Difference Between Large Pores And Acne Scars
| 6 minutes
Ever wonder why some skin concerns seem to stick around no matter what you do? Here's why:
Using the wrong skincare products, overdoing your routine, or simply lacking the right knowledge can make it hard to identify and address certain issues correctly.
Large pores and acne scars, for example, may look similar but require different treatments.
Choosing the wrong solution can lead to frustration and impact your skin health.
Read on to learn the difference between large pores and acne scars, and discover the best ways to treat them effectively.
What is the difference between large pores and acne scars?
The main difference between these skin woes is that large pores can likely cause acne scars due to excessive sebum (oil) production. On the other hand, acne scars cannot lead to large pores.
What are large pores?
Pores are small hair follicle openings that help to release body toxins through perspiration to keep your skin soft and supple.
But, when your pores appear larger than their original size, it may give rise to rough skin texture, blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed acne.
Causes of large pores
- Excess sebum production
- Sun damage
- Lack of non-comedogenic skincare
- Reduces skin elasticity
- Thick hair follicles
Most effective ways to reduce enlarged pores
Minimizing large pores is the first step in preventing the next potential issue—acne scars. By addressing the problem early, you can avoid future complications.
That's why it's essential to incorporate the right skincare products into your routine to reduce pores and maintain healthy skin.
1. Prefer a gentle exfoliator
Regular exfoliation helps to prevent clogged pores, thereby reducing the chances of enlarged pores.
This process helps to clear the build of dead cells to keep your pores breathable and normal in size.
Additional benefits of exfoliation are - it boosts skin turnover to promote healthy and younger-looking skin.
Always consider using gentle exfoliators which do not harm your barrier layer while sloughing off dead skin cells.
Enzyme exfoliators work gently on all skin types to reveal brighter and smoother skin.
2. Opt for pore refining skin care products
Skincare formulations such as face toner and serums are specially designed to minimize enlarged pores and improve skin elasticity.
Toners
Toners help to deeply cleanse the pores and constrict their size after cleansing.
They work to remove impurities and traces of makeup left after cleansing.
Other incredible benefits of toners are that they balance out skin’s pH levels, remove excess sebum, and kill acne-causing bacteria in oily/acne-prone skin types.
A research study confirms the efficacy of botanical ingredients witch hazel, nasturtium officinale extract, aloe vera, seaweed, and lemon in minimising the appearance of pores.
Serums
Serums are specifically formulated to target individual skin concerns. They get absorbed quickly into the skin and deliver the actives effectively.
Face serums packed with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid really work well for enlarged pores and other signs of ageing.
Niacinamide helps to encourage the synthesis of ceramides to create a strong skin barrier.
While Hyaluronic Acid calms the inflammation and assists in the tissue regeneration process.
3. Wear sunscreen
Research says that unprotected sun exposure destroys the collagenand elastin protein in the skin which gives firmness and elasticity.
With the reduced skin elasticity, your pores begin to sag and stretch.
Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen every day is one of the best preventive measures to protect your skin from sun damage and prevent your pores from getting larger.
Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen formulas with non-comedogenic properties to avoid clogging of pores.
What are acne scars?
Acne scars are characterized by deep and shallow depressions on your skin that generally come forth after a severe acne breakout infection.
Acne scars are formed when the deep, thick layer of skin i.e. dermis is damaged during acne infection.
In response to damage, your body starts making new collagen fibers (a naturally occurring protein) at the site of infection.
However, new skin tissue may have misaligned or imbalanced levels of collagen, which leads todifferent types of acne scars such as atrophic, hypertrophic, and icepick scars.
Causes of acne scars
- Inflammatory acne (acne cysts and nodules)
- Squeezing and scratching of pimples
- Pimples
- Delay in the treatment of inflammatory acne
Top ways to get rid of acne scars
To get rid of acne scars, dermatological procedures are plenty.
Luckily, there are also some topical ingredients for acne scars removal that you must consider.
Here are some of the ways you can get rid of acne scars -
1. Treat acne on time
Having said that, prevention is better than cure. Treating acne early may help to prevent scars.
A consistent acne skin care regimen along with anti-acne treatment speeds up acne recovery, hence preventing acne scars.
The key to healthy skin is not to leave any skin concern untreated and unaddressed.
2. Use topical acne scars treatments
Topical acne scar formulations comprising the potent botanical extract are identified as an excellent solution to get rid of acne scars and PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation).
It is considered one of the safest measures to help get rid of acne scars.
