Why Do We Hate Our Pores So Much (& What To Do About Them)?

When’s the last time you thought about your pores? Chances are, you only notice them when you spy a spot developing.

Pores are tiny openings in the skin. We all have them, but some are bigger than others and can make us feel self-conscious.

What are pores?

Although pores allow gas and liquid to pass through the skin, when they become clogged with dirt and excess oil, spots often erupt. Similarly, large pores are often associated with oily, problem skin. Let’s get one thing clear - pore size is largely genetically predetermined. That means if your mum and dad have large pores, you will, too. Further, people with fair skin or naturally dry skin tend to have smaller pores, while people with darker skin tones or oily skin tend to have larger pores. Within each pore is a sebaceous gland that produces oil. An overactive sebaceous gland can produce a lot of sebum, or oil, which can become trapped within the pore. The result? A spot. Additionally, larger pores tend to trap more dirt, debris, and even dead skin cells. And this is when many of us mount a full-scale war on our skin to shrink pores and prevent breakouts. We apply products with harsh chemicals in an attempt to browbeat our pores into submission and shrinking. These products often don’t work; in fact, our skin just becomes red and angry and looks even worse than before.

So, what can you do to shrink your pores and attain clear, glowing skin?

Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse

If you want smaller looking, clear pores, invest in a gentle, yet effective cleanser. Better yet, consider double cleansing every day to fully flush your pores of dirt, debris, and other nasties. Rx Clean Exfoliating Cleanser is a concentrated cleanser that contains 10% L-Lactic acid and tea tree and peppermint essential oils to remove dirt and impurities while exfoliating the top layer of skin. It’s antibacterial, antiseptic, and antiviral and is ideal for normal to oily skin. The cleanser can also be used as a mask - simply leave it on for 3 minutes to enjoy its deep-cleansing benefits. Rx Clean is an ELITE product, which isn’t available to purchase online. For enquiries, please get in touch with order@medicobeauty.com. We will provide the customer with a remote consultation and send exact recommendations and instructions on how to use ELITE correctly. Purity Solution Deep Cleansing Oil not only breaks down dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen and other debris, it removes it from your pores without drying your skin. The best part? It leaves behind no oil, leaving skin fully cleansed and refreshed. It contains powerful antioxidants to nourish and heal the skin. Purity Detox Scrub Multi-Layer Detoxification System is a powerhouse exfoliator that contains salicylic acid. It cleanses deep down to remove pore-clogging residue, debris, impurities and more. Further, it detoxifies the skin and reduces the appearance of large pores.

Prepare the skin

Help the products you use to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin where they can be most useful. Purity Balance Exfoliating Prep tones the skin and helps remove excess sebum from the pores. It’s antiseptic and contains L-Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid to exfoliate the skin. Additionally, it reduces the appearance of pores.

Moisturise with the right products

One of the biggest mistakes we make in the quest for smaller pores is to rob our skin of moisture. After all, drier skin has small pores, right? Perhaps, but do you want to leave your skin looking flakey? The key is to use the right moisturiser that won’t clog pores. Phytoclear Clarifying Moisturiser is ideal for oily, acne-prone, and menopausal skin. It contains ingredients that regulate the production of sebum, unclog pores, and stimulate collagen production. Additionally, soy isoflavones and pregnenolone adjust hormonal factors. Skin is not only hydrated; it’s radiant.

Pamper your skin

Masks play a large role in removing built-up debris and oil that collects in the pores all week. These masks pamper and nourish the skin and can be used up to three times a week. Detox Activated Charcoal Mask is a must, especially if you live and work in a city. It removes all that icky daily urban pollution that clogs pores and can accelerate premature ageing. Formulated with charcoal and clay, the mask removes impurities and exfoliates the skin without drying it out. Clear Clarifying Mask is a powerful deep cleansing mask ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It contains a blend of clay and sulfur to remove excess sebum, as well as salicylic acid to help prevent new breakouts. In addition to minimizing pore size and leave skin clear and refreshed. In addition to using it as a mask all over your face, you can also apply it as a spot treatment. Pure Enzymes Exfoliating Mask uses cranberry enzymes and L-Lactic Acid to decongest pores and revitalize the skin. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients that stimulate the skin’s natural moisture, even in acne-prone skin.