How To Shrink Pores and Why They Get Bigger With Age
Pores enlarge with age.
Why? And what can we do to help them appear smaller again.
What Are Pores?
The pores on our skin are the openings at the base of the hair follicle which allow our natural oil, sebum, to flow to the surface and lubricate our skin.
Why Do Pores Get Larger?
Pores stretch due to genetics, hygiene, sun damage and diet.
You can’t actually shrink the size of your pores, nor open or close them. Nor would you want to. You can, however, reduce their look and improve your skin’s appearance
Genetics
Usually, oil production begins at adolescents, and your pores may stretch if there is an abundant supply of sebum coming through the pores.
Hygiene
The neglect of proper care of your skin can cause pores to clog with sebum, dead skin cells and dirt, which also stretches the pores.
Sun Damage
The cumulative damage of UV rays causes skin to ultimately lose collagen and elastin, which breaks down the structure of the pores cell walls. The skin around each pore is subsequently not as firm and collagen-rich as they once were. Firm skin supports pores appearing smaller.
Diet
The glycation process from sugar, refined flours, fried foods and alcohol causes inflation, breaks down collagen fibers and speeds up the aging process, of which one sign is enlarged pores.
Solutions
We do have a solve! Good skin hygiene, exfoliation, retinoids, vitamin c, diet and sunscreen are all here to the rescue.
Good Care of Your Skin
Back to basics!
If you've been with me for some time, you know what these are.
If you're new, or need a refresh, head over here for a full-on care of the skin education.
Wash your face and décolleté before your head hits the pillow!
Exfoliation
Exfoliation can reveal fresh skin cells and prevent clogged pores and bacteria that can cause enlarged pores.
Using gentle 'acids' as in Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA's and BHA's) on a consistent basis will help to enhance skin tone and skin smoothness.
SHOP Exfoliation
Retinoids
Retinoids are one of the most effective ingredients you can use in your skincare.
Consistent use can change the appearance of your skin, helping pores look less noticeable and scientifically proven to smooth lines and wrinkles.
SHOP Behave
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has proven to stimulate cell renewal and collagen production. It can firm up connective tissue around pores.
SHOP Vitamin C Serum
Diet
Sugar, refined flours, fried foods, alcohol all lead to inflammation and the process of glycation; breaking down collagen fibers which speeds up the aging process, a part of which is enlarged pores.
Aim for eating a pound or two of fresh fruits and veggies daily.
SHOP Health Resources
View the Simple Beauty Minerals Healthy Living Shop - Personal Recommendations by Lisa
Sunscreen
Prevention.
The breakdown of the structure of your pores is in large part due to cumulative sun damage.
You can protect and prevent up to 80+ % of this damage by consistently, daily, wearing your sunscreen in the proper amounts.
SHOP Sunscreen
Fake It Till You Make It
Wear a good Primer.
A Primer will help fill in your pores to help them look smaller.
It has many other benefits, to which you can find here.
Pure Primer is a clean, effective mineral based powder that will easily help to create a smooth silky canvas for your foundation.
Embellish Mineral Treatment Primer contains gentle kojac acid to help brighten and further exfoliate.
SHOP Primers
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Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5643203/
A few of the links in this post are affiliate links; and you know me, I only post what I highly recommend and would use myself.
