Open pores, blackheads, and closed comedones: what really helps

"My pores are open" is one of the things we hear most often at the studio. It is a vivid way to put it, but pores do not open and close like doors. What changes is how visible they look, and that depends on oil, built-up cells, and how you care for your skin every day.

Why are pores visible?

Each pore is the opening of a follicle with its oil gland. When there is a lot of oil, when the climate is hot and humid like Panama's, or when dead cells and makeup residue build up, pores look more pronounced. Over the years skin also loses firmness, which can make them more noticeable. Pore size is partly genetic, so the realistic goal is cleaner, more even-looking skin, not pores that disappear.

Blackheads and closed comedones

• Blackheads: pores clogged with oil and cells whose surface stays open. They darken on contact with air; it is not dirt.
• Closed comedones: small skin-colored bumps without a visible dot that give a rough texture to the forehead, cheeks, or chin. The plug sits under a thin layer of skin.

Both are common in oily or combination skin and can appear alongside acne breakouts. If you have inflamed, painful pimples or ones that leave marks, it is a good idea to see a dermatologist.

Squeezing blackheads in front of the mirror usually leaves skin more irritated and more likely to mark.

A routine that helps

1. Cleanse morning and night with a gentle cleanser for oily or combination skin, without scrubbing.
2. Remove all makeup before bed, sunscreen included.
3. Moderate exfoliation, once or twice a week, depending on what your skin tolerates.
4. A light moisturizer that does not feel heavy; oily skin needs hydration too.
5. Lightweight sunscreen every day.
6. Non-clogging products: check that your makeup and creams are designed for oily-prone skin.

What to avoid

• Picking or "extracting" comedones with your nails or with tools you are not trained to use.
• Frequent use of adhesive pore strips on sensitive skin.
• Very harsh cleansers that leave your skin tight: skin can respond with even more oil.
• Sleeping in makeup or constantly touching your face.

When a professional facial cleansing helps

A facial cleansing performed by a professional removes impurities with proper technique, hygiene, and care for the skin, something that is hard to achieve at home without irritation. It does not replace your daily routine, but it complements it and helps keep skin cleaner and more even.

At our aesthetic studio in Obarrio we offer a deep facial cleansing adapted to your skin type. If you also get frequent breakouts, take a look at our approach to care for acne-prone skin, always as a complement to your dermatologist's follow-up when you need it.