Over time, as we loose the firmness of our youthful skin and it begins to relax, pores become more visible and “dilate”. If you imagine each pore to be a brand-new rubberband. When you first use a new rubberband, its tight and small, just like pores in youthful skin. As we become wiser (and older), the pores relax and become larger, much like a used rubber band that has been stretched repeatedly and has lost its elasticity. In fact, the skin has elasticity, in the form of elastin and collagen, whose production naturally declines with time leading to less firm skin or sagging skin that then allows pores to appear more dilated.
2. Can the visibility of pores be minimised with skincare?
Yes! To achieve this our goal is to enhance the production of collagen while also protecting our skin from agents that worsen our current state.
- Enhance collagen: As it relates to collagen production, use retinoids (like retinol) or peptides which can stimulate collagen production and reduce the visibility of pores.
- Protect your skin: Dead skin, oil and UV rays oh my! All of these agents can cause the pores on your skin to become more visible. Dead skin and oil generally accumulate around dead pores accenutating them to the eye, much like dirt that gets caught in a sponge can make the tiny holes in a sponge more obvious. To remove dry skin, use gentle exofliating products that have alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to unclog pores and restore smooth skin. To get more oil control, use non-comedgoenic moisturizers and products that have ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide in them. Lastly, UV damage weakens our skin’s collagen and acclerates sagging of our skin. Protect yourself from sunexposure to help maintain your skin’s firmness.
- Can the appearance of large pores be reversed?
No, sorry but that is why prevention is best! Now, short of permanently reversing large pores, there are steps we can take to significantly improve the appearance of large pores. The playbook is largely the same:
- Use retinols or peptides to enhance collagen production
- Gently exfoliate dead skin and control oil production
- Protect yourself from UV rays
Additional steps to take include considering chemical peels, like glycolic or lactic acid peels, that contain AHAs or BHAs, microneedling to stimulate collagen production, dermal fillers to “fill” in our skin and make pores less visible, and laser treatments, which can stimulate collagen, improve skin texture and repair sun-damaged skin, in an effort to minimize the appearance of pores.
4. What are the most effective clinical treatments for treating large pores?
In terms of creams, I would recommend retinols and peptides to enhance cell turnover and increase collagen production; niacinamide to control oil production; and AHA/BHA creams and/or salicyclic acid and glycolic acid to assist with exfoliation.
When using moisturizers, look for non-comedogenic and lightweight versions to maximize hydration and minimize clogging pores.
More aggressive measures would include resurfacing lasers, chemical peels, microneedling, fillers and sugrical options, like facelifts, which can reduce the appearance of large pores by tightening sagging skin.
5. Are any natural ingredients effective in reversing or preventing the appearance of pores?
Several good options exist such as:
- Aloe Vera: This natural product, native to the Arabian Peninsula, not only contains anti-inflammatory properties that can sooth the skin but can also prevent pore clogging and subsequent pore enlargement.
- Witch Hazel: Just in time for Halloween, witch hazel comes from the bark and leaves of a plant called hamamelis virginiana. When applied to the skin, it can tighten it and led to a temporary reduction in pore size. Witch Hazel also reduces oil production.
- Tea Tree Oil: This oil comes from the leaves of a tree native to Australia, and not only contains anti-inflammatory properties and significant control over oil production, but also has mild exfoliating properties to help remove dead skin.
- Honey: Honey not only attracts bees but also moisture as it is a “humectant” (a substance that attracts water). This is great for the skin as that hydration boost can minimze the erosion of our skin’s elasticity.
- Green tea extract: This is loaded with antioxidants, such as polyphenols and epigallocatechin gallate, which help to shield the skin from harmful agents such as free radicals, that can result in pore enlargement. Research also suggests that green tea extract can help with oil production regulation, anti-inflammation and tightening of our skin.