There are two kinds of pores - one is the opening for sweat glands and is typically too small to create a problem with appearance. The second are the openings for oil glands (sebaceous glands). Sebaceous glands secrete oil or sebum through the pores and onto the skin. The oil is white but turns black when oxidized.
The size of your pores are determined by your genes, for the most part. Supportive structures in the skin, elastin and collagen, help to keep the pores narrow. Sun, hormones, age, and smoking can worsen the appearance of pores.
Steams, while relaxing and cleansing, do not ultimately help reduce the appearance of pores. A certified dermatologist at Kindred Hair & Skin Center can clean out the pores, and then start you on a skin care regimen to maintain cleanliness.
Learn more about skin care myths here.
