Thanks to Snapchat and other social media filters, we are more aware of our face’s imperfections than ever before. One insecurity that many people experience is the appearance of large pores. Some pore visibility is normal, but many factors can lead to larger-than-normal pore size.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what exactly pores are, why they’re important, and how you can make them appear smaller. At Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, we provide a wide variety of non-invasive pore-shrinking procedures that can help you put the magnifying glass down. To learn more about the treatments available, schedule an appointment with Dr. Daneshmand by calling 949-359-8397 today.
What Are Facial Pores?
Pores are small openings in the skin that release oil and sweat. While there are different types of pores, many pores on our face are actually hair follicle openings.
The sebaceous glands sit below the skin and release sebum, or oil, through the pores. Even though many people think oily skin is bad, some oil is actually good for your skin and keeps your skin hydrated. When pores work as they’re meant to, they release the oil and sweat from the glands below the face’s surface. However, when pores become clogged by dead skin cells, dirt, or oil, it can lead to the appearance of enlarged pores and acne.
Why Do I Have Large Pores?
Pores are unique to every person, like the color of their hair and eyes. Our pores are often genetically determined, so if your family has a history of enlarged pores, chances are you’re going to have enlarged pores too.
Other factors can contribute to the size of your pores, like your hormone levels, age, skin type, and skincare routine. Being able to see your pores isn’t necessarily a bad thing. People with oily skin can see their pores more easily than those with drier or combination skin.
How To Get Rid of Large Pores
Some pore visibility is normal, but genetic factors, skin care products, and more can lead to the appearance of larger pores. Changing your skincare routine and adding products like a gentle cleanser, clay mask, and mineral sunscreen can all help shrink pores. While you can’t change the size of your pores, switching up your skin products can help make them appear smaller. Not wearing sunscreen, using harsh chemicals, or using oil-based products can contribute to your pore size.
Med Spa Treatments for Large Pores
If you’ve tried the home remedies to decrease the size of your pores, but nothing seems to work, the non-invasive procedures we offer at Bakersfield Medical Spa can help you say goodbye to large pores once and for all.
Chemical Peels
If you’re looking for something stronger than the normal, at-home exfoliant, chemical peels are a great option. These peels can reduce pore size if your enlarged pores are caused by dirt and debris buildup. Peels encourage cell turnover while removing dead skin cells, dirt, and blackheads, all of which contribute to the appearance of large pores.
At Silhouette Plastic Surgery, we offer three different types of chemical peels – light, medium, and deep. Depending on how much you want your skin exfoliated will determine which type of chemical peel we perform. A light chemical peel does not penetrate deeper than the top layer of skin and takes around 30 minutes. A medium chemical peel is a little stronger, reaches the middle layer of skin, and removes more damaged skin cells. Deep chemical peels reach deeper layers and remove the most damaged skin cells.
Chemical peels damage your skin in order to remove the top layer of skin, much like what we experience with sunburn. Instead of UV rays causing the skin to peel, we use an acidic exfoliant to gently remove the top and middle layers of the skin. A chemical peel can sound scary, but the acids we usually use are salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and trichloroacetic acid, which are common ingredients in face washes.
If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of pores and see healthy skin in the mirror, call the Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute to schedule your chemical peel with Dr. Daneshmand today!
Microneedling
Microneedling is another minimally invasive procedure we offer at our Bakersfield Medical Spa that can help reduce the appearance of pores. Rf microneedling uses radio frequency energy to stimulate collagen production, leading to a firmer and more youthful skin tone. During this procedure, tiny needles deliver radiofrequency energy to the middle layer of the skin to boost collagen production and elastin. As the cells regenerate, you should notice improved skin elasticity, healthy-looking skin, and smaller pores.
Laser Treatments
While it may sound scary, laser treatments can reduce enlarged pores and other skin texture issues like wrinkles and scars. Laser skin resurfacing is one outpatient procedure at our Bakersfield Med Spa. After discussing your skin concerns with Dr. Daneshmand, he will choose the best laser skin resurfacing treatment for you. The three types of laser skin resurfacing procedures are CO2 lasering, erbium lasering, and fractionated CO2 lasering. During your laser skin resurfacing treatment, Dr. Daneshmand will use either ablative or non-ablative lasers on the specific areas that he’s treating. Removing the top layer of damaged skin will form new skin cells, leading to smoother, healthier-looking skin.
If you’re looking for a less invasive laser treatment to reduce the appearance of pores, the Pico laser treatment is a great option that we offer at the Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute. Also known as the Picosure laser treatment, this skin treatment has grown in popularity since it can also remove tattoos and skin discoloration. When used to decrease pore size, it penetrates just below the skin’s surface to target acne scars, large pores, and more without causing heat damage like other laser treatments. This innovative treatment has a quick recovery time, and you should be able to return to your regular routine in as little as one day.
