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Our ‘pores’ – medical name ‘pilosebaceous units’ – are tiny tunnels with openings on the surface of our skin. They host hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which produce the protective skin oil sebum. ‘‘Enlarged pores, explains Byrne, refers to when these openings are visually apparent. They can occur because of genes, a disruption in the skin’s processes, or environmental wear and tear. And their appearance can be distressing.”
The pores themselves, however, are essential. “Our pores ensure skin maintenance,” emphasizes Byrne. “But their processes are complex, involving hormones and immune responses. If the interplay is disrupted, due to factors such as genes and the environment, different skin problems can result, including oily skin and acne.”
Enlarged pores are linked to oily skin, and their presence can also allow oil to accumulate and pimples to form.
Enlarged pores are also linked to aging and sun exposure. “As we age, the collagen-and-elastin framework that supports our skin breaks down,” states Byrne. “Our skin wrinkles and droops, which can pull our pores open. Much of the framework’s breakdown is due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays, which damage our skin’s underlying structure.”
“Because enlarged pores intersect with these other conditions,” observes Byrne, “when we take steps to minimize our pores, we can also address those problems.”
With that in mind, Byrne offers the following suggestions.
6 Tips on How to Minimize Pores – and Boost Your Skin’s Overall Appearance
1. ‘A’ is for smaller-looking pores – and Anti-aging, Anti-acne: “Research shows that topical vitamin A treatments – retinoids such as tretinoin and tazarotene – can minimize enlarged pores,” says Byrne. “They also can prevent pimples. And because they support collagen production, they are used to address aging skin, including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and looseness.”
2. Micro-treatments can have max results: “Microdermabrasion is a specialized form of exfoliation,” explains Byrne. “By deep-cleaning the pores, it can minimize their appearance, as well as address excess oil and pimples. With microneedling, we use tiny needles to trigger the skin’s collagen production. This helps rebuild the skin’s framework, tightening the surface to minimize pores – as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles.”
3. Chemical peels have all-around appeal: “Chemical peels,” notes Byrne, “are versatile: They can address issues related to pores, acne, and aging. As chemical exfoliants, they can clear pores, as well as stimulating collagen and elastin to minimize pores and wrinkles.”
4. Lasers can light the way: “Like microneedling,” says Byrne, “laser treatments help your skin’s support system by stimulating collagen and elastin. This can address enlarged pores – and other signs of aging, like wrinkles.”
5. The right OTC gives overall TLC: “A skin care routine that supports our pores,” notes Byrne, “will improve other issues, such as excess oil. Everyday care should include twice-a-day cleansing with a gentle non-comedogenic cleanser. A product with salicylic acid can help keep pores unclogged, but can be drying, so alternate use, for example, washing with it at night only. It’s important to follow cleansing with an oil-free moisturizer. A gentle chemical exfoliant can be added in twice a week. The key is ‘gentle’ – no scrubbing, no over-washing, no over-exfoliating.”
6. Sun protection saves your pores – and you: “UV rays are culprits in enlarged pores,” states Byrne. “They are also implicated in the wrinkling, sagging, and hyperpigmentation of aging skin. And, of course, they can cause cancer. We’ll do our pores, our skin, and our general health a huge favor if we protect ourselves from the sun.”
“Your skin care specialist,” concludes Byrne, “can help you create a plan that treats your pores – and your other skin-care needs as well.”
Bio: Christopher Byrne RPA-C is a certified physician assistant with Advanced Dermatology PC.
Advanced Dermatology P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (New York & New Jersey) is one of the leading dermatology centers in the nation, offering highly experienced physicians in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology as well as plastic surgery and state-of-the-art medical technologies. www.advanceddermatologypc.com. 888-747-5273
