Pores are an integral part of the skin and serve a number of important purposes, including as the openings through which hair grows. Oil and fluids that protect the skin from environmental pollutants come through the pores. People with oily skin tend to have larger pores, a trait that is inherited. Sun damage creates a ring around pores and makes them more visible. According to Derma Doctor, there are steps you can take to minimize the appearance of large pores.
Step 1
Clean your face daily with a mild exfoliate to keep the pores free of oil and dirt. Dead skin cells and oil can clog pores and cause blackheads, which then make the pores appear larger. At the same time, the excess oil causes the pores to expand and become even larger.
Step 2
Apply topical ointments that contain vitamin A to loosen up blackheads and reduce the size of your pores. Common brands used for minimizing pores and decreasing the signs of acne include Retin A, Tazorac and Renova. The treatments are available through a prescription from your doctor. An over-the-counter alternative that is weaker, yet effective, is called Retinol.
Step 3
Consider getting a dermabrasion procedure on your face. The outpatient surgery requires only a local anesthesia and removes the top layer of skin that holds the enlarged pores to allow fresh new, tighter skin to emerge. You'll experience redness for a few weeks before you'll see the effects following the sanding that took place. Pores will become much smaller within about two to three weeks, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Step 4
Get a photo rejuvenation treatment from a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. The procedure incorporates pulsed light to kill the melanin or blood vessels that surround the enlarged pores. According to Stonewater Skin & Laser in Minnesota, once the pores have been targeted by the intense light pulses, the blood vessels that were treated shrink. The gentle heating of the skin requires only a local anesthesia and no down time.
Tips and Warnings
- Your pores may not be as large as you think, especially if you spend time examining them under a magnifying mirror. Put down the mirror and accept your pore size as a part of your genetic makeup.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands to reduce the amount of dirt that gets in your pores. According to the National Institutes of Health, using your fingers to squeeze the oil out of pores can cause scarring and increase the size of the pore.
Things You'll Need
- Mild exfoliate
- Vitamin A ointment
- Dermabrasion
- Photo rejuvenation
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