Pores are openings on the surface of the skin. When it becomes enlarged, it can give the skin tone an uneven appearance similar to that of an ‘orange peel’. There are two types of pores – sweat pores and oil pores (hair follicles). Most of the time, oil pores tend to appear larger.
Causes of enlarged pores
Genetics
Genetics can largely determine the size of one’s pores. If the individual has enlarged pores, it is most likely their family has it as well.
Age
As we age, our skin loses elasticity which leads to pores increasing in size.
Sun Damage
The sun emits harmful UV rays which can damage the skin and cause it to thicken leading to the pores becoming enlarged. Furthermore, it can also damage collagen and elastin fibres in the skin causing the skin to shrink and pull away from the pores further expanding it.
Blackheads
Blackheads are pores clogged with sebum. This sebum than oxidises turning black thus the name blackheads which draws more attention to the pores. It can also increase the volume of the pore thus stretching and expanding it.
Clogged pores
This is the result of a build-up of oil and dead skin that causes the pores to expand.
The Myth about Pores
A common saying, “Hot water opens your pores and cold water closes them.” This is a myth as pores simply are not able to open and close. The effect of heat only temporarily expands the pore slightly. The reason why aestheticians use steaming is not to ‘open’ your pores but to loosen the oil plugs (blackheads) trapped within before an extraction.
However, while there is no way to close one’s pores, there are ways to reduce its size. Treatments from simple exfoliation to complex lasers are available to help combat the problem of enlarged pores.
How to reduce the appearance of large pores at home?
Regularly clean your face
Through the day, dirt, particulate matter, dead skin, oil and bacteria will build upon the surface of the skin and there is a chance that they may end up clogging pores. This is why it is integral to keep the face clean.
Clay Masks
Clay products can draw out oil and water from the pores which give the clean and tightening sensation. Eventually, it will help to reduce the size of pores. However, it is important to know that overusing clay mask can lead to the development of dry and irritated skin.
Exfoliating
Face scrubs use minute scrubbing particles to buff the dead skin off the surface. This helps to prevent excessive build-up of dead skin in the pores. However, it may be too harsh on the skin.
Chemical exfoliators such as AHA and BHA are water-soluble and are capable of enhancing the skin’s moisture content, improve texture and even reach deeper layers of the skin and inside the lining of the pores.
Moisturise
Daily moisturisation of the skin can not only aid in the prevention of dry skin, but it can also lead to new cell formation as a result of the massaging effect hence increasing collagen levels and tightening the skin.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must as constant sun exposure will lead to the pores stretching and expanding. Sunscreen prevents the harmful UV rays from penetrating and damaging the skin.
LDM TECH
What is it?
By utilising ultrasonic energy at a significantly higher frequency, it creates a strong micro massaging effect that can activate protein structures within the skin to tighten it. More importantly, it enhances collagen cross-linking which increase the elasticity of the skin for a firm, even skin tone. This will tighten the skin around the pores hence shrinking it.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) appears to be involved in connective tissue metabolic disorders resulting in various skin conditions such as Acne, Eczemas, Dermatitis, Chronic ulcers, etc. LDM® aims to inhibit the action of these proteins which will reduce the damaging effects on the skin and tissue.
The further activation of heat shock proteins and GAGs helps to improve skin immunity, improve overall skin tone and texture.
Is the treatment painful?
This is a non-invasive treatment method and thus it does not induce any form of pain.
What are the benefits?
- Quick, visible results
- Painless
- Suitable for all skin types
- Suitable for use in combination with other treatments
How long before I see results?
Skin appearance is seen immediately post the first session. Depending on the severity of the skin condition and the client’s age, LDM could be recommended twice per week for 4-6 weeks before entering a maintenance mode of once every 2-3 months.
Read more about LDM TECH
Jet Pulse Plus + Facial
Combining Pore Refining Technology with XF™ Pulse Light System from Japan, Jet Pulse Plus is a combination therapy that is configured to reduce enlarged pores.
Following Cambridge’s “No Manual Extraction” policy, this treatment achieves brighter, more radiant skin using the latest Medical Technology. Jet Pulse Plus is exclusively formulated for Cambridge and focuses on Asian skin, adopting the big success of breakthrough Photo-Pneumatic therapy.
What are the benefits?
- Removes blackhead
- Reduces enlarged pores
- Controls acne and sebum
- Clears oily and congested skin
Is the treatment painful?
This treatment is gentle on the skin, causing little or no pain to the individual.
How long before I see results?
Results are visible immediately after treatment but clients are encouraged to come once or twice a month to maintain results.
Read more about Jet Pulse Plus + Facial
NeoGen Nitro-Plasma
NeoGen Nitro-Plasma is a cutting-edge skin regeneration treatment that uses plasma to deliver heat to a targeted treatment area without affecting the surrounding tissues.
Plasma, also known as the 4th state of matter, is generated using inert nitrogen gas and converted into activated ionised gas. At high energy levels, Nitrogen Plasma effectively achieves skin tightening, skin contouring, while at lower energy levels, it is used to treat enlarged pores. With its unique thermal energy, it can regenerate new skin, replacing old damaged collagen and elastin with controlled precision. This helps to tighten the sagging skin around the pores minimising its appearance.
What are the benefits?
- Reduce inflammation and redness
- Enlarged Pores Reduction
- Regenerate the skin and promote healing
- Suppress and control sebum production
Is the treatment painful?
This treatment is gentle on the skin, it is completely painless.
How long before I see results?
Results are visible immediately after treatment but clients are encouraged to come once or twice a month to maintain results.
Read more about NeoGen Nitro-Plasma
