Large Pores? SKN Dermatology Can Help!

Written By Samantha Ghiselli

Pores can get enlarged when they’re clogged with dirt, oil, dead skin cells, or other debris. Additionally, as part of the aging process and sun damage our skin  loses some of its structural support from collagen and elastin which can cause pores to enlarge over time. Large pores can be a frustrating skin concern but there are several steps you can take to minimize their appearance.

Check out some at-home and in-office tips from our team of board-certified dermatologists and aesthetician to combat this common skin concern.

Follow a comprehensive skin care routine at home.

  • Cleanser: Keep your skin clean by washing your face twice a day and after exercise with a non-comedogenic, gentle cleanser or a cleanser containing salicylic acid.

  • Exfoliator: Introduce an exfoliator. Exfoliating once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and make them appear larger.

  • Toner: Using a toner with alpha or beta hydroxy acids can help reduce the appearance of large pores by removing excess oil and debris.

  • Retinol: Incorporating a retinol product into your skincare routine can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores over time.

  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun with a daily broad-spectrum SPF prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which can contribute to larger pores.

Treat and manage acne.

  • Acne clogs your pores making them appear more noticeable.

  • Inflammation from acne causes dilation of the follicle which leads to enlargement on the pores.

  • Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists to get a customized Rx and non-Rx treatment regimen for your acne whether it is mild and intermittent or constant and more severe.

Be gentle with your skin.

  • Scrubbing your face won’t make it cleaner, but scrubbing can irritate your skin making your pores look larger.

  • Picking, squeezing, or digging into your pores can also irritate your skin, making pores look more noticeable and sometimes cause scarring.

Explore in-office treatments.

  • Facial Peels: Medical-grade facial peels with ingredients such as Glycolic, Salicylic and Lactic acid can help slough away layers of old skin to reveal smooth new skin and tighter pores.

    • See our Perfect Derma Peel featured in our aestheticians corner below. 

  • SilkPeel: A gentle process of exfoliation, infusion, and extraction in one simultaneous treatment through the use of specifically formulated serums targeted to treat problems of the skin.

  • Hydrafacial: Patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate, infusion of super serums and application of LED light therapy, gently exfoliate and leave your skin moisturized and glowing.

  • Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive exfoliating procedure that can be added on to any facial, and will  help to improve uneven skin texture and  tone for a brighter and smoother complexion.

If you have questions about how to manage your large pores, see one of our board-certified dermatologists or licensed aesthetician. They will evaluate your skin and develop a treatment plan and regimen just for you.

Favorite Products to Treat Large Pores

Cleansers

  • SkinCeuticals® Simply Clean – Gel cleanser for normal, combination or oily skin.

  • Senté Daily Soothing Cleanser – Calms and helps reduce visible redness with the nourishing properties of vitamin E and green tea extract.

Exfoliants

  • Senté Exfoliating Cleanser – For sensitive skin uses gentle ingredients like phytic acid and glycolic acid to reveal a smoother, brighter-looking complexion. Ideal for redness and irritation-prone skin, using just once or twice per week.

  • Micro Exfoliating Scrub – Gentle scrub delivers a mild and even exfoliation to improve texture and hydrate skin with silica, glycerin, and aloe leaf extract

Skin Hydration

  • Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5 – Smooths skin texture and helps improve skin tone, calms sensitive skin with anti-irritants and antioxidants.

  • Avène Retrinal 0.05 Cream / 0.1 Intensive Cream – Visibly reduces wrinkles while smoothing and renewing skin.

  • Tretinoin (by prescription only) – A derivative of vitamin A, known as a retinoid, fights acne, and helps improve fine lines and dark spots.

Sun Protection

  • EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – Lightweight sun protection of oily skin prone to acne and rosacea.

  • ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+ – Ultralight Emulsion with DNA Repairsomes®, all mineral, water resistant for everyday use.

AESTHETICIAN CORNER

When home care and proper medical-grade skin care is not enough, you may want to look into treatment options for your enlarged pores. Learn more about one of our favorite peels, The Perfect Derma™ Peel.

The Perfect Derma™ Peel is safe, effective medium depth peel for all skin types and ethnicities. This product is virtually painless, with no pre-peel skin preparation and little downtime. Reduce enlarged pores and build collagen and elastin for a healthier, firmer complexion.

Benefits:

  • Reduce the appearance of pore size

  • Improve the overall clarity, tone and texture of the skin

  • Reduce or eliminate hyperpigmentation, sun damage and Melasma

  • Improve acneic skin conditions and reduce acne scars

  • Stimulate the production of collagen, resulting in firmer, more youthful skin

Ingredients: TCA, Retinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Phenol, Glutathione and Vitamin C.

Samantha Ghiselli
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