Dry Skin Detector - Pore Size

Even though my skin is very dry, my pores look bigger than they should. Am I using the wrong kind of cream and actually stretching my pores making them more visible? How can I shrink my pores?

If you can see your pores, and you have not gone through menopause, you do not have dry skin. The pore size is an indication of oil (sebum) secretion, the greater the amount of sebum excreted by the skin, the larger the pores. A dry skin has almost invisible pores, a normal skin has visible pores but not enlarged, an oily skin has larger pores. Treating your skin too aggressively can damage the skin ( i.e. excessive exfoliation, too strong of product for your skin type, or excessive rubbing) and can dehydrate the skin. A dehydrated skin will produce more oil in a defensive action to try and hold moisture resulting in enlarged pores. Occlusive products that tend to seal the pores can upset the skin balance as can stress, medications, and poor diet.

How to shrink your pores? Many products will claim to do this, but at best they offer an astringent property that has a tightening action on the pores. Some work well, but it is temporary. Microdermabrasion can work wonders on enlarged pores and so can some products that have actual retinol (vitamin A) in them. Be prepared to give your skin a little extra care if you decide to try one of these, and realize it involves a series of treatments. They are definitely not a 'one time fix'. But then, when you think about it, what is?

Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin

The esthetics industry has taught for decades that dry skin lacks oil and dehydrated skin lacks moisture. Dry skin is a type, dehydrated skin is a condition. Dry skin is one lacking sufficient sebum (skin oil). Another name for it is alipic skin (alipic means lacking oil). It can be genetic, triggered by some medications, or occur with hormonal changes, such as those that take place with menopause. A genetic dry skin is generally finer in texture, has almost invisible pores, and is beautiful if cared for and protected. It will not handle the aggressive treatment an oilier or thicker skin tolerates. If dry skin is not looked after, it will react quickly and age much faster than a normal or oily skin type. Part of the role of the lipids and sebum in the skin is to form part of the hydrolipidic barrier (protective barrier), to hold moisture in the epidermis, and slow the evaporation of moisture through the skin's surface. If skin is lacking the emolliency of skin oils, it will feel tight, and in most cases will not only be dry, but dehydrated as well (insufficient sebum to hold the moisture). Providing just water to address the needs of this skin type will do little, and possibly worsen the condition. Products used must provide emolliency, promote the barrier protection, comfort and protect the skin from further moisture loss. Consumers will describe their skin as dry if it feels tight, or flaking, and while it might be dry, in most cases flaking skin is from dehydration. Dehydration (lacking moisture) is a condition that can affect all skin types. You can have dry dehydrated, normal dehydrated, or oily dehydrated skin, but you cannot have a dry, oily skin.

It is important to know what your skin needs, do your research, have a professional skin analysis done and/or visit an esthetician or skincare specialist. The research and development being conducted in skin care, and the products for the skin, are able to address the different combinations of skin care concerns providing they are recommended and used properly. There are many highly competent skincare professionals willing to work with you to address your skincare concerns. If you need a recommendation for a spa or salon in your area, please send us an email. We would be only too happy to send you in the right direction.

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SKIN ANALYSIS 101

Time to get back to the basics. A good skin care routine begins with a proper skin analysis. Here are some of the tell-tale signs of three skin types. Which one are you?

YOUR SKIN IS NORMAL IF:
• the texture of your skin is even
• there is an even coloration to your skin
• the pores are visible but not overly enlarged
• the skin looks slightly moist
• T-zone is a little oilier than the rest of the face


YOUR SKIN IS DRY IF:
• your pores are invisible
• your skin lacks suppleness
• your skin feels tight
• your skin reacts quickly to abuse like weather, harsh products, or lack of attention (likes TLC)
• if you have come through that special passage to post menopause you may see your pores, but the skin may be dry as post menopausal skin does not produce as much sebum as it used to
• dry skin is usually thinner skin
• the texture is usually quite fine unless the skin is dehydrated as well
• dry skin can be beautiful if cared for, but ages quickly if neglected

YOUR SKIN IS OILY IF:
• your pores are enlarged
• your skin has a sheen to it (even with out a cream) and feels oily, or is dull and feels waxy
• it is prone to comedones (blackheads) or blemishes
• the texture is usually uneven due to enlarged pores and thickening Stratum Corneum

Anti-Aging Products vs Skin Type

We all need anti-age treatments for our skin, . . . well the largest percentage of the population anyway. However, it is equally important to ensure that the needs of our specific skin types are addressed. For example, a skin that lacks sebum (oil) is dry skin. A no brainer, right? Right. So, no matter how much money you throw at buying an intense firming anti-age treatment, it will not have the desired effect unless the dryness is taken into consideration and treated.

An oily skin type must also be acknowledged before, and during, an anti-age treatment to obtain the desired results. Products that are too rich, products that are not emollient enough, those that use stimulating procedures (products, machines or massage), or those not stimulating enough will have a definite effect on the outcome of the treatment. All these components must be carefully thought out.

Anti-aging skin care has come a long way. There are incredible treatments ranging from standard facial cares to those incorporating equipment, including light therapy and microdermabrasion. It can all be rather confusing, not to mention a big money waster without proper guidance. The key is to work with a professional esthetician who can guide you as to what is best for your skin type while addressing your anti-aging concerns and gain professional insight for effective home care.