Masks for cleansing and tightening pores (Sisley, Yes To Tomatoes, Clinique, Garnier, Avon)

Etiology and pathogenesis

The most common cause of enlarged pores on the face is sagging skin due to aging. As the main proteins of connective tissue - collagen and elastin - degrade with age, the skin begins to sag, and the pores gradually increase in diameter and become noticeable.

Pores may expand due to excess sebum associated with increased sebum production . Sebum accumulates in the pores along with horny scales and dirt particles, causing them to swell and become visible. Often this condition is accompanied by acne. It is significantly aggravated by the abundant use of decorative cosmetics , which “clog” the pores and contribute to their expansion.

The presence of enlarged pores on the face is associated with gender : men, on average, have larger pores compared to women. However, reaching puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and hormonal fluctuations have a significant impact on the size of pores, which is why they can appear in women.

In addition to gender characteristics, enlarged skin pores are inherited . If these skin changes are present in close relatives, one should expect the appearance of a similar problem in children.

Photodamage plays a certain role in this pathology . Excess solar radiation disrupts the functioning of mitochondria, causing a decrease in their ability to capture oxygen and synthesize ATP, which inhibits cell migration and division. Ultraviolet light changes the expression of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), which is a major regulator of the activity of matrix metalloproteinases that are involved in collagen remodeling. Ultraviolet light also stimulates the release of cytokines that suppress the immune response, disrupts the structure of elastin fibers, reduces the density of the microfibrillar network in the area of ​​the dermal-epidermal junction, and increases the activity of proteolytic enzymes. All this leads to multiple changes in the skin and, in particular, to the appearance of enlarged pores.

One of the reasons for the appearance of enlarged pores on the skin of the face may be the frequent and repeated use of chemical peels, accompanied by an inflammatory reaction: a paradoxical phenomenon, given that peels are used to reduce enlarged pores. In this case, the aesthetic defect even has a special name - “ peeled skin ”.

Enlarged pores: causes

It is not always possible to give a definite answer to the question of why this problem arose. The following are the most common causes of enlarged pores on the face and body:

• oily or combination skin type;
• improper care for it;
• increased secretion of the sebaceous glands;
• frequent self-squeezing of pimples;
• hormonal disorders;
• hereditary predisposition;
• metabolic disorders;
• poor nutrition;
• excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, etc.

Clinical manifestations

Enlarged pores on the face appear as visible round or irregular crater-shaped depressions on the skin ( Fig. 1 ). Their number on the cheeks varies on average from 10 to 90 pcs/cm2. In the literature, the facial topography with enlarged pores is sometimes compared to the surface of a golf ball ( Fig. 2 ).

There are very few studies on this topic, but there is data on the density of enlarged pores among various ethnic groups, obtained from a survey of more than 2,500 women aged 18–80 years from various countries around the world ( Table 1 ).

Table 1. Average number of enlarged pores per square centimeter of skin depending on the ethnicity and age of women (Flament F., Francois G., Qiu H., et al. Facial skin pores: a multiethnic study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2015; 8: 85–93)

As you can see, the skin of women living in China has the fewest enlarged pores, while women living in Brazil have the most enlarged pores. Women in European countries occupy an intermediate position. You can also notice a tendency for the number of enlarged pores to decrease with age.

Rice . 1. Enlarged pores on the face (American Academy of Dermatology, AAD)

Rice. 2. Skin with enlarged pores resembles the surface of a golf ball.

How to fix the problem?

In order to eliminate the problem, it is necessary to improve skin tone, make it strong, elastic, and ensure normal moisture. In addition, you need to thoroughly clean the surface of dead cells and improve metabolic processes.

Depending on the main cause of the problem, a qualified cosmetologist at our clinic draws up one or another treatment plan that provides the desired result.

Zhmurina Natalya Borisovna

Director, Chief Physician of “A Clinic” Dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist

Principles of treating enlarged pores on the face

General recommendations for caring for skin with enlarged pores:

• Wash your face with warm, but not hot water. High water temperatures can irritate the skin, causing pores to become larger in diameter.
• When washing, touch your face as gently as possible. Excessive friction irritates the skin and provokes inflammation, which makes pores more noticeable.
• For skin care, you should choose mild and non-comedogenic cosmetics.

It has been found that after 15–30 days of use, 6% green tea extract noticeably evens out the microrelief of facial skin - it becomes smoother, and the pores become narrower. An objective increase in skin elasticity and firmness was also recorded.

Black willow bark contains tannins, some of which are almost identical to those found in green tea. They have an antiseptic, protective effect in the treatment of enlarged pores and help narrow pores, including on aging skin.

Bitter cucumbers contain cucurbitin (3-aminopyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid), a substance of the triterpene class, which, in combination with aromatic aldehydes, tightens pores and smoothes the skin.

