Obsessed With Your Pores? You Might Have The So-Called “Porexia” Syndrome

This beauty issue is affecting women across the globe.

Jul 14, 2020

If you find yourself staring at the mirror and ruminating over the size of your pores every chance you get—all while wishing they would magically shrink or disappear altogether—then you might just have a little beauty disorder.

“Porexia” is a term coined by dermatologists to describe a person’s (often irrational) fixation over one’s pore size. Apart from fussing over one’s pores obsessively, this syndrome can also be characterized by a person’s excessive use of scrubs, serums, and other treatments with the goal of achieving super smooth, “poreless” skin.

But while this pore craze has existed for quite a while, perhaps as a result of living in this HD (high-definition) world, this beauty obsession has been gaining extra traction lately. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including the massive popularity of K-dramas and their porcelain-skinned stars, as well as our ongoing selfie culture.

It’s a concern among the young and the not-so-young, too: It afflicts teens who are prone to acne and other skin blemishes, as well as older men and women whose pores only seem to get bigger with age.

The Truth About Pores

Here’s a reality check: Unfortunately, there’s no overnight fix for pore problems. Our pore size is largely determined by genetics, and their actual size is something that you can’t really control. That said, it is possible to minimize their appearance. But first, it’s important to understand why we actually need them.

Pores are small openings on the skin that house hair follicles as well as sebaceous glands, which release sebum that’s necessary to keep skin healthy and moisturized. These are some of the reasons why pores become enlarged, according to studies:

Dirt, oil, and bacteria buildup, which cause clogging and the formation of pimples and blackheads
The overproduction of sebum, common in those with oily or combination skin
Decreased skin elasticity, which is usually due to aging
Sun damage due to exposure to UVA and UVB rays

Pore Solutions 101

Now that we’ve identified the common culprits behind enlarged pores, let’s go to the remedies. Simply put, the most effective way to reduce the appearance of pores is to stick with an effective and consistent skin care routine. Upgrade your regimen with these tips as well as our expert picks:

Tip #1: Cleanse skin like you mean it.
Regular and thorough cleansing in the a.m. and p.m. is a must to remove dirt, oil, and makeup in order to avoid buildup and prevent the clogging of pores. An anti-pollution cleanser, like the Biologique Recherche Lait VIP O2, is also extra helpful—especially for those living in the city or constantly exposed to environmental pollutants—as it also protects skin from free radical damage.

Biologique Recherche Lait U

Biologique Recherche Lait VIP O2

Tip #2: Exfoliate regularly.
Exfoliation goes a bit further than your usual cleanse by sloughing off dead skin cells as well as other debris on skin, leaving with you a smoother skin surface. You can do this with the help of either physical exfoliators, like scrubs, or chemical exfoliators, such as formulas that use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to renew skin.

Neostrata Oily Skin Solution, P2,650

Neostrata Smooth Surface Daily Peel, P3,400

Tip #3: Don’t skip the toning lotion.
To beef up your exfoliation process, you can definitely benefit from adding purifying and toning lotions to your routine to further rejuvenate, rebalance, and refresh skin down to the pores.

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50

Neostrata Ultra Smoothing Lotion, P2,500

Tip #4: Try an oil-regulating treatment.
Minimize your skin’s oil production with an intensive skin care treatment that controls sebum, diminishes irregularities, and also visibly reduces pore size. Ideal for those with dilated pores, the Biologique Recherche Dermopore Serum is a targeted formula that effectively mattifies and rebalances skin.

Biologique Recherche Dermopore

Tip #5: Don’t forget your sunscreen.
Aside from speeding up the aging process, constant sun exposure leads to more sagging and stretching, resulting in pores that look bigger. Make it a habit to slather on sunscreen even while indoors (check out our top picks here), or dose up with a sun-protecting supplement, like the Yllume White Caps, which contain carotenoids from white tomatoes, protecting you from UV rays as well as lightening the skin.

Yllume White Caps, P3,000

Tip #6: Discuss with your derma.
Of course, there are also professional dermatological treatments, like lasers and in-clinic peels, that can target pore problems while also delivering a slew of skin benefits. Interested in an in-clinic treatment? You can schedule an online consultation with our resident dermatologist, Dr. Maximin Navarro, a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society and co-founder of Bella Pelle Philippines, here.