Perfecting the pores

We often hear tips on how to “close” pores, such as rubbing ice cubes on the face or washing the face with cold water. Unfortunately, those tips don’t really work, because pores do not open and close. In fact, pores do not have muscles around them, so they are not able to contract or relax. Arrectorpili muscles (small muscles attached to hair follicles), on the other hand, can contract, which might make pores look smaller.

Pores do, however, become enlarged as we age. This is because dead skin cells, dirt and oils can become trapped in our pores. These dirty bits remain trapped in the pores and continue to build up, and the pores expand to accommodate them. Therefore, the pores appear larger. In summer, the skin tends to get oilier, and the heat also means more sweat, more dirt, and more build-ups. That’s why pore problems often become worse at this time of year.

While foundation and other make-up might cover the problem temporarily, they can often worsen the situation over time. Pore minimisers, for instance, are sometimes made with silicone, which can clog the pores and make the problem worse.

Keeping the skin clean is crucial if you want to prevent your pores from becoming more enlarged. 

Choose a cleanser that matches your skin condition. Facial cleanser with salicylic acid can help unclog your pores. However, if it is too concentrated, it might irritate the skin.

To improve your complexion, you might consider Fraxel laser treatment, which is an excellent option for shrinking enlarged pores. Fraxel is a non-invasive laser therapy that delivers fractional lasers to penetrate top skin layers. 

Fraxel light energy stimulates collagen, and resurfaces the top skin layer. The skin’s natural rejuvenation process smoothes wrinkles and pores by stimulating collagen production. 

Fraxel treatment usually takes only 30-45 minutes, and most patients see results after the first treatment. Results typically take 1-3 weeks to take effect. There is no downtime, and you can apply make-up after the treatment. 

After Fraxel treatment, it is important to protect the skin from UV rays. Unprotected sun exposure can lead to prolonged post-inflammatory redness or pigmentation after laser resurfacing. You should wear SPF30 or higher sunscreen daily and try to avoid strong sunlight. Usually, this should not affect most normal lifestyle.

Fraxel treatment is generally safe, but you should never leave your skin to untrained hands. Improper use of the device may lead to blistering and burns, which can leave scars on your skin. It’s not worth the risk, because scars are even harder to treat than enlarged pores. 

 

THANISORN THAMLIKITKUL MD is a |member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her |to [email protected]