Tactics for Limiting the Appearance of Large Pores

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 with various acne treatments if you deal with naturally enlarged pores or similar issues. 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 so they don’t affect your self-esteem or confidence. Here are some suggestions we can offer.

Reducing Oil

Areas in the skin known as sebaceous glands create oil that fills into pores – this oil makes the pores appear even larger than they already are, and its effects can be significant for people with enlarged pores. 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. It’s used in several areas of skin care, not just acne treatment. 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 that might actually exacerbate the appearance of large pores rather than reducing them.

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.