For many people, their number-one skin-care concern are their pores. Whether the goal is preventing breakouts or reducing oiliness, pores are at the centre of nearly every discussion about achieving a clear, glowing complexion.
But aside from blemishing our complexions, they do serve a purpose: Pores are prominent openings on the skin and house a hair follicle and sebaceous gland and serve as a gateway for sebum, our skin’s natural oil.
“A pore is just a route or a channel for these things to reach the skin’s surface,” says a consulting dermatologist.
It turns out that thanks to the internet, most people have false information regarding what pores are what role they play. Precisely why, here we have 5 myths you should know about your pores.
1. Pores open and close
Many a times we hear people say, steaming your face will open your pores and let them breathe; but it turns out that’s not how it works.
In fact, your pores don’t open/close but can dilate (or stretch). What happens is that the heat can cause excess pore buildup to loosen and rise to the surface.
2. Clogged pores are equivalent to a dirty face
Since pores are on the surface of the skin, it makes sense that some people believe blackheads occur when materials from our environment, like dirt, get inside them.
In reality, outside debris isn't what clogs pores. In other words, those dark specks you see in your pores aren't actually dirt, the debris is actually the buildup of dead skin cells and sebum (oil) underneath the skin.
3. You can get rid of pores
You can’t banish them completely, but with the right skin care, you can make pores less noticeable. Be sure to cleanse twice daily and after an intense workout or whenever you get sweaty or dirty.
4. Makeup clogs your pores
Although makeup doesn't exactly seep into individual follicles and clog pores, certain ingredients found in some cosmetics may irritate the skin in a way that can trigger the formation of pores.
Its advised to opt for makeup that's labeled non-comedogenic may help you avoid potential breakouts.
5. You can shrink pores with nose strips
Although pulling a nose strip from your face might feel satisfying, chances are it's not doing much for your pore size. Remember, underneath every pore is a hair follicle.
The size of these follicles are partially predetermined by genetics and they won't be changed by a simple at-home product. But sometimes the strip does help remove trapped oil and debris.