Do not squeeze your pores.

One of the common skin concerns during the summer is enlarged pores. Both patients visiting the clinic due to loss of elasticity and those seeking treatment for acne are concerned about enlarged pores. This is because the hot, humid, and prolonged summer weather increases sebum production, causing pores to enlarge, and these enlarged pores are easily visible at a glance.

According to a report published last year regarding "perspectives on good skin," the report classified skin into four categories: skin elasticity, skin surface uniformity, skin tone uniformity, and skin radiance. It also included reports on methods to objectively measure specific symptoms contributing to these categories and treatments to improve them. Among the skin factors that negatively affect skin surface uniformity, enlarged pores were identified as a major cause, allowing for an examination of the level of interest regarding enlarged pores.

Pores are openings through which hair emerges and sebum is secreted, and they take on various forms. The causes of enlarged pores can be broadly classified into two categories. The first is excessive sebum production. Since androgen hormones are a major factor in the proliferation of sebaceous gland cells and sebum secretion, men tend to have higher sebum production than women; in women, sebum levels relatively increase during ovulation due to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle. The second cause is a decrease in skin elasticity. As we age, MFAG (Microfibril-associated glycoprotein)-1, which plays a crucial role in the binding of skin elastic fibers, decreases. This causes the supporting tissue surrounding the pores to become looser, acting as a cause that makes the pores appear larger.

It is not easy to leave blackheads on the sides of the nose alone. When seeing those slippery pores that look like embedded strawberry seeds, most people are inclined to squeeze them out with their fingernails. However, if this becomes a habit, it damages the normal skin tissue surrounding the pores, causing them to become scarred, enlarge, and reduce the response to pore treatments; therefore, you must break this habit of squeezing. It is also advisable to avoid excessive irritation caused by scrubbing with exfoliating products. This is because the area around the nose has a rich blood vessel distribution, and excessive irritation can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to redness easily.

Among the keratolytic ingredients used in pore care, salicylic acid is lipophilic, meaning it is selectively absorbed by the sebaceous glands and helps improve enlarged pores. However, since these ingredients can irritate the skin if used at high concentrations or too frequently, it is advisable to follow the recommended usage instructions based on your skin condition. Caution is required regarding squalene, an oil ingredient in cosmetics, as it can cause comedones. Furthermore, since even oil-free products may contain ingredients such as complex lipids, applying a cushion foundation or a greasy BB cream over oil-free products can cause pores to enlarge. Excessive use of pore-covering primers can also be dangerous, as silicone clumps can clog the pores. Applying light makeup is helpful for enlarged pores.

You must strictly avoid squeezing sebum out of your pores with your fingernails. This is because the sharp pressure from your nails can cause small cuts in the skin, potentially turning the pores into scars. If you absolutely must squeeze out sebum, gently push it out with a cotton swab and apply a pore care product to prevent further irritation; this helps maintain healthy skin.

source Don't Squeeze Your Pores - Your Health Guide Health Chosun (chosun.com)