| Saturday, September 08, 2007 |
| Pore-fect Clear up for better-looking skin |
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Pore prescription When it comes to size, only some things should come big: houses, cars and of course, pay cheques.
Some things though, are best left small.
Like your pores, for example.
Having big and visible pores is a common skin woe for many, especially as we live in a humid country like Malaysia.
Pores are there for a reason – it is an opening for a sebaceous oil gland to help release oil to the surface of your skin, keeping it moisturised.
It’s ironic then, that this very same natural moisturiser wreaks havoc when they take on a larger dimension, especially as we age.
Unlike doors, pores cannot be opened or closed.
As we age they become even more noticeable.
Most enlarged pores on the face are part of your inheritance - if your parents have it, then most likely you will, too.
That doesn’t mean you are stuck with open, large pores for the rest of your life, though.
The trick to keep your pores looking refined.
Make sure your skin is clean, avoid overloading your face with heavy formulations and choose the right products to help refi ne your pores.
The most basic step to achieve “smaller” pores? Use an effective cleanser.
As pores are often trapped with oil, dirt and daily grime, it is important to clear out the impurities.
Use a milky cleanser to remove makeup at the end of the day – this ensures your skin is completely free of excess oil and dirt.
Then, use a foam cleanser to cleanse your face thoroughly.
Make sure you do this twice daily – once in the morning and once at night.
This way you will keep your pores clean, preventing them from clogging up.
If you use make up, here’s a tip: leave on your cleanser as you brush your teeth – this gives it time to dissolve the make up.
Then, rinse off with cool water to temporarily close pores.
Using a facial scrub once a week also helps minimise the appearance of pores.
Choose a fine-grained scrub – using a rough scrub will only damage your skin, giving you more problems in the future.
Slough off dead skin cells and dirt by using circular motions with your fingers.
Avoid alcohol-based products.
Sure, you may love the skin-tightening feeling it leaves, but this is a merely a short term relief that will induce damage in the long term.
Over time, the harsh ingredients will only encourage oil glands to over-produce, making your pores larger, instead.
If your skin is extremely oily, you can skip the moisturiser or use it only on areas that are dry like your cheeks and jawline.
Look for gel formulations or oil-free moisturisers – these are most suitable for those with large pores.
Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, AHA, retinol or glycolic acid in your moisturiser, as this dissolves the skin debris in your pores and keep them clear of clogs.
If you’re looking for additional protection, use a clay mask at least once a week to help soak up the excess oil from your pores.
Source: Malay Mail |
posted by Dr. Wizvax @ 12:54 AM   |
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