Growth factors help restore damaged blood vessels, reduce skin dryness, narrow pores and even out complexion. The most popular is epidermal growth factor (EGF) , which stimulates the growth and division of epidermal cells. At the same time, there is also an increase in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin - as a result, the appearance of aging skin improves, and pores narrow.

Enlarged pores can be treated with retinoids . They affect the proliferation and differentiation of basal keratinocytes, accelerating the renewal of the epidermis. This helps cleanse the skin, narrow the pore diameter and reduce excess sebum production.

Another method of treating enlarged pores is physical and chemical peels . For example, chemical peels tighten pores, strengthen skin barrier functions and reduce TEWL, inhibit oxidative stress and neurogenic inflammation, promote oxygenation, and have a bactericidal and sebum-regulating effect. However, it is important not to overdo it, so as not to get “peeled skin”.

A variety of hardware techniques can be effective in treating enlarged pores. On the one hand, these are purely “therapeutic” approaches that normalize the function of the sebaceous glands and the proliferation of epidermal cells, which ultimately leads to an aesthetic effect in the form of a reduction in pore size. These include RF therapy, non-invasive carboxytherapy (genO+ device), as well as techniques whose action is based on heating the dermis, for example, M22-IPL.

Another group of hardware methods for treating enlarged pores combines fractional lasers: they are used to remodel the dermis and smooth the surface of the skin. Lasers such as Clear+Brilliant, Fraxel and M22-ResurFX have been clinically proven to reduce pore size.

Elimination methods

Superficial chemical peels based on fruit or other acids (trichloroacetic, salicylic, retinol, glycolic, etc.) remove the stratum corneum well, stimulating its renewal. They not only cleanse the pores of fat, dirt, and epithelial cells, but also help narrow them, smoothing out the relief and renewing the structure of the dermis.

Microdermabrasion and microdermopercussion are mechanical peeling with microparticles delivered by a jet under pressure. They act like a chemical peel, cleansing the skin and promoting its renewal.

Biorevitalization is an injection of hyaluronic acid preparations that increase hydration. This in itself helps to improve the structure of the dermis. In addition, hyaluronic acid is involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, so replenishing its content makes the skin more elastic, which further helps to narrow pores.

Fraxel, or fractional laser thermolysis, is also an effective means of eliminating this problem.
Exposure to laser radiation not only evaporates dead cells, but also promotes its regeneration and active production of collagen and elastin. Becoming more elastic, the skin compresses the pores, as if “pushing” them out from the inside. As a result, the surface becomes smoother and the risk of inflammation is eliminated. Fractional laser operates at a greater depth than microdermopercussion or superficial peels - up to 1.5 mm, which provides a more radical effect of the procedure. Photorejuvenation is another effective procedure. Its effect is achieved through pulsed flashes of light (IPL) of a given wavelength. Light energy is absorbed by cells and converted into heat, which creates deep heating. This powerfully stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, improves the structure of the skin, increasing its elasticity and narrowing pores.

Masks for cleansing and tightening pores (Sisley, Yes To Tomatoes, Clinique, Garnier, Avon)

Enlarged pores are the most common problem faced by those with combination to oily skin.
The unpleasant thing is that enlarged pores on the face look unsightly and are a place for bacteria to multiply due to the fact that impurities and sebum accumulate in them, which, in turn, leads to the formation of acne. Problem areas are: chin, forehead, nose and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, skin type is completely determined by genetic predisposition and cannot be changed. But there are temporary solutions to the problem of enlarged pores, special care that will help maintain the effect obtained as long as possible. One of the effective methods of cleansing and narrowing pores are special masks, most often clay ones. Clay is a good adsorbent; it “pulls out” dirt and sebum from the pores, and thus unclogs the pores. Review of five masks for cleansing and tightening pores in this post 1. Sisley Masque Crème aux Résines Tropicales Cream mask with tropical resins

From the manufacturer:
An effective remedy for enlarged pores and minor skin imperfections thanks to the cleansing and astringent properties of tropical resins (myrrh, frankincense and benzoin). Cleanses, absorbs excess sebum, tightens pores. Heals the epidermis, regulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Gives skin elasticity and softness, does not cause irritation.

Application:

Apply a thick layer to the entire face, except eyes and lips, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Use 1-2 times a week. You can use the mask only on oily areas of the skin or for spot application, to dry out acne, remove comedones and other imperfections of oily skin. In this case, apply the mask only to problem points, wait 15 minutes for the texture of the mask to dry and go to bed, the mask will remain on these points throughout the night.

Compound:

Texture:
thick creamy paste.

