Over-active oil production is the cause of enlarged pores, acne, and blackheads. However, much can be done to bring the problem under control.
If you look close at your face in a magnifying mirror, you
will see a mass of small holes, particularly around the nose, cheeks and chin.
These are pores: openings onto the skin’s surface of sweat glands, oil glands,
and hair follicles. The size of pores can vary from relatively open and visible
ducts to others that are barely perceptible. When excess oil is secreted by the
oil glands, pores enlarge, causing poorly textured skin and sometimes acne and
other skin complaints.
Remedies
The main remedy is an astringent preparation that removes
the excess oil. The way astringents work is to slightly irritate the
surrounding skin, causing it to swell slightly so that the pores appear to
close up. Most commercial astringents contain alcohol as their main ingredient,
and should be used carefully, as they may have a too drying effect on non-oily
areas of the skin.
One home remedy for enlarged pores is to bathe the affected
area with a little borax dissolved in warm water. Alternatively, you can apply
ice salt water twice daily. Massage the solution gently into the skin, taking
care not to irritate it. Rinse your skin thoroughly and pat dry. Probably the
best way to conceal enlarged pores is by using a carefully selected make-up.
For oily skins, a liquid base is generally preferable to a cream one. At the
same time, you should make sure that you completely remove your make-up at
night and cleanse your skin to prevent your pores from being clogged with
make-up or dirt.
Acne
Contrary to myth, bacteria on the skin do not cause acne, or
by eating too many fatty of fried foods, though good skin hygiene and a proper diet
will help keep skin glowing and healthy.
Rather acne, which is primarily an adolescent complaint, is
caused by hormonal changes leading to over activity of the glands. This causes
an excessive production of oil. The oil may be dammed back from reaching the
skin’s surface, and become trapped in the oil ducts: this result in blackheads
and white heads. If these break through to the wall of the duct, pimples and
boil like lesions can result.
Though acne cannot be
cured, it can be controlled and, in severe cases, medical treatment should be
sought. The most basic remedy is regular washing, up to four times a day, with
soap and water. This dries the oil form the skin and encourages mild peeling,
which helps prevent the formation of ‘plugs’ of dead skin that clog up the
pores and oil ducts. Regular shampooing is also recommended, particularly if
your hair covers an acne- affected part of your face like your forehead.
Though, antibiotic soaps are not strictly necessary, your
doctor may recommend their use to help prevent any secondary infections. Oral
antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Most commercial antidotes for acne are designed to remove
oil, and may be too drying. If you use them, watch carefully for any signs of
allergy or irritation. You can also try a mild astringent to soak up the excess
oil. Creams and oily cover-up cosmetics should also be avoided as these clog
the pores.