Such topical treatments can be available in the form of gels and serums to target individual skin concerns effectively.
Ingredients to look for in anti-acne scars formulations -
Allium Cepa Bulb Extract
It is one of the oldest cultivated species. This perennial plant is also known as Onion extract.
Research studies reveal its efficacy in reducing the appearance of acne scars and speeding up skin healing to restore the original structure of the skin damaged during acne infection.
It is a great source of bioflavonoids, like cephalin and kaempferol that help to diminish the inflammation of the scar area.
In addition, it also possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice
It is another highly effective ingredient that accelerates the cell recovery process.
A research study published in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology elucidates that Bulbine frutescens extract promotes cutaneous wound healing.
It helps treat PIH. It helps in increasing tensile strength and increasing collagen deposition and maturation.
When formulated with Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, it helps heal scars and dark spots by stimulating skin regeneration and revitalization process.
Olea Europaea Leaf Extract (Olive)
The severity of your scar lies in how well and quickly the wound gets healed.
Olea Europaea Leaf Extract is a highly potent ingredient in healing acne scars.
It contains anti-acne properties that fight acne and prevent the formation of any new acne on the skin.
In addition, it has a high concentration of bioactive antioxidant and antibacterial compounds like Oleuropein, phenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C which promotes skin healing and skin regeneration.
Also, its high antibacterial properties work against acne-causing bacteria.
3. Microneedling
One of the treatments for fading away acne scars is microneedling. In this procedure, small needles are inserted into the skin to induce collagen production for scar healing.
However, this procedure has its own set of drawbacks and is often found to cause bruising, redness, and even inflammation of the skin.
Final takeaway
Treating your skin woes with precision and care while having a plan of action is imperative.
If you discover an unpleasant change on your skin, then do not jump to random solutions without attaining a thorough understanding of your concern.
Experts suggest identifying the root cause of your skin woes before chalking out a solution.
It will not only help you look after your skin correctly but also protect your skin from any impending damage.
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5-step (simple and effective) skincare routine for oily/combination skin with acne
What to do when you are dealing with more than one problem at a time and are frustrated with the countless different solutions that all seem to contradict each other? With oily and combination acne-prone skin, one has to deal with a broad spectrum of associated problems, such as acne breakouts, excess sebum, and a greasy appearance. When you try to deal with one, you are likely to unbalance the other. Hence, you are always confused about which products to pick off the shelf and whether or not to apply a moisturiser. Don't worry, as we have just customised a skincare routine specifically for those dealing with oily and combination acne-prone skin. But first, understand the basics of oily acne-prone skin and combination acne-prone skin. Understanding oily acne-prone skin type Oily acne-prone skin is characterised by the overproduction of sebum and natural oils, resulting in a shiny, greasy appearance. The leading cause of this skin type is an overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands. This excess oil can clog pores and trap bacteria, which leads to breakouts. Additionally, the increased oil production can create an environment where bacteria and other impurities thrive, making the skin even more vulnerable to sun damage. If you have this type of skin, it is essential to use products that won't further aggravate it and help keep it clean and free from oil buildup. Understanding combination acne-prone skin type Combination acne-prone skin type is a common skin type that occurs when there is an imbalance of oil production across the face. It is characterised by an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) area and dry/normal cheeks. The excess sebum production in the T zone clogs pores, leading to breakouts and enlarged pores. It's essential to use a gentle cleanser, exfoliate regularly to clear out dead skin cells, and use spot treatments for breakouts to treat combination acne-prone skin. Hormonal changes, stress, diet, lifestyle, and genetics may be some of the causes behind this type of skin type. READ - An Ultimate Skincare Routine For Combination Skin Common skin concerns for those with oily or combination acne-prone skin Oily and combination acne-prone skin comes with its own set of unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding the right skincare routine. Common concerns for people with this skin type include - Enlarged pores Excess oil production that can lead to breakouts Uneven skin tone. May even experience shine, greasiness, and enlarged pores with blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. 