Within the world of acne treatment, you hear a lot about the pores. The pores are the small openings on the skin that allow various elements to pass through, and they play a big role in the growth and management of acne and other skin conditions.

At the offices of Brian J. Williams, MD, PC, we’re here to help. Genetics determine the size of our pores, meaning if you’re born with large pores, you won’t be able to change this – but there are still several things you can do to minimize the appearance of large pores. Here are some suggestions we can offer.

Reducing Oil

Sebaceous glands create oil that fills into pores – this oil makes the pores appear even larger than they already are. By reducing this oil, however, you can minimize this effect. Consider a toner with a lactic acid base, or a peel pad with alpha-hydroxy-acid-based substances.

Exfoliating

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells from the surface of your skin, which can help reveal a new, healthier skin layer below. There are two primary types of exfoliation:

• Physical exfoliators: Exfoliators that use friction or scrubbing to unclog the pores.
• Chemical exfoliators: Acids and other substances that help dissolve oily substances clogging the pores, and require no scrubbing in most cases.

In most cases, exfoliating once or twice a week is enough. Don’t do this too often, as it can lead to redness or irritation.

Unclogging the Pores

Clogged pores full of dead skin cells will look larger than others. Unclogging them helps remove this effect. Look for products that have glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinoids like trentinoin (this usually requires a prescription).

Make-Up Primers

Primers like Magic Perfecting and others help fill the pores, which can make them look smaller. They can also provide a great base for make-up application.

For more on minimizing the visual appearance of large pores, or to learn about any of the skin care services offered by our dermatologist, contact the offices of Brian J. Williams, MD, PC today.