Pores are openings in the skin that are connected to a hair follicle. The purpose of pores is to release the oil, sweat and dead skin cells that lie inside the dermis and epidermis onto the surface, allowing new skin cells to grow.
There are two types of pores in your skin: oil pores and sweat pores.
Oil pores are connected to a sebaceous gland which produces sebum (oil) to lubricate your skin. These pores cover the whole surface of the skin, except the palms and soles of the feet. Oil pores are the ones that tend to look 'large' or 'open', making us dissatisfied with our skin tone and texture.
Sweat pores are connected to a sweat gland and they're part of your body's temperature regulation system. They are found all over the surface of your body and are much smaller than oil pores, so not visible to the naked eye.
The body has millions of pores. We only tend to notice them on areas like the nose, forehead and cheeks because this is where we're most likely to find sebaceous (oil) glands. Their size is mainly determined by genetics, and they don't expand or shrink in size: certain factors can just make them appear larger.
When you see pores that looks large or open, they are usually clogged, sun-damaged or aging pores.
Clogged pores can be due to excessive sebum production, which is sometimes stimulated by hormones. Also, your pores can get dirty, blocked with dead skin cells or filled with make-up (comedogenic cosmetics are those that contain pore-clogging ingredients).
When bacteria get trapped in a clogged pore, they can multiply and cause acne, blackheads and whiteheads, This can make the pores appear even more enlarged. In turn, acne weakens the sebaceous gland and hair follicle openings, making them more prone to blockage and creating a vicious cycle.
UV light from the sun or tanning beds can deplete collagen, elastin and moisture in the dermis. Collagen is your skin's scaffolding protein, giving it structure, firmness and tautness, while elastin gives the skin the ability to stretch and 'bounce back'. This depletion makes the subcutaneous tissue—the layer just under the skin—shrink, pulling at pore edges and making them appear larger.
Aging pores
Collagen production starts decreasing by one per cent every year from your 20' onwards, while elastin production dramatically decreases at this stage. This means that as time goes on, the skin gradually stretches and sags.
A good cleaning routine and regular exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells, debris and bacteria, unclogging your pores. But to boost the collagen and elastin within your skin, you will need an effective treatment.
Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy, because it promotes collagen formation (and stimulates elastin production too).
Your skin produces collagen and elastin as part of the healing process when your skin is wounded or irritated. A microneedling device is fitted with fine needles (around 0.5mm–1mm long). When the device moves over your skin, these needles create lots of tiny punctures, which your skin must try to heal.
After a few treatments, which will usually be four to six weeks apart, you will begin to see the effects of this regular collagen and elastin boost. Your pores should appear smaller, and your skin should be smoother and firmer.
While microneedling is a very safe treatment, it's not a treatment you should have if you're pregnant, immunosuppressed or taking anticoagulants. It's also not recommended if you suffer with eczema or psoriasis.
Microneedling shouldn't be used on areas of Keloid scarring (raised or 'bubbled' scarring). If you have rosacea, seek professional advice first. The suitability of microneedling for your condition may depend on the type of rosacea you have and what triggers it.
You may experience some inflammation or minor bruising at the treatment site, but if this occurs, it shouldn't last more than a few days. You can reduce side-effects by staying well-hydrated in the days before your treatment, and by avoiding direct sunlight and strenuous exercise for a few days afterwards, giving your skin time to heal.
**Further Reading **
Hours Are Flexible
6 Days a week
Mon-Sat
Late Evenings
CLINIC ADDRESS
13 Enderley Road
Harrow
HA3 5HF
Google Maps Link