Have you ever taken a close look at your skin, particularly your face, and noticed tiny pores or openings around your nose, clogged with dirt and impurities? If the answer is yes, then you’re not alone. Many people, even those with seemingly smooth skin, have pores, which ideally allow sweat and oil to escape. However, when they become enlarged and are not taken care of, dirt buildup and clogged pores become unavoidable, increasing the risk of other skin problems. Many treatments, ranging from exfoliation to facials, are said to be effective against unwanted pores. Some even suggest that applying ice or dipping one’s face in ice water can provide relief. While there seems no harm in trying this remedy out, we still asked an expert whether or not the trick really works or if it was just a false claim. Also Read: Korean Skincare Routine: Why It May Not Suit Indian Skin Type? Why Do Pores Occur? Pores are a normal part of the skin. Dr Geetika Srivastava, Dermatologist and Founder of Influennz Skin and Hair Clinic, describes them as openings of the pilosebaceous unit, seen as minute apertures in the skin. According to her, pores are a necessity of the skin and are a must for gaseous exchange, sweat, and sebum secretion. However, increasing pore size can be problematic. This is attributed to various factors, including: Excessive oil secretion: Oily skin usually has prominent skin pores as the pores gradually increase in size to compensate for extra sebum production. Advancing age: Collagen and elastin levels in the skin gradually decline with age. Up to a 30% decline in collagen can be seen within five years of perimenopause. Collagen is the supporting framework of the skin that keeps the pores cinched and tight. As age advances, pores lose the supporting framework that is laid by collagen, resulting in larger-looking pores. Collagen loss due to acne scars and inflammation: Acne is the commonest and most underestimated cause of “open pores.” Acne affects up to 85% of adolescents and up to 50% of adult females worldwide, says Dr Srivastava. According to her, it is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that causes inflammation and collagen loss, resulting in a subtype of acne scars known as “icepick scars” that look like open pores. Applying Ice On Face Gets Rid Of Pores – Myth Or Fact? Dr Srivastava says, “Ice in skin care is not just an old wive’s tale.” She suggests that not only does dipping your face in ice water first thing in the morning instantly wake you up, but applying ice to the face also helps in pore reduction. Here are some ways ice can benefit your skin: Ice or cold temperatures decrease the blood flow to the area of application, reducing inflammation of the skin. It promotes lymphatic drainage of the skin, reducing puffiness and water retention. Cold temperatures due to ice cause piloerection that can temporarily shrink open pores; this works as a natural skin primer before makeup. However, the doctor notes that the benefits of applying ice for pore reduction are “temporary.” Other Effective Ways To Reduce Pores If you’re looking for a more permanent solution for pore-reduction, here are some skincare tips and medical treatments recommended by Dr Srivastava: Skincare Salicylic acid: Excessive oil secretion is one of the reasons for the formation of the formation of open pores. Salicylic acid serum in 2% concentration can help regulate sebum. This has to be followed by a non-comedogenic moisturiser to avoid dryness and sensitivity. Retinol: Retinol and its derivatives are vitamin A analogues that can predominantly work on collagen and elastin induction. This can improve skin texture, resulting in improvements in acne scars, open pores, and even fine lines and static wrinkles. Vitamin C: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that can brighten the skin, help improve uneven skin tone, and reduce pores via collagen induction. Also Read: Skincare Ingredients For Acne-Prone Skin: Here’s What To Look For In A Face Wash, Serum, And Moisturiser Medical treatments Microneedling: Microneedling is the process of using a hand-held device, such as a dermaroller or dermapen, which contains many fine needles with a depth ranging from 0.5 mm to 3 mm. This device helps in controlled injury of the skin resulting in pin point bleeding. This injury generates a cascade of wound healing responses, and collagen production is a byproduct of that process. The results of this process are visible within 2–3 weeks of the first session itself. Fractional Co2 laser: Fractional resurfacing uses Co2 or Erbium Yag lasers to create fractions of ablative channels into the skin. This is again a way to create controlled injury to the skin, which promotes healing and causes collagen induction. Mesobotox: A highly sought-after procedure amongst brides-to-be, mesobotox uses a diluted version of botox injections subdermally to block lymphatic drainage and minimise the appearance of pores. It has the added advantage of having no downtime and instant results in one session itself. Conclusion Facial pores are normal unless they become enlarged and start getting clogged with impurities. According to the dermatologist, while ice application can help in pore reduction, it is only a temporary fix, and more effective measures need to be taken against unwanted, enlarged pores. Consult your dermatologist or skincare specialist for any personalised or guided advice.Read NextA Dermatologist Explains Whether Sweating Prevents Or Causes AcneDisclaimer All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers’ discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Can Applying Ice On Face Help Get Rid Of Pores? A Dermatologist Shares Insights