5 step (simple and effective) skincare routine for oily/combination acne-prone skin 1. Choose an anti-acne cleanser that has a gentle cleansing action As explained above, acne-prone and combination skin types tend to produce excess oil due to the highly active sebaceous glands. Therefore, your skin requires a cleanser that can remove dirt and extra oil from your face without leaving your skin dry and irritated. For people with oily and combination skin types, it is advised to look for an anti-acne cleanser that has antibacterial properties, is sulphate and paraben-free, and has non-comedogenic and hydrating properties. A cleanser that can help towards regulating excessive oil. Research has proven that Zinc PCA is highly effective in regulating sebum production. A cleanser boosted with Zinc PCA can be a great choice for managing this skin type. It is a powerful combination of zinc and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) that supports skin health, making it an effective ingredient for oily or combination acne-prone skin. Additionally, zinc PCA has anti-inflammatory properties that work to soothe inflammation caused by acne. 2. Include toner to refine enlarged pores A toner is a fast-penetrating liquid that can benefit your skin in numerous ways. It helps to remove any residues, such as makeup, oil, etc., left behind on your skin after cleansing. It provides a quick hit of hydration. It helps in clarifying enlarged pores by minimising their appearance. It also preps your skin for the following product to get absorbed quickly into your skin. Toners with alcohol as an ingredient tend to dry out the skin. Therefore, it is always advised to opt for an alcohol-free toner that contains antibacterial ingredients such as Witch Hazel, Willow Bark, Nasturtium officinale Extract, and Aloe Vera that soothe your skin while demolishing the acne-causing bacteria. 3. Include anti-acne face serum A serum is a thin viscosity product with concentrated active ingredients. A few potent active ingredients for this skin type are - Salicylic Acid Niacinamide Peptides When incorporated in a serum formulation, these ingredients seep into the deeper layers of the skin and deliver relief from acne-causing bacteria. Additionally, serums are also formulated to help heal existing pimples and prevent future breakouts. Here is some more information about these ingredients - Salicylic acid Salicylic acid has been a blessing for oily and combination skin as it is soluble in oil which later enhances the skin's natural exfoliation. This ingredient in OTC products gives visible results in your acne healing journey because of its exceptional properties, like exfoliating skin by reducing acne, keeping pores clear, and dissolving dead skin cells from the pores to prevent acne and breakouts. READ - Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid: What you need to know Niacinamide This ingredient has antibacterial properties that help in treating acne, supports in controlling sebum production, aids in calming redness with its anti-inflammatory properties, and diminishes the appearance of breakouts. Research says it is a highly compatible ingredient with skin when treating hyperpigmentation and maintaining barrier functions. READ: Should Niacinamide be in your skincare routine if you have oily skin? Peptides The peptide is one of the tremendous acne-treating ingredients with remarkable antimicrobial properties to fight against propionibacterium (acne-causing bacteria). Peptides help relieve inflammation, balance sebum oil production, repair skin damage, and clear breakouts. This also exhibits skin-hydrating properties. It also helps maintain the moisture content in your skin. Opt for any of these serums based on your skin concerns. These are not just the most hyped but effective ingredients when treating concerns relating to oily skin and acne-prone skin. 4. Moisturise skin to control excessive oil production People with oily and combination skin often sidestep moisturiser in their skincare routine due to greasy skin texture. However, numerous skin specialists have explained that neglecting moisturising can cause a lack of nourishment and hydration for any skin type. Finally, it leads to excessive sebum production that can clog pores and cause acne. As an outcome, it is crucial to include an oil-free mattifying moisturiser that is non-comedogenic. Ingredients in a moisturiser for oily skin are - Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, etc. These help boost hydration without giving that shiny and greasy texture to your face all day long. Saccharide isomerate is an excellent hydrator that won't leave your skin greasy or shiny. Glycerin is another hydrator that helps to draw water into the skin and keep it there. Lastly, Hyaluronic Acid is worth considering for its ability to hold onto moisture. All these ingredients can help boost hydration without making your skin feel oilier and the mattifying look and feel can be a game-changer for people with an oily skin type. 5. Incorporate sunscreen to avoid the exacerbation of acne and post-acne scars Avoiding sunscreen can be a big mistake for acne-prone skin, be it oily or combination. It can cause sunburn, breakouts, and even premature ageing with inflammation that can further worsen acne. Ensure that you add a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 to your skincare regime. Alongside sun shield filters, a few ingredients worth considering for your sunscreen are - Eurol Bt and Aloe vera Extract. Derived from Olea Europaea (olive) leaf extract, Eurol Bt is an excellent free radical quencher with great sun protection, anti-acne, and anti-ageing properties. Do not miss out on the PA rating. Opt for the one that has PA+++ or more. Quick Enlightenment - Always pick a non-comedogenicsunscreen. Non-comedogenic sunscreens are designed not to block pores, so they won't contribute to the buildup of oil or sebum, which can lead to breakouts.
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