs

Determining the treatment regimen is possible after diagnosing the degree of inflammation of the sebaceous plugs. For mild cases, it is recommended to use wet procedures with degreasing lotions, masks, and foam for washing. For moderate and severe cases, local therapy is prescribed, including the following medications.

Diffenin is an anti-inflammatory drug containing retinoic acid.
Azix-derm, Skinoren, Azelik, Skinoklir are antimicrobial agents with azelaic acid.
Baziron AS, Desquam, Eclaran, Proderm are ointments (creams) based on benzoyl peroxide.
Dalatsin, Zerkalin - antibacterial drugs based on clindamycin.
Isotrexin, Klenzit S, Zenerit are complex action drugs.

Folk recipes

Although traditional medicine has all the means to treat skin pathologies, minor problems of oily skin and sebaceous plugs can be solved at home using traditional medicine recipes.

The cause of traffic jams and the factors that provoked their appearance are first clarified. A lot of existing folk remedies help soften plugs, block infection, reducing the level of inflammation. The simplest recipes can be prepared in a few minutes:

A medium-sized onion is baked, allowed to cool, softened, chopped and mixed with a spoon of grated laundry soap. The mass must be homogeneous so that it can be applied to the affected areas in a thin layer. Leave the ointment for 20 minutes, twice a day, morning and evening.
A small amount of flour is mixed with equal proportions of honey and aloe juice. Make small cakes that are applied to the places where sebaceous plugs form.
Use tincture of millennial to wipe or rinse areas of inflammation.
White clay whitens and cleanses the pores on the face.
Lotions with celandine tincture treat fat plugs and areas of skin affected by fungal infections.
Compress of 1 tsp. sugar and 1 tsp. soda mixed in a glass of chilled boiling water.
A bath of chamomile and sage tincture is indicated for the face and shoulders.

Prevention

It is impossible to prevent a problem caused by genetics; such a defect requires complex action. In other cases, prevention will help avoid the formation of enlarged pores:

Stick to proper nutrition. The diet should include “slow” carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
Maintain drinking regime. You need to drink as much water as your body needs. A deficiency will cause deterioration of the skin, and an excess of fluid will cause swelling.
Control hormonal levels. An endocrinologist will conduct an examination and advise you on how to achieve hormone balance.
Protect your face from ultraviolet radiation. Go outside after applying protective equipment. Sunbathe before 11 and after 17 hours.
Undergo routine medical examinations to prevent diseases.
Choose cosmetics (both skincare and decorative) according to your skin type.
Avoid stress and maintain a sleep schedule.

If you urgently need to disguise a defect, this can be done using a concealer and foundation with a light structure. But this can only be done in extremely rare cases. Enlarged pores require an integrated approach and maximum attention.

Preparation for manual mechanical facial cleansing

No special preparation is required for cleaning. Try not to drink alcoholic drinks the night before, as they thin the blood. Due to thin blood during menstruation, cleaning is also not carried out. You can come to the clinic with makeup - your face is completely cleansed before the procedure.

For primary patients, the procedure is preceded by a consultation. Here you meet the doctor, voice your wishes, and listen to recommendations. It is at this stage that contraindications to the procedure are determined.

Even if this is not your first time at the clinic, you still need to talk to the cosmetologist before the session, especially if you have reasons for concern. A trusting relationship between patient and doctor is a guarantee of quality work.

The preparatory stage consists of three steps:

Makeup removal, thorough cleansing of the skin. The doctor removes makeup and disinfects the skin.
Superficial peeling. Essential for removing dead skin cells. This opens access to the pores, making the process of removing fat and dirt easier and more painless. If chemical peeling is contraindicated/not required, the doctor moves on to the next step.
Steaming the face. Required to open pores. If exposure to steam is contraindicated, use a special gel that opens the pores without heating the face.

After these manipulations, the patient is ready for cleaning. By this time, the doctor has sterile instruments and napkins ready. The doctor must wear disposable medical gloves.