How do you get rid of dilated pores and blackheads?

Blackheads and dilated pores are persistent skin problems. You can be under the impression that you have tried everything to get rid of them in vain, or even worse, that the situation has escalated. Use of products appropriate to this condition will help you minimize these problems and obtain a smooth and clear complexion.

What are the causes of dilated pores and blackheads?

Everything starts with your sebaceous glands producing too much oil. This excess oil mixes itself with other substances (such as dead skin) in the pore, creating a congestion. It is therefore not surprising that this blockage stops the circulation of oil, which causes the dilation of the pore.

Even if pores dilate to allow more space for the oil, the oil stays stuck (especially around the nose). Once the blockage is exposed to the air, it oxidizes and creates a blackhead.

How can you reduce dilated pores and blackheads?

 Knowing which parts of your skincare routine could aggravate the problem, and which products will produce optimal results, are the best defense against blackheads and dilated pores. Follow these directives to obtain the clear and smooth skin you are striving for:

Do not use soap bars or other skincare products that can block skin pores. The ingredients that maintain soap in this solid state can block your pores. Also, avoid products that are too emollient (thick or greasy creams), especially if you have oily skin.

Only use gentle water-soluble cleansers and avoid products with drying ingredients. Surprisingly, these can increase the production of oil.

Avoid scrubs and stiff bristle brushes. You cannot scour blackheads and the irritation caused by these types of products make the skin dry and scaly, creating dead skin that can block the pores.

Never go to bed without removing your makeup.

Exfoliate with non-abrasive ingredients such as salicylic acid (BHA), to eliminate accumulated dead skin that clogs the pores and dilates them. BHA is capable of exfoliating inside the pore, helping the pore find its normal shape and allowing a more uniform secretion of oil.

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, can also give dilated pores a more “firm” appearance.

Other considerations

For persistent blackheads, you may consider the following measures to see if they can give you even better results:

Absorb excess oil. Clay masks can help to temporarily minimize the appearance of dilated pores thanks to their oil absorbing properties (as long as they do not contain abrasive ingredients).

If the blackheads do not disappear, consider getting them extracted by a well trained esthetician. An esthetician will know what they are doing and can extract the blackheads without damaging your skin. Do not try doing this yourself: you could aggravate the skin and provoke an even worse problem than the one you had initially.

 

To learn more about the ways you can reduce the appearance of dilated pores and blackheads, please contact our skincare experts at Espace MédIME.