Everything you need to know about open pores
Large pores remain one of the top skin concerns we see at La Belle Peau. They are caused by a variety of factors and understanding what causes large pores is the first step in determining the most effective treatment for each individual.
The top five causes of large pores
Most people suffering from large pores experience a combination of contributing factors. The top five causes are:
1. Oily skin
If you naturally have oily skin, it is very likely you will have enlarged pores. This is because excess oil can trap dead skin cells and dirt inside your pores, making your skin swell and your pores look larger than normal.
2. The natural ageing process
Ageing causes your skin to stretch due to loss of collagen and elasticity. Because pores are part of the skin, when the skin stretches with age, pores will stretch along with it and therefore appear larger.
3. Sun damage
UV damage contributes to large pores by accelerating the ageing process. Not only does sun damage breaks down your skin’s collagen and elastin, it reduces your skin’s ability to retain moisture. When your skin is dehydrated, your natural sebum flow becomes stronger and thicker to compensate. As a result, the pores can become clogged more easily and this contributes to the appearance of large pores.
4. Your gender and hormones
Biologically, men have more active sebaceous (oil) glands, and therefore more pores than women. However hormonal changes, like pregnancy, menstruation and puberty can increase sebaceous gland activity in women and this can contribute to the appearance of large pores.
5. Genetics
People who have inherited naturally oily or thick skin are likely to have larger pores since their oil glands are more active and, as a result, need a bigger opening for releasing oil.
How to reduce pore size
There is no singular treatment for open pores so at La Belle Peau, our approach to this skin condition is multi-faceted. To achieve smaller pores, first the pores must be cleared of any oil and dead skin cell build up, secondly the skin must be tightened and thirdly, oil flow must be regulated.
1. Treatments to help clear pores
These include treatments such as peels, microdermabrasion and extractions.
2. Treatments to help tighten skin
These are collagen induction treatments such as Skin Needling, Clear+Brilliant Laser, and HIFU.
3. Treatments to regulate oil flow
These are best done at home through skincare by drip-feeding your skin daily with active ingredients such as Mandelic acid (AHA), Salicin (BHA), salicylic acid (BHA), and Niacinamide (vitamin B3). We recommend Ultraceuticals Ultra Pore Smoothing Refiner which contains all of the above ingredients in a synergistic blend.
If your pores are enlarged due to ageing, we recommend using a good retinol product to stimulate new collagen and tighten your elastin fibres. Not all Vitamin A products work the same. We offer 10 different types of Vitamin A products from a variety of different brands to ensure we have the perfect solution for all skin types and conditions.
We created two signature 8-week programs to give you smaller pores, smoother skin texture and improved overall skin luminosity. For more information, click here.