Open pores on face and body that won't close even with ice

[PoresBadSkin]

Hi, I would like to get some advice about my skin. About a year ago, I had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic resulting in vomiting, high body temperature, swelling of mouth etc. It resulted in lots of burst capillaries on my face. I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but since then, my skin has changed drastically where all the pores on my skin are permanently open, not only on my face but on my body too. They are not blackheads or whiteheads for the most part, but they won't close even if I apply ice on them. My skin on my face now looks like an orange peel and although I don't have blackheads on my body, all the pores are dark looking, and my skin texture has gone very rough. The skin on my face is extremely greasy. Does anybody know what can be done about this? Any advice desperately appreciated.

[PoresBadSkin]

Thank you so much for your advice. In reply to your questions, for cleanser, I use a gel facewash from l'oreal or sebaderm soap (I can't remember the name but it's the one that is ph 5.5). I find I break out with most cleansers/soaps/toners/makeup/sunscreen including those for sensitive skin so am limited to using products that don't cause breakouts. I sometimes use a toner, which is alcohol-free and contains rosewater. For moisturiser I use rosehip oil or vitamin E oil but as my skin is so oily, I haven't been using those lately. I don't really wear makeup as my skin doesn't tend to react very well to them - the most I use is light concealer and highlighter like touche eclat and lipgloss/lipstick. No, I don't ever sleep with makeup on. I tend to remove any makeup I wear with a cleansing lotion, followed by soap/facewash, but I wouldn't even wear makeup once every two weeks. The greasiness seem to affect my hair too, and I haven't done anything differently with my hair either.

[addictbysurprise]

I wanted to add a couple of things...
Like I mentioned earlier, I cannot see your skin, I can only hear what you are telling me so I am basing my advice on that.  Fortunately, you cannot change your skin type.  Your skin should be treated based on its current condition.  The current condition is oily, and rough textured with "dark pores."  I have a few questions that will help me better advise you.  What type of cleanser do you use? Toner or astringent? Moisturizer?  If and how often do you use these products?  Do you ever sleep in your makeup?  Do you tan or spray tan?  What are you using to exfoliate and is there ever any discomfort from it?  You should treat the affected area on your body just as you would your face.  When you apply the ice to your pores, they may still appear to be open because they were not cleaned properly.  I realize that I'm throwing a lot of questions at you:) I promise, there is a method to my madness! The more I know about your skin the better I can advise you and even give you some things to try at home that should help.                  

[addictbysurprise]

You may need a deep exfoliation.  You cannot ever reduce the size of your pores, but you can reduce their appearance. Your pores most likely appear large because they are not totally free of dirt and debris.  One thing that will help is to splash your face with cold water after washing your face.  This will close the pores which will help reduce the appearance and keep any new debris from clogging them.  As an Esthetician myself, I suggest going there rather than a dermatologist because they are usually more affordable and will be able to do both of the procedures that I suggested (they will analyze better when they see your face) and If it is a skin disease or something that they cannot cure, they will refer you to a dermatologist.

[PoresBadSkin]

Hi, thanks so much for your reply. I don't normally exfoliate more than once a week, but even when I do so more frequently, I still find that it makes no difference. Should I go to a private dermatologist?

[addictbysurprise]

There could be many different reasons that your skin is in this current condition.  There is no way to tell without having an esthetician or dermatologist actually see  your current skin condition.  Is your skin sensitive to the touch?  It sounds to me that although you state that you do not have black heads, the dark looking pores means that the pores are clogged with dirt, dead skin, ect.  How often do you exfoliate?  From the way you describe your symptoms, it sounds like an easy, inexpensive fix.  You need to deep clean your pores, along with a deep exfoliation such as a chemical peel or a microdermabrasion treatment.  This a failry inexpensive procedure and if you go to an eshetician, they will be able to tell you for sure when the see your skin.