A couple of weeks ago, I had a deep-cleansing, skin-refining treatment that purged every bit of gunk from my pores and decongested my skin.
As the therapist gently nudged congestion from my nose, cheeks and chin, she paused to show me a hefty wad of solidified sebum and product residue that she had coerced from one of my open pores. It was a large whitehead, which is pretty much the same as a blackhead, but it hasn’t oxidised.
We all have them. Dee Davies, the therapist delivering the Steam & Squeeze treatment at Sydney’s Clear Skin Clinic, says the residue of pollution, solidified sebum, cream and make-up cause pores to become dirty and enlarged. Contrary to what most people think, pores do not open and close.
They simply become congested because they are not being looked after properly, so they appear wider, Davies says.
The condition varies for different complexion types. Celtic skin is drier and has less oil secretion so will have less of a problem. Mediterranean skin secretes more oil, so will have more enlarged pores.
What to do?
Davies says it is all about correct cleansing and exfoliating. Once you cleanse correctly, the pore ceases to be choked and will appear more refined.
The best way to address the issue is to use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or enzymes, which encourage cell turnover, and retinol (vitamin A), which helps to normalise pores and new skin cells.
Follow with a vitamin A serum such as MD Formulations Vit A Plus Clearing Complex, $180, 1800 808 993, or Monodermà A15, $80, 1800 808 993.
Double-cleanse at the end of the day, Davies says. Cleanse once to melt away make-up and a second time to flush out the residue that has settled into your pores.
Sunscreen can build up in the pores if not removed properly. You may want to use a cleanser specifically suited to removing it, such as Invisible Zinc Glycolic Cleanser, $35, 1300 738 850.
You can also try one of the new ultrasonic brush cleansers. They use oscillating brushes and patented sonic frequency to deeply cleanse pores and whisk away dead cells, excess oil and dirt to prevent congestion. Try Harmony Home Spa UltraSonic Facial Cleansing Brush, $99, www.harmonyhomespa.com.au.
Prime time
Before applying make-up, prep your skin with a pore-refining primer, which will create a more even base for your make-up. Try Shiseido Refining Makeup Primer, $54, 1800 225 032, or Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer, $29.95, 1800 025 488.
Salon solutions
A deep-cleansing treatment works wonders, but see a therapist who is skilled at treating troubled skin.
If extractions are not done correctly, they can scar. Your therapist should be knowledgeable about cosmeceuticals. Don’t be afraid to ask about their experience.
You may also consider Microhydrabrasion, from $150, 1300 799 709. It is similar to traditional microdermabrasion, but it flushes a soothing combination of water and aloe onto the skin to cool and hydrate as it exfoliates.
A new treatment, Isolaz, from $200 to $300, (02) 9999 1081, combines a vacuum suction and broadband light to cleanse the pores. Originally designed to treat acne, it is also effective at purging dirt from pores and eliminating blackheads and whiteheads.
