Even though we obsess about the size of our pores and wish they were smaller, common misconceptions about how pores work continue to hold us back.
What are pores? Look carefully in the mirror at your face. Can you see your pores, the tiny holes that dot your skin? Pores are also called hair follicles, and they contain oil glands that moisturize your skin and hair. When pores are enlarged or irritated, your skin may look uneven.
Truth: “Porexia” is a thing
Are you obsessed with the size of your pores? Are you going to do anything to make it appear smaller? If so, you are far from alone. Many people complain about the size of their skin pores for fear of making them look older, according to a study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. The good news is that putting myths and facts into perspective can eliminate the need for such sacrifices.
Truth: There are two types of pores
Your skin is made up of oil pores and sweat pores. Oil pores are actually hair follicles. Each contains a sebaceous gland that produces oil (sebum), and these pores tend to be a source of our cosmetic dissatisfaction. Sweat glands are very small, so it is the hair follicles that irritate us more and tend to get clogged.
Truth: Pores have a purpose
And that’s not just to annoy you and lead you to distraction. Oil pores are necessary for hair growth and to provide safe oil to the skin’s surface, where it is in charge of protecting your skin. In fact, the average adult has 5 million pores, with about 20,000 on the face alone. When pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, black or white blackheads can form. Enter bacteria. In response, the skin becomes red and inflamed, causing acne.
Truth: UV rays can make pores look larger
The more sunlight you get on your skin, the larger your pores may appear. The theory is that ultraviolet light weakens the collagen that supports your pores and keeps them tight. Collagen is the main building block for healthy, supple, and resilient skin. Decreased elasticity around pores is one of the main causes of enlarged pores, according to a study in the journal Dermatologic Surgery. These 8 bad habits can clog pores and make them appear bigger.
Myth: The black in blackheads is dirt
It’s just an optical illusion. When pores become clogged, blackheads can form. But all you see is actually oxidized sebum (oil). Sebum is usually white in color. Sometimes there is dirt in the pores too, but mostly what you see is oxidized oil, not dirt.
Myth: Your pores open and close
Not true, they widen like a camera lens and can go from narrow to wide, or wide to narrow. Steam can help loosen the oil in the pores, but it doesn’t open and close.
