Beauty Myths: 6 Common misconceptions about your pores debunked

Beauty Myths: 6 Common myths about your pores debunked

daphne

26 Dec 2017

updated the 27 December 2017 à 10:11

Do our pores get larger as we grow older? And you really shrink your pores? We find out!

1/6
1. Pores can open and close
Verdict: False

Forget what the beauty gurus tell you: Use steam to open your pores and ice/cold water to close it. Because that’s not the way it works. Steaming your pores actually help to loosen the "dirt" trapped in the pore and not open it. Plus, there is no muscle in the pore so it can’t exactly contract and relax.
2/6
2. People with oily skin have larger pores
Verdict: Partially true

Excessive sebum production plays a huge part in clogging up the pores and making them appear larger. And with that, people with oilier skin types tend to have enlarged pores. However, mature skin and skin with dryness and lacks elasticity can also result in elongated pores especially on the cheek area.
3/6
3. Pores will shrink
Verdict: Partially true

Yes it’s true that the pores can shrink. When you rub ice or splash cold water on your face, the cooling effect causes the skin to constrict, hence tightening the pores. But sadly, it's only temporarily.
4/6
4. You can get rid of pores
Verdict: False

This is a sad truth but this is unfortunately not false. There are ways to minimize the look of the pores and make them look less noticeable with the right skincare products and methods - but they will still be there even as you age.
5/6
5. Pores will enlarge as you age
Verdict: True

As you get older, the collagen production in your skin decreases. And with less collagen in our skin, our pores start to stretch and slack. So remember to take your vitamins and minerals or eat foods rich in collagen to boost collagen production!
6/6
6. The “black” in blackheads is a form of dirt
Verdict: False

The "black" residue in blackheads typically around your nose and cheek area is not a result of poor hygiene or dirt. In fact, it’s actually caused by oxidation, a chemical reaction involving sebum and oxygen. So don’t go nuts about washing your face thrice a day and using pore strips! Just include exfoliating in your skincare regimen or simply dab apple cider vinegar (helps break down the tough buildup in your skin) on the affected areas and wash it off.

Pores and blackheads are real stumbling blocks to flawless skin. After all, these pesky openings and black dots are unsightly and, well, pretty annoying.

You’ve probably heard many alleged facts about pores on YouTube or blogs – like how to get rid of or shrink the pores, for instance. However, you might be surprised at how many beauty myths about pores there are out there! For example, there’s no science to back up commonly-known claims about pores actually opening and closing.

In the gallery above, we either affirm or debunk 6 common beauty myths about the pores. Find out which are true and which are (unfortunately) false!

Daphne Leo

Photos: Getty Images

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