What to Do About Enlarged Pores

Good news: enlarged pores aren’t a medical concern. If you’ve noticed your pores appear larger, you need not fear significant discomfort or pain.

However, addressing the underlying causes of enlarged pores may improve how your skin looks and feels. There are steps you can take at home, and your dermatologist can give you further guidance for more targeted and specialized solutions.

Here are some things the experts at our dermatology and cosmetic center suggest if you have enlarged pores.

What to Know About Enlarged Pores

Know the Causes of Enlarged Pores

A 2016 study by the National Institutes of Health found that enlarged pores are most often caused by:

• Excessive Sebum (Oil): When a person’s sebaceous glands produce a lot of oil, pores can become more enlarged.

• Decreased Skin Elasticity: Pores can become enlarged when the skin around the pore becomes less supple.

• Increased Hair Follicle Volume: When the pore at the end of a hair follicle becomes clogged, that pore can enlarge.

Genetics can also determine pore size, so it may not be possible to make pores smaller beyond a certain point. But no matter the pore size you were born with, you can take steps and choose skin care treatments that prevent them from enlarging further.

Take Steps to Reduce Pore Size in Your Skin Care Routine

According to Medical News Today, working these healthy habits into your at-home skin care routine can reduce the appearance of pores and improve the overall look and feel of your skin:

• Choose water-based moisturizers and gel-based cleansers.

• Wash your face twice a day in lukewarm water.

• Gently exfoliate 1-2 times a week.

• Use clay masks when skin becomes too oily.

• Moisturize daily after washing and drying your face.

Along with the above, we strongly suggest wearing sunscreen to reduce the risk of sun damage whenever you go outside. You should apply sunscreen even if it doesn’t seem hot and even if you’re not in direct sunlight.

Sun damaged skin, along with putting you at risk for developing more serious skin conditions, is one of the top reasons for enlarged pores, dry skin, and other uncomfortable skin issues.

Seek Dermatologist-Recommended Treatment

Sometimes, even with diligent at-home skin care, you need an extra boost to get your pores looking their best and your skin feeling softer and smoother. Your dermatologist can help you find a balanced approach, with solutions that best fit your skin condition. Here are some treatment options that might be suggested:

• HydraFacial: a HydraFacial can be customized to treat a wide range of skin conditions, including enlarged pores. You can also include add-ons or request specific HydraFacial treatments to better address the root causes of pore enlargement.

• Chemical Peel: A chemical peel safely removes the skin’s surface layers to stimulate the growth of renewed, healthier-looking skin. Along with reducing pore size, chemical peels are often used to reduce the appearance of aging, enrich and moisturize dry skin, and mitigate sun damage.

• Specialty Skin Care Products: Over-the-counter skin cleansers and moisturizers sometimes don’t contain the ideal blend of ingredients and can exacerbate skin conditions if they’re poor quality. Dermatologist-recommended skin care products are more likely to get results and to get them sooner when used as prescribed (compared to over-the-counter alternatives).

Manage Pore Appearance Effectively with North Pacific Dermatology

As a trusted medical dermatology and cosmetic center, North Pacific Dermatology has the expertise to recommend customized skin care treatments to improve the size and appearance of pores. Whether you’re looking for cosmetic dermatology services, dermatologist-recommended cleansers, or a combination of treatments, we care about helping you get the best possible results from your skin care, whether at home or in our office.

We’re eager to help you improve the look and feel of your skin in ways that matter most to you. Contact the experts at North Pacific Dermatology to make your appointment today!