By Mary Hayse, Licensed Esthetician
What can I do about the large pores on my face? I am asked that question almost daily. A pore is an opening in the skin for the oil glands and hair follicles. Oils flow through the pores, and sometimes can get clogged up, stretching them and making them appear larger. The truth is, you cannot permanently shrink a pore, but the good news is that you can minimize the appearance of pores.
Why Do I Have Large Pores?
- The main reason for a person’s pore size is genetic. Genetics determine how many pores you will have, their size, and how much oil they produce.
- Skin type is also a factor. Oily skinned people typically have much larger pores than dry skinned people. Pores are often more pronounced in the oilier T-zone (nose, forehead, chin).
- Hereditary background also plays into the size of pores a person has. Typically, the darker the skin, the larger the pores.
- Blocked pores that have oil and debris in them can stretch over time.
- Diminished collagen production, caused by aging and sun damage, also makes pores appear larger. The skin isn’t as taut, so the pores are more apparent.
- Clogging makeup, especially when it is not taken off at night, can stretch pores.
What Can I Do About Large Pores?
You cannot physically shrink a pore, unless you have a surgical procedure done. Really large pores, ones that can be actually seen from a distance, can be stitched. Some laser treatments will tighten the skin, making the pores appear less noticeable. Other than that, there is no magic potion or treatment to make pores shrink — just appear smaller. If there is scar tissue from past breakouts or injuries, it is even harder to make the pores respond. For normally large pores, the following products and treatments will help:
- Professional exfoliations, such as microdermabrasion or HydraFacial, with extractions. These will keep the debris cleaned out of the pores so that they appear smaller, and won’t stretch further.
- Collagen-stimulating treatments, such as Ultrasonic and LED, will help firm and tighten the skin so that pores are not so apparent.
- Chemical exfoliations that exfoliate, smooth, and tighten the skin will reduce the appearance of large pores.
- Use of retinols will speed cell turnover, and unclog pores.
- Use of the correct facial wash for your skin type will keep pores cleaned out.
- An astringent can help because it will temporarily cause facial tissue to constrict and tighten, reducing the appearance of pore size. Be careful with this, though, if you have dry skin.
- Use of a weekly masque that is designed to minimize pore size will also help. Both astringent masques and clay masques will help tighten the skin, and cause the pores to appear smaller.
Large pores are a common concern, but I tell my clients to keep in mind that no one else is looking at them through a magnifying mirror. Make your skin look the best that it can be by keeping your skin clean and exfoliated, and choose the right products for your skin type. Wash your face every night and morning. And, see your Esthetician on a regular basis to keep your pores cleaned out, and your skin tightened, to minimize the appearance of large pores.
Infuse Skin and Body carries many different products designed to have your skin look it’s finest! Set up a consultation with Mary Hayse to determine which products and treatments are best for your specific skin type. Call 309-360-9035 to set up an appointment today, or visit www.infuseskinandbody.com.
Photo courtesy Infuse Skin and Body