The Ultimate Routine for Large Pores and Excess Oil Production

Excess oil production leads to enlarged pores. Enlarged pores are indicative of poor skin texture.

Mechanism behind Excess Oil Production

The simple mechanism behind the over production of oil is the overstimulation of sebaceous glands in the skin which are responsible for the secretion of sebum. It can be due to hormonal imbalance, genetics, stress, hot and humid weather, etc.

This sebum is temporarily stored in the follicular reservoir or the pores. Sebum provides a lubricating layer over the skin protecting it from any microbial attack, friction and dryness. This sebum can clog and swell up the pores leading to enlarged pore size.

How do enlarged pores of our skin become home to comedones?

The normal pore size is based on the genetic predisposition. Enlarged pores mainly occur due to stretching of walls of the pores which can be attributed to the accumulation of  excess sebum which gets clogged and locked inside the pores. If this continues for longer, it’d lead to comedones. Comedones are generally  of two types: closed comedones (commonly known as whiteheads) and open comedones (also called blackheads).

Why does excess sebum get locked inside pores?

It is mainly due to the deposition of a layer of dirt, dust and deep seated makeup particles onto the skin which blocks the way of sebum to get released onto the skin surface. Another reason could be the imbalance in the regulation of skin cell turnover. The path for the sebaceous duct could also be blocked because of the trapped dead skin cells.

How to control oil production to manage pores and blackheads?

• Cleanse

Removal of any residual substances which are present on your skin is important to obtain a clear skin. You can use gel based cleansers as regular face wash.

• Exfoliate

You should use face scrubs for exfoliation once or twice a week. This will help in scooping out the unwanted comedones and remove any build up of stubborn impurities deposited over time on the skin.

• Hydrate

Provide your skin with non-oily, non-comedogenic and hydrating aqueous moisturizers. They will lubricate the skin, heal the natural protective barrier and limit the sebum production.

Which skincare product offers the 3-in-one action?

A Face scrub can offer all the three actions of deep cleansing, exfoliation as well as hydration. A wide range of face scrubs are available in the market which are designed for different skin types. A face scrub is mainly composed of two components. One is exfoliant. Exfoliant is a tiny grainy material that gently puts the stubborn sticky impurities into motion.

It polishes the surface to feel cleaner and smoother skin. The other component is base that is generally creamy. It acts as a vehicle for exfoliants to reach all the required areas and work effectively. It can also have hydrating and calming agents to soothe the skin and prevent any inflammation post exfoliation. All the dirt, dead skin flakes and other residues dissolve in this base and it gets easier to wash off.

How does a face scrub resolve the issues of people with enlarged pores?

Since a face scrub is designed with a triple action formula that cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates. Finding the best face scrub for oily skin is the right direction to manage enlarged pores. Nowadays, many gentle exfoliants are being used in the newer formulation.

One such example is microspheres or microbeads. These tiny beads pop out on the skin, exfoliate the skin, get dissolved in the water and then easily rinsed off.

Other common ingredient of face scrub such as neem acts as an effective oil-controlling and anti-microbial agent. This prevents over secretion of sebum as well as post-acne breakouts which may occur due to exposure of skin to acne-causing bacteria after exfoliation. Another one is Aloe vera. It is a soothing and calming agent. It also promotes skin cell rejuvenation. It provides an anti-inflammatory effect after exfoliation.

What is the best way to get faster results using a face scrub?

The most effective and widely accepted method to use a face scrub is to wash your skin with lukewarm water then follow up with applying a small amount of face scrub onto skin and gently massaging it with your fingers in circular motion. No need to rub aggressively.

It should be like a relaxing massage of 1-2 minutes. Ensure that your key focus areas- nose, chin and forehead do not escape the massage. Wash your face to rinse off the scrub and all the impurities away with water. Dry your skin with a soft towel. Now, it’s very important to give your skin some time to rest and calm. Try to avoid going out bare faced. Follow up with a hydrating non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Final Thought

Adding regular exfoliation to your skin care routine can effectively reduce accumulation of excess sebum and unclogging of the pores. It will ultimately help in reducing the size of the enlarged pores. It helps us to know our skin better and pamper it with a proper skincare ritual of deep cleansing, clearing the dirt and help you get a clear smooth skin free from enlarged pores.