What is the Best Way to Treat Large Pores?

How to Reduce Large Pores

Thanks to Instagram filters and magnifying mirrors, many people have questions about facial pores. To provide clarity on this topic and ensure that you’re taking the right care of your skin, we’ve consulted dermatologists to answer the most commonly asked queries regarding pores.

How Frequently Do Patients Want to Reduce the Size of Their Pores?

Pores are a pervasive concern among all patients, no matter their age or skin type. Whether visiting for Botox injections, fillers, or laser treatments—you name it—people always have questions regarding enlarged pores.

Even if not the primary source of worry, individuals commonly bring up this issue throughout consultation visits and procedures.

Everyone should understand that pores are not a flaw! We have to remember that we’re humans, so naturally it is normal for us to have them. Recently, the issue has been exacerbated by Instagram-filtered images that hide our pores from view.

If you come across one of those overly close selfies with no visible pores, then please be reminded that this isn’t reality. Although they can become enlarged over time, there are several treatments available if desired.

What’s the Most Common Mistake People Make When They Try to Care For Their Pores?

Dispose of your magnifying mirrors now! You are beautiful just as you are, and no one would need a magnifying glass to be able to see that. Magnifying mirrors make us appear worse than we do in real life, so they’re the opposite of an Instagram filter.

Additionally, using heavy ointments or petroleum jelly can cause pores to become blocked off—avoid them like the plague!

Above all, the most dangerous mistake is not wearing sunscreen. It can cause your collagen to break down and make your pores appear larger.

Does Your Pore Size Increase With Time?

When pores are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and other debris or when the collagen in your skin has been depleted due to sun damage and aging (especially after menopause), they can be stretched out.

While those who have oily skin may experience issues with their pores earlier on in life, it is commonly accepted that these individuals tend to age at a slower pace, thus having less bothersome pores as they grow older.

What Causes Enlarged Pores?

Pores are like columns protruding outward from the skin. Pores may appear larger if something in or around the column enlarges it, such as dead cells, sebum, or even acne. Additionally, weakened collagen surrounding a pore causes its diameter to become more prominent and noticeable. Healthy collagen helps constrict and tighten pores for optimum health.

Are Clogged Pores and Acne the Same Thing?

Pores are like doorways for the hair follicles and oil glands, allowing them to exit the skin and release natural moisture. If a pore becomes clogged with dead-skin cells at its interior, it will cast a dark shadow on its surface, resulting in what we call blackheads.

While whiteheads occur when there is more of an accumulation near the top layer of one’s face. Acne occurs due to inflammation from blocked pores, while cysts develop as swelling results around said blockage.

What Are Some Reliable Treatments and Maintenance Routines for Pores That Can Be Completed at Home?

If the issue is blocked pores, you must unblock them. Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids such as Salicylic Acid (ideal for skin breaking out) or Glycolic Acid (great even with dry skin) are what you need to exfoliate your skin, stop the blocking of the pores, and help generate a little collagen too!

Additionally, Retin-A prescriptions from physicians or over-the-counter retinols can also be beneficial in this process.

Are You Curious About the Best In-Office Treatments to Reduce Enlarged Pores?

For those facing deep-rooted problems or even breakouts, Isolaze is an ideal solution. This photopneumatic therapy combines intense pulsed light laser with suction action to eliminate the bacteria causing acne while simultaneously evening out skin tone and clearing clogged pores.

When you couple this treatment with a mild chemical peel, your problem skin will be noticeably improved and clearer than ever before!

For a long time, deeper chemical peels were the go-to in beauty treatments. However, since 2000, lasers have become increasingly popular due to their safety. Therefore, I would strongly advise against anything more intense than a light superficial peel if you’re considering this type of treatment.

To reconstruct collagen, dermatologists often prescribe laser resurfacing. This is an expansive category with multiple brands specializing in the stimulation of collagen production, ranging from minimally invasive treatments like PicoSure and Clear + Brilliant to more potent ones such as Fraxel that can remodel existing collagen while inducing its development.

The frequency of these procedures varies between individuals; it’s a matter of finding equilibrium between laser treatments and the adverse effects of aging and sun damage.

Is It Possible to Experience Both Dry Skin and Enlarged Pores Concurrently?

Absolutely. Regardless of your type of skin, if collagen has been depleted from it over time, the pores will become larger and less taut.

Can Regular Facials Improve Your Skin’s Health and Appearance?

Absolutely! After a facial, your skin is left looking bright and radiant for days. This is due to the fact that it deeply exfoliates the outer layer of your skin, eradicating all dirt and grime from thousands of pores on your face.