What causes large pores, and how to permanently get rid of them? (photo)

Genetics and age are the 2 main factors that contribute to pore size. People with thicker and oilier skin tend to have larger pores and as we age, our skin elasticity also decreases and this can make our pores look bigger. In acne-prone and congested skin, pores also become more prominent and dilated when they become clogged with dirt, sebum and pus.

It is not possible to "permanently" get rid of or shrink pores per se, but there are a few simple things you can do to minimise their appearance.

1. Regular cleansing of your face to prevent buildup of dirt, debris and sebum

2. Usage of topical products containing ingredients like retinol and vitamin C which increase collagen production and increase cell turnover. This will help to reduce the formation of comedomes, and in turn help with minimising the appearance of skin pores.

3. Exfoliation either with a gentle facial scrub once a week or doing gentle microdermabrasion during a facial treatment will also reduce buildup of oil, dirt and debris, hence minimising the appearance of pores

You can also consider doing aesthetic treatments like chemical peels, intense-pulsed light, laser skin resurfacing and laser skin tightening to improve the overall skin texture and minimise the appearance of pores.

Pores are very important structures within the skin. They allow oil and sweat to be released from the skin for lubrication and temperature regulation. However, in certain people, it may look more prominent.

Likely factors leading to larger pores include:

1. Gender: Men have genetically bigger pores, which contribute to the courser, more masculine look in men.

2. Poor skin quality due to ageing is a big contributor to large pores as the size of the pore opening is highly dependent on the quality of the supporting skin. Loss of skin elasticity leads to tired skin and flabby pores.

3. Oily skin contributes to large pore openings as excessive oil production leads to a build-up of grime at the pore openings. This results in larger pores, and eventually blackheads and whiteheads over time.

4. Photo-ageing (poor skin quality due to sun exposure over time) robs the skin of collagen, leading to inelastic skin and the appearance of larger pores.

5. Lifestyle does play a role. Factors like high-sugar diets, stress, sweat, smoke, and pollution contribute to the build-up of debris and dirt within the pores through increased sebum production and blockage of pores.

Below are ways to help reduce the pore size:

The first thing to do is to make sure you cleanse your face properly since a build-up of grime at the pore openings results in larger pores.

People with oily skin and overactive sebum production are more prone to clogged pores. In addition to having a good skincare regime, diet plays a role in helping us control the issue. Excessive consumption of fat and carbohydrate can lead to increase sebum production. For certain acne-prone individuals, medications like retinoids may be effective in controlling oil production and blocked pores.

Exfoliation reduces the build-up of dead skin and flushes away the grime build-up over pore openings.

As for machine-based treatments, the PicoSure laser is my top recommendation. PicoSure is a picosecond laser was approved by US FDA for treatment of acne scarring and pigmentation. It also helps reduce pore size.

It works by delivering an ultra-short pulse of energy to the skin in picoseconds (trillionth of a second) to create LIOB or laser-induced optical breakdown though photomechanical disruption. The repair process results in tightening of pores, improving its appearance. My patients like Picosure as it has minimal downtime and is suitable for Asian skin types.

Hope the above helps!

Cheers!

Dr. Terence Tan

Thanks for sharing your pictures. Your pores appear enlarged and visible from underlying congestion. This can clog up and enlarge the surface opening.

Proper skincare can cause the pores to shrink. BHAs can penetrate pores and unclog them. Medical skincare like retinoids can also unclog pores, decrease oil secretion and stimulate collagen.

Various energy based devices like lasers and Radiofrequency can also enhance their appearance. They can improve visibly but may be difficult to completely eradicate. It is important to use skincare well while doing medical procedures.

I would advise a personal consult to properly assess your problem. Your skin type also matters in deciding the suitable skincare or treatment routine.

Hope this helps!