Mistakes to avoid when dealing with enlarged pores.

As their name suggests, these pores distribute thesebumacross the surface of the epidermis to moisturise the skin. They are located all over the body with a few exceptions such as the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. They are connected to thesebaceous glands. These are generally attached to hairs (hair follicles), but there are some areas where they are not (such as the areola of the nipples and eyelids for example).

Pores can become unsightly when they are enlarged, giving the appearance of an uneven skin texture. According to a study, skin pores are said to be "visible" and "enlarged" when their diameter fluctuates between 0.06 and 0.1 mm.

Pores can dilate for a variety of reasons. This phenomenon is usually accompanied by the appearance of blackheads.Blackheads, along withdilated pores, are most visible onoily skin,combination skin or onblemished skin. They primarily appear on theT-zone (forehead, nose and chin), the areas of the face where the skin is oilier.

Two types of causes are responsible for dilated pores:

• Internal causes: Sex, genetic predisposition, skin ageing, overproduction of sebum (hyperseborrhea), hormonal fluctuations;

• External causes: Chronic exposure to UV rays, use of comedogenic xenobiotics, poor skin hygiene (accumulation of dirt and impurities on the skin's surface).

Here are the mistakes to avoid if you have enlarged pores:

• Rinsing one's skin with very cold or very hot water.

  Thermal shock tends to weaken the epidermis and lead to an excess of sebum. Therefore, avoid applying an ice cube to your face, even if you find this old wives' tale appealing.

• Not protecting oneself from the sun's rays.

  Exposing oneself to the sun during the summer season to reduce pores may seem like sound advice. However, the drying effect of the sun is temporary. The same applies to its effect on the sebaceous glands responsible for sebum production. At the start of the summer season, sun exposure can give the appearance of beautiful skin. However, following the drying phase, the skin system re-establishes itself to initiate a reactive hyperseborrhea. Thus, the sebaceous glands produce an astronomical amount of sebum that tries to emerge on the skin's surface. As the skin is thick, the pilosebaceous follicles are blocked, and the sebum accumulates in the dilated orifices. This accumulation of sebum also promotes the growth of bacteria responsible for the onset of acne. Following prolonged sun exposure, acne outbreaks occur as the skin surface thins to regain its normal thickness. This is the rebound effect.

• Exfoliating one's skin.

  You should exfoliate your skin to remove dirt, dead cells, and excess sebum that can clog your pores. This beauty routine helps to refine the skin's texture. However, only do this 1 to 2 times per week. Overly frequent mechanical exfoliation can damage the hydrolipidic film, which is the skin's natural protective layer. This can result in dry skin and open pores, which will absorb surrounding dust and become even larger and therefore more visible.

• Not removing makeup.

  Removing makeup helps to prevent pore blockage.Foundation, powder, blush etc., combined with dead cells and accumulated dirt, create an opaque film on the skin's surface that clogs the pores and prevents the skin from breathing properly during your sleep. Over time, due to lack of oxygen, the skin becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. In response, the skin will create redness, inflammation, dilate the pores releasing more sebum, which will promote the appearance of blemishes such as acne spots and blackheads.

  At Typology, thecleansing oil, themicellar waterand thecleansing balmare suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive. These treatments effectively remove makeup residues and surface impurities.

  Subsequently, it is crucial to proceed to a second stage to leave the skin perfectly clean (double cleansing). In addition to the makeup remover, the use of a cleanser is also important. It will gently penetrate and remove impurities, bacteria, pollution residues, etc... that have infiltrated the pores.

• Apply a highlighter.

  Avoid applying it on the forehead, nose, cheeks or any other area where the pores are enlarged. Indeed, a highlighter tends to accentuate open pores.

• Apply a treatment rich in comedogenic compounds.

  Comedogenic ingredients are substances that can potentially cause pore blockages, otherwise known as comedones. Avoid products that contain cocoa butter, silicones, coconut oil, and lanolin, four of the most common comedogenic ingredients in beauty products. There are excellent non-comedogenic alternatives that you can use instead, such as shea butter, and non-comedogenic oils like jojoba, almond, rosehip, hazelnut, and marula.

• Consuming excessive amounts of refined sugar and fried foods.

  This can lead to the obstruction of pores. Refined sugars cause a spike in the body's insulin levels, which can trigger an increased production of sebum. Try eliminating refined sugars from your diet and observe how your skin improves. You can replace refined sugars and processed foods with healthier alternatives that are just as delicious!

• Applying powder to your makeup too frequently throughout the day.

  On days when we opt for heavier makeup, such as foundation, it's tempting to keep a compact powder close at hand to mattify the skin when it starts to shine around midday. However, using too much powder throughout the day can lead to pore blockage. Sebum and dirt accumulate on the skin throughout the day, and when you apply more powder on top of all this, it makes the epidermis even more congested.