Open Pores and Uneven Skin

If you are fortunate enough to have reached the age where teenage acne is something of the past, you are probably looking forward for once to go out on a date without having to scan the mirror for an ugly “zit” – but alas you notice something else – where you used to have pores, you now have what look like the open mouths of little guppies (its tropical fish for those who didn’t grow up with a fish tank in their house!).

Large open pores are usually the result of two unavoidable factors, namely genetics and age. So, unless your mom and dad looked like porcelain dolls, the probability is good that you will need some help to rectify your skin texture. As one ages, a loss of skin elasticity and sun damage can cause pores to dilate. A thickening of the skin causes cells to aggregate around the pores thus giving them an enlarged appearance. Should these pores be clogged by impurities (too much foundation!) and oil (the underlying cause of blackheads), this will also increase the pore’s diameter.

Skin Renewal centres offer many ways to improve the appearance of large pores:

The first step is to remove all debris, excess oil and bacteria from the pores. The Clarity range by Lamelle is a low-strength topical medication which decreases sebum production and help with the exfoliation of excess cells, which block pores. Over time these products will reduce the appearance and size of the pores. Skin Renewal centres also offer Neostrata Ultra Daytime Smoothing Cream with SPF 15 (which is only available at Doctors’ offices) to decrease pore size.

The appearance of large pores can be minimized by practicing various methods of exfoliation. At home, one can use facial scrubs or the home care Dermaroller. Home Care Dermaroller ® gently removes the superficial dead layer which causes whiteheads, blackheads, rough texture and uneven appearance of the skin. The cause for isolated skin disorders and inflammation (e.g. acne) often are blocked ducts of the sebaceous glands by old and sticky scales of the stratum corneum. The fine needle tips will unblock these ducts mechanically and as the gland ducts are kept open, the pore size reduces significantly. In addition to a gentle exfoliation, home products can be “rolled” into the skin to improve penetration of active ingredients which stimulate collagen production and reduce the size of pores.

Microdermabrasion is a device that uses crystals to gently remove the outer layers of dead skin cells to help repair facial skin that takes a beating from the sun and the effects of aging. There are usually two versions of microdermabrasion, one for aestheticians, and a more powerful version for doctors .

Beta hydroxyacids (BHAs) and Salicylic acid peel , is a superficial procedure that renews the skin and is an effective treatment for pores, acne and uneven pigmentation . improve skin texture, fine lines and overall appearance of the skin. These treatments have no or minimal downtime can be particularly helpful for mild to moderate acne and facial blemishes.

By increasing the collagen content of the dermis, the size of the pores will improve. Laser Genesis, Pearl laser and Derma® Skin needling are all procedures that are effective in stimulating collagen production. So, if you want to embrace the dating scene without the help of a lot of foundation, but rather with confidence, coupled by a beautiful, even skin tone, visit a Skin Renewal centre near you and you might start enjoying looking at yourself in the mirror!

Source: South Africa Queer Life