Tightening skin pores with black seed oil?

Of varying sizes, pores are located at the end of the pilosebaceous canals that connect the sebaceous and sweat glands to the external environment. They allow sebum and sweat to pass through. Normally invisible, pores can become a source of insecurity when they are dilated, giving the appearance of an uneven skin texture. Pores are generally considered enlarged when their diameter fluctuates between 0.06 and 0.1 mm.

Generally, the dilation of pores is followed by the appearance of blackheads. Combination to oily skin types are the most affected. Blackheads and dilated pores are primarily located in areas of the face where the skin is the most oily, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). There are several factors contributing to the dilation of pores, including:

• Hyperseborrhea : the size of the pores varies depending on the amount of sebum that the sebaceous glands produce. Indeed, its accumulation stretches the pores and gradually enlarges them.

• Hyperkeratinisation : another determining factor of pore size is the presence of a large number of dead cells on the skin. Their accumulation is also likely to clog the pores.

• Ageing: As we age, the decrease in collagen levels causes a relaxation of the various structures of the skin, including at the level of the pores. These then become distended and occupy an increasingly larger surface area on the face.

Theblack seed oil is obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the plant Nigella sativa. Known as the oil of the pharaohs, it has been used for over 2,000 years for its numerous virtues in taking care of the skin and hair. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, healing... The various benefits of the black seed oil allow it to be used in multiple ways. However, it is rare for it to be used to tighten pores.

The key actives to address this issue primarily possess keratolytic properties. For instance, one could consider the mandelic acid or the glycolic acid which, by weakening the bonds between the lipids in the horny layer, help to free the skin from its layer of dead cells. In doing so, the obstruction of the pores is gradually eliminated and the evacuation of sebum is facilitated. The sebum-regulating properties of jojoba oil are also useful in combating pore dilation. This vegetable oil can indeed regulate the flow of sebum responsible for dilated pores. Moreover, it strengthens the hydrolipidic film and soothes sensitive skin.

• SEO S. J. & al. Facial pores: definition, causes, and treatment options. Dermatologic Surgery (2015).

• KIM B. & al. Black Cumin ( Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety. Nutrients (2021).