Concerns: Pores & Textured Skin

Pores are the tiny openings in your skin that allow for the exchange of gases and liquids. Connected to hair follicles, they facilitate the release of sweat and sebum (the natural oil produced by your body). Pores are located wherever oil glands are present, but they're most prevalent on the face. When pores become clogged, they can cause a variety of different skin issues ranging from whiteheads and blackheads to cysts and nodules.

Pore size is one of the factors that impacts clogging: Large pores are more prone to getting clogged, and clogged pores are more prone to becoming enlarged. Smaller pores, on the other hand, are more likely to remain free and clear, leaving your skin smooth and unblemished.

In addition to the concerns that come from clogging, large pores can also contribute to uneven skin. Along with dryness, aging, sun damage, and the build-up of dead skin cells, they can create an appearance and texture that is rough and inconsistent instead of smooth and supple.

Understanding the causes of large pores and textured skin is the first step toward mitigating these issues. The second step, is to be aware of the treatment options that exist so that you can choose the right one for your particular circumstances.

What Causes Large Pores & Textured Skin?

If you have large pores that are contributing to textured skin, you may be wondering what's the root cause. Below are some of the most common reasons why pores become enlarged—some of which are well within your control!

Sun Damage

The sun gives us warmth, light, and Vitamin D, but it can wreak havoc on the size of your pores if you're not careful. When UVA rays penetrate your skin, they can begin to break down the collagen and elastin that give structure to your skin. Subsequently, your skin may begin to sag, pulling your pores open more widely.

Fortunately, there's an easy fix for this one. Be smart about your sun exposure (avoid the midday sun, wear a hat, and use a dermatologist-recommended protective sunscreen). Your pores will thank you!

Hormones

Hormones can stimulate the glands that produce sebum, which can directly impact your skin health and pore size. While hormones fluctuate naturally to a certain extent, there can also be many causes for hormone imbalances that are best addressed and solved by a healthcare professional.

Rosacea

If you suffer from Rosacea, a common skin condition that causes excess blushing and facial redness, you may be prone to larger-than-normal pores as well. A dermatologist can advise you on the best skincare routine to address your concerns based on your specific symptoms.

Acne

Though acne is most often associated with puberty, it can occur (or recur) at all ages. Whiteheads and blackheads result from clogged pores, which may become further enlarged, thus contributing to a vicious cycle.

Genetics

Sometimes large pores are genetic. If your parents or other family members have large pores, you may have inherited them too. If this is the case, large pores may become even more pronounced as you age.

Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin (not to be confused with dry skin caused by a lack of sebum) occurs when your body loses more water than it retains. Along with itching, dull complexion, and dark circles under the eyes, it's also characterized by dilated pores. Dehydrated skin can be addressed with hydrating products, but if your skin is chronically dehydrated there may be a more serious underlying cause.

Treating Large Pores & Uneven Skin Texture

Let's debunk a couple of common misconceptions: You cannot actually shrink your pores, nor do they naturally expand and contract like your eye's pupil.

But, don't despair, while you may not be able to permanently reduce the size of your pores, you can minimize their appearance by keeping them clean and giving a boost to your skin's elastin and collagen production.

Here are a few other solutions for the treatment of large pores and uneven skin texture:

AHAs

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are chemical exfoliants that help smooth and soften skin while also reducing the appearance of pores. Commonly referred to as fruit acids, they can be derived from sugar cane and other plants, and can be found in many skin care products.

BHAs

Like AHAs, beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that can help rejuvenate skin and smooth uneven texture by removing dead skin cells. BHAs are particularly effective in treating rough, bumpy, and acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid (one of the compounds found in BHAs) is derived from the bark of plants such as White Willow and Wintergreen.

Exfoliating

Gentle manual exfoliation is another common method for removing dead skin cells, enhancing skin uniformity, and keeping pores clear and unclogged. Look for a scrub that is dermatologist recommended, and never exfoliate if your skin is open, wounded, or sunburnt.

Microneedling

Microneedling is an aesthetic treatment that can reduce skin imperfections, contribute to even skin tone, and enhance collagen levels in the skin. Performed by a trained aesthetician, it involves using an extremely tiny needle (0.5-2.5 mm in length) to create hundreds to thousands of precise micro-injuries per second. Though it may sound counterintuitive,microneedling actually stimulates your skin's natural healing response and can be used to help reverse the aging process and treat a wide range of dermatological issues.

Professional Microneedling Services in Surrey& Burnaby

At Spotless Laser in Surrey and Burnaby, our professionally trained medical aestheticians are experienced in advanced microneedling techniques that promote healthy, blemish-free skin. We exclusively use SkinPen, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, to achieve outstanding results for our clients with the utmost attention to their safety and comfort.

Are you ready to take action to revitalize your skin? With just a few short microneedling sessions, you can improve your skin texture and reduce the appearance of your pore size for months and years to come.

Contact the team at Spotless Laser in Surrey and Burnaby to find out more about our microneedling treatments and book your first appointment!

Call Now 778-379-5200