We spend a lot of time thinking about pores & we have a desire for smooth ‘glass skin’ more than ever. Photoshop & blurring Apps have led us to believe that this is the new norm. Times have changed from when I was a teen & would buy weekly sachets of clay masks in the hope that when they would harden, it would yank out all my blackheads upon removal. If only………..
Just like us pores come in all shapes & sizes. Pore size is determined by genetics & the build up of oil can make them appear bigger, as the oil becomes oxidized at the surface, it becomes darkened & at this stage is referred to as a ‘blackhead’. As the pore becomes more blocked, the skin surrounding the pore dilates making the pore appear larger.
Oilier skin types then to have bigger pores as the oil gland is more active. Another factor is age, as collagen depletes, loss of elasticity can lead to dilated opened pores. Pores become clogged as they are the body’s first defence against pollution, bacteria & other external aggressors, like the sun. Its up to us to prevent them from becoming blocked.
Cleansing is the first & most important step in your skincare regime but is also overlooked. If you are not cleansing properly, you are not removing dirt, makeup, dead skin cells & excess sebum & they get trapped in the surface of the skin, clogging the pores & leaving the skin susceptible to breakouts.
A lot of client complaints can be attributed to simply inadequate cleansing. My ‘Top Tips’ are;
Cleanse Properly
Cleansing morning & evening with the latter regime being more of a ritual approach, using a ‘double cleanse’ technique. Ideally you would have two types of cleansers, one milder/gentler formula (Alumier MD Sensicalm €37) & another with more active ingredients (depending on your skin type, Environ’s Clarity Botanical Infused Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanse €39 is great for oil skin types & Alumier MD Hydraboost €37 for dry/dehydrated skin) for evening use. Alternatively a cleansing oil, such as Environ’s PreCleanse Oil €27, would replace the need for a second cleanser & become the first step of your evening double cleanse.
Use face friendly Acids
Lactic acid, Mandelic & Asiatic acid, ingredients in Environ’s Youth Tri BioBotanical Revival Masque €67 or Alumier MD’s Enzymatic Peel with 10% Lactic acid €84 comes highly recommended. Acids have a resurfacing effect on the skin. Meanwhile, products with Salicylic acid declogs so its great for oily, congested skin types, try Environ’s Clarity Sebu-Clear Masque.
Use only Non-Comodgenic
Comedones are another name for blackheads , certain ingredients are responsible. Foundation is a major cause of clogged pores. Look at high grade mineral brands like, Jane Iredale Cosmetics which have a range of loose & pressed powders, BB creams, tinted moisturisers & foundations.
Be religious with Vit A (Retinol)
To combat reduced collagen production, strengthen & protect your skin with Vitamin A, topically (Environ’s AVST 1-5, Environ’s Retinol Serums 1-3 & Alumier MD encapsulated Retinol .25%/.5%/ 1%) & orally (Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Vit A + D €25 or Accumax €52-€117). Retinol or Vitamin A, is the holy grail of skincare & encourages our skin to work at its healthiest.
Professional in salon treatments like Microneedling or Dermapen have proven to reduce pore size & combined with Alumier MD Chemical Peels & Environ Cool Peel enhance results.
For more information visit www.thebeautyroomsballyshannon.ie & fill out our online consultation.
xCaroline
The Beauty Rooms, Allingham Road, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal.