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Mar
6 Medical Tips to Prevent and Treat Enlarged Pores
Enlarged pores can be a nuisance, especially when they become more visible than they should be. They can even become a source of embarrassment for some people. While enlarged pores are nothing to be ashamed of, it’s understandable to want to get rid of them.
The good news? Many approaches may help you address the appearance of enlarged pores, and there are steps you can take to keep them from getting worse.
What Causes Large Pores?
Enlarged pores are enlarged skin openings, usually on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. They appear when the oil glands and hair follicles enlarge due to a build-up of oil, bacteria, and dirt. Many internal and external factors can cause enlarged pores, including:
Are Enlarged Pores Permanent?
Two frequently asked questions about enlarged pores are whether or not they are permanent and whether they can be shrunken permanently.
Here’s the good news – younger individuals and those with little to no skin laxity issues can usually expect their enlarged pores to appear smaller with time and proper care. That’s because skin elasticity can play a significant role in determining the appearance of pores. The more elasticity in your skin, the more likely your pores will “bounce back” after being stretched.
Can enlarged pores be permanently closed? Unfortunately, it’s not possible to permanently close your pores to the point where they will no longer be visible. However, with proper care and treatment, you can minimize the appearance of your pores and help your skin look smoother and more radiant.
6 Tips to Prevent and Treat Enlarged Pores
Enlarged pores are a common skincare concern that can cause the complexion to appear aged and dull. While it may not be possible to close up enlarged pores permanently, several treatments and medical-grade skincare products can help reduce their appearance and keep them from becoming more noticeable.
Looking for help with your enlarged pores? Here are six treatments to help prevent and treat enlarged pores to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
1. Medical-Grade Skincare Products
A good skincare regimen is essential for reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. When developing your skincare routine, you want to ensure you include two crucial steps: exfoliating and moisturizing.
Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and unblock pores, while moisturizing helps to nourish the skin, keeping it soft and supple. When dealing with enlarged pores, exfoliation is essential, as dead skin cells can build up and block the pores, causing them to become more noticeable. There are several ways to exfoliate, including:
- Physical exfoliation, such as using a scrub
- Chemical exfoliation, such as a glycolic acid peel
- Enzymatic exfoliation, such as using a lactic acid peel
Once you’ve exfoliated and cleansed your skin, you want to apply a moisturizer. Proper hydration helps to keep your skin plump and healthy, which will make your pores less noticeable and also help to keep your skin looking fresh and dewy. The best moisturizers contain ingredients that help reduce the appearance of pores, such as niacinamide, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
2. HydraFacials®
A HydraFacial® is a non-invasive, multi-step facial treatment that combines exfoliation, hydration, and extraction to improve the appearance of enlarged pores. This treatment starts with a light exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells and unclog pores. Then, a moisturizing serum is applied to restore moisture and elasticity to the skin. Finally, a vacuum-assisted extraction process removes impurities from the pores, resulting in fewer visible enlarged pores and a smoother complexion.
3. Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally-invasive skin treatment that involves tiny needles creating tiny punctures in the skin. This encourages the body’s natural healing process, which can help lessen the look of enlarged pores by promoting collagen production.
4. PicoSure™ Laser Treatment
Treat your skin without invasive procedures with PicoSure™. Through short bursts of light energy, the laser helps break up damaged cells, minimizing pore size and scarring for a smoother look. This treatment is a great option for those who have tried other treatments and are not seeing the desired results.
5. IPL Photorejuvenation
Intense pulsed light (IPL) photorejuvenation is a non-invasive skin treatment used to minimize the appearance of uneven skin tone and other skin imperfections. It delivers short bursts of pulsed light to heat the inner layers of the skin. This stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin, reducing pore size. It can also reduce redness and dark spots on the face.
6. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels smooth, even, and tighten skin, reducing the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and more. This is achieved by peeling away the top layer of dead skin cells with a chemical solution. This stimulates collagen production while also smoothing and tightening the skin. However, several types of chemical peels are available, so be sure to speak with your medical aesthetics doctor before deciding which one you think is best for you.
Prevent and Treat Enlarged Pores with Help from Dr. Rose Wong
Enlarged pores can be a complex problem to tackle, as a combination of internal and external factors often causes them. However, there are several methods to consider when it comes to reducing their appearance and preventing them from worsening.
Dr. Rose Wong is a medical aesthetics doctor in Vancouver with 8+ years of experience in aesthetic medicine. Her team at Hush Beauty Anti-Aging and Skin Care Centre are committed to providing the best in medical and cosmetic skin care treatments. That’s why they not only offer several solutions to those looking to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, but they also continue to stay on top of the latest advancements in the industry to ensure they are providing the most effective treatments to their patients.