If you’re interested in learning more about the laser skin treatments we offer at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, call us today at 949-359-8397 to make an appointment.
At-Home Treatments for Large Pores
If you’re not ready for one of the minimally invasive procedures we offer at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, there are plenty of skincare routine adjustments you can make that can minimize pores. It’s important to wear sunscreen daily, cleanse your face twice a day, and be aware of the ingredients in your skincare products. We’ll explain more ways you can work towards noticeably smaller-looking pores, all from the comfort of your home.
Non-Comedogenic Skin Care Products and Makeup
Making a simple switch in your skincare and makeup routines can go a long way when you’re looking to reduce the appearance of pores. If you want to reduce the size of your pores, make sure that the products you’re using are non-comedogenic. These types of products are water-based instead of oil-based. If you struggle with naturally oily skin, you want to stay away from any oil-based products as they can cause the appearance of enlarged pores.
When you’re shopping for makeup and skin care products, you want to be on the lookout for pore-minimizing products that have “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” and/or “won’t clog pores” listed somewhere on them.
Use Retinol
Incorporating retinol into your skincare routine can also help reduce your pore size. Retinol helps smooth wrinkles and brightens dark sports while helping prevent acne and shrink pores. This skincare product boosts collagen production while lowering the body’s natural oil production. Once you begin using retinol, you should notice smoother skin, tighter pores, and fewer breakouts.
Retinol can be harsh, so it’s best to look for milder formulas when you’re first starting out. Apply a small, pea-sized amount of retinol every other night in the beginning. You may notice dry or flaky skin initially, but that should subside after a few weeks.
Use Facial Sunscreen
Many people that struggle with oily skin may skip applying sunscreen during their morning routine. This is not a skincare step that should be missed, as sun exposure can lead to collagen breakdown. Collagen helps retain your skin’s elasticity and tightness, but sun damage and exposure can cause sagging skin and larger pores over time.
To help avoid sun damage, use a moisturizer with at least an SPF of 30 or greater. You should apply your sunscreen for 15 minutes before heading outside. There are also foundations with SPF in them if you prefer a more simplified routine.
Twice Daily Facial Cleansing
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends washing your face twice daily. Other facial cleansing tips they recommend are:
- Washing your face twice a day or more if you sweat a lot or participate in sports
- Use lukewarm water
- Apply your cleanser with clean fingers and choose one that is non-abrasive and alcohol-free
- Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel
Washing your face in the morning and evening is a simple way to remove oil and dirt from your face while making your pores less visible.
Moisturizing
You may think you don’t need a moisturizer if you struggle with clogged pores and oily skin. However, all dry, oily, or combination skin types benefit from daily moisturizing. After you’ve washed and dried your face, apply your moisturizer. Those with oily skin can still benefit from using a moisturizer; just look for one that’s oil free. Hydrated and softer skin helps oil produced by the sebaceous glands to penetrate deeper instead of sitting on top of the surface of the skin, which causes the appearance of large pores.
Exfoliation
A gentle exfoliant once a week can also be beneficial if you want to minimize pores and improve your skin health. It’s important to avoid over-exfoliating your skin and using a gentle facial scrub. If you use an exfoliant that is too harsh, you could end up damaging your skin which can cause swelling and the appearance of large pores.
If you struggle with oily skin, incorporating an exfoliant into your weekly routine can help tighten pores by removing dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil. Ingredients that you want to look for in your exfoliant are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, polyhydroxy acids that can strengthen the skin’s barrier, and mandelic acid if you have sensitive skin. Make sure to avoid any products with a high percentage of active ingredients, as they can be harmful to your skin. Most over-the-counter (OTC) products have 7-10%. Anything higher is usually prescribed by a board-certified dermatologist.
Be Gentle With Your Skin
When washing your face or applying skin care products, being gentle is essential. You never want to scrub your face harshly with a cleanser or exfoliant because it can irritate your skin and increase the appearance of pores. You also want to avoid squeezing and picking at your pores, which can cause more visible pores. Squeezing and messing with your pores can also cause more breakouts. Even though you may have washed your hands before touching your face, you have dirt and oil under your fingernails that can lead to breakouts and larger, clogged pores.
Call the Med Spa at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute Today
If you’re tired of how large your pores look and at-home treatments aren’t cutting it, schedule an appointment with Dr. Daneshmand at the Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute. Our MedSpa offer a wide range of non-invasive, innovative treatments to help you feel confident in your skin. When you love your skin, you feel like the best version of yourself. Schedule a free consultation by calling 949-359-8397 to begin your healthy skin journey today.