My review:
This mask is very popular on the Internet and collects a huge number of rave reviews.
It’s really difficult to resist buying, although the price for the mask is sky-high. But we all want to believe in a miracle, and I am no exception - in full confidence that the mask will bring my problem skin closer to perfection, I purchased it. No miracles happened... An ordinary clay mask. Yes, it is pleasant to use, does not dry out the skin, and is soft. But obviously not for problem skin with enlarged pores. It does not cleanse pores at all, does not narrow them, and no positive effect was noticed on inflammation. The only thing is, if you apply it after manually cleaning the pores, it soothes the skin and slightly tightens the pores. Sisley brand consultants recommend using this mask after exfoliating facial gommage. But even in this combination I don’t see the effect of the mask; after gommage (due to the fact that it itself is clay), the skin already looks matte, cleansed, and the pores are narrowed. The mask is of no use. Volume:
60ml, enough for about a year.

Price (in IDB):

4170r – 25% = 3127.5r

Verdict:

Despite my great love for the Sisley brand (both for care and decorative products), this mask is not suitable for oily skin with problem pores.
I can't say anything bad either. Probably, the mask is suitable for normal skin with a small number of enlarged pores that do not require deep cleansing. Considering the price category, rating: 4 out of 5.
2. Yes To Tomatoes Facial Mask Mask for cleansing and tightening pores for combination skin

It cleanses, tightens pores, removes excess sebum, gently exfoliates the skin for a long time, ensuring the absence of oily shine.

Application:

Using circular movements, apply a thin layer of mask to cleansed facial skin, avoiding the eye and lip contours. Leave the mask until completely absorbed and dry. After 5 minutes, remove the mask with a damp cloth. Rinse your face with cold water and pat dry with a towel.

Compound:

does not contain parabens, petroleum products and sodium lauryl sulfate
Texture:
similar to Sisley, thick creamy paste.

My review:
I bought it again after an enthusiastic review on one of the popular forums, in which a girl claimed that after using this mask her oily skin remained matte for several days (!!!). Of course, I had little faith in this, but I wanted to try it, especially since I was not yet familiar with this brand. So, what results were noted by me? When applied, the mask stings for a few minutes (light peeling), and as it dries, the burning sensation disappears. After removing the mask, the following is observed: the skin is soft, delicate, matte, the pores narrow, the sebum in the pores brightens, extends to the surface of the pores and softens, i.e. This turns out to be an excellent preparation for mechanical cleaning of the pores, but the pores themselves are still not cleaned. For me personally, the dullness of my skin lasts for a couple of hours; unfortunately, there is no talk of a few days.

Volume:

50ml, enough for about 8 months.

Price (in LE):

~1000r – 25% = 750r

Verdict:

Quite a decent mask. On less problematic pores, I think it will give a good cleansing effect. May not be suitable for very sensitive skin.

Rating: 5- out of 5.

3. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask

From the manufacturer:
This is an intensive cleansing mask that does not dry or tighten the skin. It feels good on the skin and washes off easily in just five minutes. This clay-based mask helps soothe inflamed areas, reduce the size and number of pimples, unclog and make pores less noticeable, relieve irritation and redness, and prevent new breakouts.

Application:

The mask is suitable for all skin types and can be used 2-3 times a week. The mask can be applied to the entire face or only to the affected areas. Apply the mask in a thin, even layer to clean skin, avoiding the area around the eyes, hairline and eyebrows. Let the mask dry for 5 minutes and then rinse with warm water or remove with a clean, warm, damp cloth.

Compound:

Texture:
more liquid than previous masks.

My review:
This is my favorite mask to date! Does almost everything that is stated by the manufacturer. The skin after the mask is fresh, soft, brightened, matte. Inflammations are dried out, redness decreases. Pores become noticeably cleaner and narrower. Does not tighten, dry or irritate the skin. I've been using it for about 3 months.

Volume:

100ml.

Price (in IDB):

1000r – 25% = 750r

Verdict:

Great mask for a reasonable price! Suitable for any skin type. Relieves inflammation and cleanses pores.

Rating: solid 5 out of 5.

4. Garnier Clear Skin Steaming Mask

From the manufacturer:
The formula with a steaming effect deeply cleanses the skin and heals pores for 7 days. Upon contact with the skin, the mask warms it up and cleanses the pores of impurities and excess oil secretions. Clay and zinc heal the skin by tightening pores and eliminating skin unevenness.

Application:

Apply 1-2 times a week in the morning or evening to a slightly moisturized face with light massaging movements. Leave the Steaming Mask on the skin for 3 minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water.

Compound:

Texture:
upon contact with damp skin, it becomes more liquid, a warming effect appears, and does not dry out.

