Pores help the skin to breathe. They fill with sebum and can become clogged, causing spots and black heads to appear. Dry or dead skin cells, excess oil, make-up, sweat and dirt are common causes of blocked pores, but heat or stress can also make them worse, as well as the fact that some people have naturally larger pores.
They are often visible in the T-zone, and are found on the sides of the nose, the chin and forehead. They are more common in people with oily skin but can also appear in combination and dry skin. Although spots often fade over the years, this is unfortunately not the case with dilated pores, which become larger year after year.
The cause of dilated pores
Pores are essential to healthy skin, as they help sebum and sweat to be secreted. In oily skin, however, they can dilate due to the accumulation of dead cells, leading to additional imperfections.
Pores become dilated for several reasons:
The sun: When they damage elastin and collagen fibers, UVA and UVB rays make pores look more dilated. The sun thickens the epidermis and stimulates the sebaceous glands, which produce excess sebum.
Smoking: It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle by avoiding smoking.. In fact, the nicotine contained in cigarettes affects hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin and keeps it hydrated.
Diet: Oily foods have direct consequences on the skin’s beautiful appearance. To limit excess sebum, a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, is recommended.
Fruit such as mango, papaya, pineapple and citrus fruits are full of vitamin C and antioxidants. They are excellent for healthy skin and help it to breathe properly.
Tighten dilated pores
Peels containing keratolytic fruit acids exfoliate and eliminate the dead cells that block pores. They help to tighten pores.
Mesotherapy, which involves injecting essential vitamins and minerals into the skin, helps to infuse the skin cells with nutrients that are essential for producing elastin and collagen. The skin becomes more supple as a result and this helps to tighten pores.
Finally, firming, non-ablative fractional lasers (such as the Icon laser or the Fraxel laser) help to resurface the skin, closing pores and tightening them without harshness on the skin.
