Mandelic acid, an active ingredient for tightening pores.

The term pores actually refers to the end of a pilosebaceous canal, which connects the sebaceous and sweat glands to the external environment. They allow sebum and sweat to pass through, but it can happen that the pores become visible. The more dilated they are, the more impurities settle in, leading to the formation of blackheads and pimples. This issue is particularly noticeable on the T-zone and extending to the cheeks. There are numerous reasons for the dilation of a pore .

• Sebum Production: The size of the pores varies depending on the amount of sebum you produce. Indeed, their accumulation stretches the pores and gradually widens them.

• Quantity of dead cells: another factor that determines the size of the pores is the presence of a large number of dead cells on the skin. Their accumulation can further obstruct the pores.

• Ageing process: As we age, the pores stretch and occupy an increasingly larger skin surface. The cause? The degradation of collagen levels, leading to a loosening in their structure.

Themandelic acid is a naturally occurring fruit acid (bitter almond) belonging to the family of alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHA), similar to glycolic acid and lactic acid. It is commonly used for its exfoliating properties and its gentleness, explained by its high molecular weight. This virtue is particularly exploited in skincare formulas to tighten pores. Clogged with impurities, the act of removing excess dead skin cells and initiating cell renewal gradually eliminates pore obstruction and promotes pore evacuation, which is the cause of its dilation. Through an indirect mechanism, the pores thus regain their "normal" shape.

Several weeks may be required to deal with this epidermis with a "mandarin peel" texture.

Pores are natural and cannot be completely eradicated, but it is possible to temporarily refine them. Indeed, sebum production and pore size are genetically determined parameters. At Typology, we offer two treatments to reduce their size, particularly by cleansing the skin and exfoliating it. Moreover, these products can be incorporated into your skincare routine to prevent the appearance of enlarged pores.

• The peeling gel-mask aids in the removal of dead cells that accumulate on the skin, thereby giving a tightened appearance to the pores and thus limiting the emergence of blemishes thanks to its dose of AHA and PHA in the formula, in addition to providing a boost of radiance to the complexion.

  How to use it? It should be applied to the face in a semi-thick layer, once or twice a week, only in the evening. Then leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

• The exfoliating night cream with 6% AHA and pink grapefruit extract is a treatment that can help pores return to a "normal" size and allow for better sebum flow. Night after night, the combination of mandelic acid, glycolic acid and pink grapefruit extract (INCI name: Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract) eliminates dead cells accumulated on the surface that could have ended up in the pores, enlarging them with a significant and non-negligible risk of turning into blackheads.

  How to use it? In the evening, after the serum on clean, dry skin, apply a small amount of cream over the entire face and neck. Start with one to two applications per day for a few weeks before moving to daily use.

If the cause of pore dilation is an overproduction of sebum or skin laxity, there is no possible solution to reduce their visibility to the naked eye.