If you feel like you’ve got pores the size of ping-pong balls, you're not alone! Most Singaporen women seem to be on a mission to get rid of them.
We'll start this article with the bad news first: Pores are a structural part of your skin, so you can't actually shrink them. What you can do, however, is to make them look less obvious.
Dr Kellyn Shiau, an experienced aesthetic doctor gave some advice to readers who asked about the possibility of permanently tightening enlarged pores on her face.
Here's her best advice on how you can minimise those pesky big pores.
First and foremost, put a hold on your facial
A reader who used to have bad skin (really oily + acne) asked Dr Kellyn if it was advisable for her to go for facials to help minimise her large pores.
Dr Kellyn explained that enlarged pores are a major concern for many of her patients, and this condition can be quite tricky to treat.
Pores look more prominent when they are clogged with oil and dirt, or when it's saggy. Instead of facials, she suggested another way to reduce pore size: laser treatments.
Treatment for tightening pores can be divided into two groups
Dr Kellyn advised that there are two types of treatment: those with downtime and those without.
You would have to think about how fast you want the treatment to be, and how long you can afford to have downtime.
In a hurry? A carbon laser peel might be your thing
If you'd like to tighten your pores without the downtime, you might want to consider going for a carbon laser peel treatment.
The carbon laser peel can help to reduce pore size without any downtime. To achieve better results, you can go for this procedure every 2 weeks.
How does carbon laser peel treatment work?
Dr Kellyn explained that carbon laser peel is a procedure that works together with a thin layer of fine liquid carbon that is applied to the skin.
After application, the liquid carbon penetrates deep into the pores. So, when the laser is passed over the area, it destroys the carbon, taking dead skin cells, contaminants and oil with it.
This procedure has no downtime and can be done every two weeks.
Try ablative lasers if you have the luxury of time
If downtime can be tolerated, ablative lasers such as the fractional CO2 or RF microneedling with Intracel or Infini, can be used to produce better, longer lasting results.
Typically, this treatment can be repeated monthly.
How does the fractional laser treatment work?
Fractional lasers can help minimise pore size through a combination of skin tightening and collagen stimulating effects.
Depending on the laser setting, this treatment can also do wonders to improve acne scars left behind from previous outbreaks. This usually comes with some downtime (redness, scabs) for up to 5- 7 days.
For the best results, have 4-8 sessions done
Whether you choose to go for a carbon peel or ablative laser, Dr Kellyn recomends that you go for at least 4-8 sessions in order to achieve the most effective results.
Alternatively, skin boosters are effective pore tighteners
Besides reducing pore size, skin boosters can help to keep skin well-hydrated and improve texture.
Last but not least, keep your skin well-hydrated
By maintaining good hydration levels for your skin, you'll be able to maintain its health so you can work towards a clearer and smoother skin.
Cleanse well, exfoliate, nourish, and treat your skin proper for the smallest-looking pores, ever.
This article is medically reviewed by Dr Kellyn Shiau.
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