My review:

I really loved this mask back in my school years. Then it seemed to me that the mask cleanses and tightens the pores so well that they become invisible. But now I understand that this is only a visual effect. The mask has an astringent and powdery effect, so the skin immediately after use really looks (!) matte, and the pores are narrowed and unnoticeable. However, as soon as you apply moisturizer, the pores appear again and the dullness disappears. The pores remain rough to the touch, which indicates insufficient cleansing.

Volume:

a package of 2 sachets of 6 ml is designed for 2 uses, but for me one part is enough for 2 uses.

Price:

I don’t remember exactly, probably around 100 rubles per package.

Verdict:

Suitable when you need a quick mattifying effect and visually cleansed skin at a low cost. No caring or healing properties were observed.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

5. Avon White Tea Energizing Face Mask Energomask for facial skin with elite white tea extract “Chinese white tea”

From the manufacturer:
The film mask removes dead skin cells and any type of impurities, leaving the skin feeling clean, fresh and energized. Chinese white tea extract soothes and softens the skin. Gently exfoliates and polishes the skin, tightens pores, refreshes and whitens.

Application:

Apply a thin layer to the face, avoiding the area around the eyes and hairline. After the mask has completely dried (approximately 20 minutes), carefully remove the resulting film mask.

Compound:

Water, Polyvinyl alcohol, Ethyl alcohol, Poloxamer 185, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Isopropyl alcohol, BHT, Polysorbate 80, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Propylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Cl 15510, Cl 75170.

Texture:

transparent, thick, viscous.

My review:
Initially, I purchased it purely out of interest in how the mask would turn into a new texture on the face and be removed with film. Surprisingly, I liked not only the process, but also the effect. The skin becomes toned, elastic and very smooth (lifting effect), as if polished so much that it begins to shine (not from fat, of course). Pores are slightly cleansed and tightened. The effect is again temporary, maybe for a day. The composition of the mask is “killer”, although I don’t really understand the intricacies, but there are several types of alcohol, so it’s not suitable for everyone. I heard reviews that an allergic reaction appeared after the mask, but everything is fine for me.

Volume:

75ml. This is already the 2nd package, it lasts a long time, because... I don’t use it often, more for variety.

Price (catalogue):

I don’t remember, probably around 100-200 rubles.

Verdict:

Interesting toy Instant effect.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Thank you for your attention

Increase

Expert opinion

Olga Bolkhovskaya, cosmetologist, dermatologist

Expert Olga Bolkhovskaya, a cosmetologist, dermatologist, and clinic trainer, comments.

“The problem of enlarged pores is the most common situation with which patients come to us. And these are not only adolescent patients, but also adult patients. Why is this happening?

There are actually many reasons. Enlarged pores can provoke hormonal imbalances at different periods of life, as well as external factors: poor diet, bad habits. “Also, we can say that in patients with enlarged pores, the sebaceous glands are actively working, which leads to such an aesthetic problem.”

Enlarged pores on the face have an unattractive appearance and are often combined with acne. If you ignore the problem of enlarged pores, over time it will lead to a deterioration in the appearance of the skin and increased unevenness on the face (hyperkeratosis). Therefore, it is necessary to work with such a deficiency.

How to get rid of enlarged pores

But our doctors select individual treatment protocols to effectively solve this problem, taking into account, first of all, the initial condition of the skin, the characteristics of the body and the wishes of the patient. We use modern, effective and safe treatment methods using various devices: phototherapy on M22, laser rejuvenation - both non-ablative (Fraxel or ResurFX) and ablative (AcuPulse), a combination of phototherapy and non-ablative laser rejuvenation techniques, etc. Our patients are satisfied the results obtained.

The doctor also makes sure to leave recommendations for home care. Subject to timely attendance of planned procedures, compliance with post-procedure recommendations, as well as regular home care, the likelihood of inflammatory reactions decreases, sebum secretion decreases, the skin thickens, and pores become barely noticeable.

During your consultation, our doctors will perform a 3D computer diagnostic of your skin to assess the condition and characteristics of your pores using a special mode. After this, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment plan.

You can make an appointment with a specialist by phone: +7(499) 346 02 92

Reasons for appearance

Teenagers often experience enlarged pores when, against the background of hormonal changes in the body, the work of the sebaceous glands increases, and they become clogged with horny cells of the epidermis. In adolescence, such skin looks shiny, has inflammatory elements and enlarged pores, in the center of which black dots can be seen.

With age, hormonal fluctuations return to normal, and the amount of secretion produced by the sebaceous glands decreases. The tendency to acne decreases, but oily shine and enlarged pores remain, giving the skin an unkempt appearance. Patients aged 35+, 40+, 50+ often complain about enlarged pores. Appearance may deteriorate especially as the skin loses its elasticity. This condition can accompany the skin throughout life.

It is important to note that at any age we can improve and correct the quality of our skin.