Enlarged Pores
What Causes Enlarged Pores?
- Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining your skin type, including pore size. If your parents had enlarged pores, there's a higher likelihood that you may experience the same.
- Age: As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, leading to a reduction in skin elasticity. This can cause pores to appear larger as the skin loses its firmness.
- Excessive Oil Production: Overactive oil glands can contribute to enlarged pores. When excess oil combines with dead skin cells and other debris, it can clog the pores, making them appear larger.
- Sun Damage: Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can damage the collagen in the skin, leading to a breakdown in its structure. This can result in enlarged pores over time.
- Poor Skincare Habits: Neglecting proper skincare, such as inadequate cleansing or using harsh products, can contribute to the accumulation of debris in the pores, making them more noticeable.
Effective Treatments for Enlarged Pores
Topical Retinoids: Retinoids, such as retinol and prescription-strength tretinoin, are known for their ability to stimulate collagen production and promote cell turnover. This can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores over time.
Microneedling: Microneedling involves the use of tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen synthesis. This process helps tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. This can be further enhanced using exosome technology as an add on.
Medical grade skincare: Adopting a consistent and gentle skincare routine is essential. This includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising regularly to keep the pores clean and the skin healthy. A routine including salicylic acid to deep cleanse the pores is ideal. Dr Sarah can guide you to a wide variety of carefully curated skincare brands including Alumier, SkinBetter and Neostrata to get the best out of your skin.
Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve the application of a solution to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin. This can improve skin texture, unclog pores, and reduce their apparent size.