Enlarged pores: causes, prevention and effective treatment methods

Enlarged pores are a common concern for many people, particularly affecting areas with active sebaceous glands such as the nose, forehead and cheeks. Their visible appearance can affect self-esteem, which is why modern medicine has developed a number of methods to reduce their size and improve the appearance of the skin. Here's what you need to know about enlarged pores, how to prevent them and treatment options!

Why do enlarged pores appear?

Enlarged pores can be caused by one or more of the following factors:

• genetic predisposition - pore size is largely genetically determined. So if people in your family have enlarged pores, you may also have this problem;
• excessive sebum production - Skin naturally produces an oil called sebum, which keeps skin moisturized and healthy. However, excessive production of sebum can cause your pores to enlarge, making them appear larger;
• the natural ageing process and sun exposure - Over time, collagen and elastin in the skin begin to deteriorate and pores can become more visible. Exposure to the sun can speed up this process, as UV rays damage these compounds in the skin, leading to loss of elasticity and enlarged pores;
• poor grooming routine - Using products that aren't compatible with your skin type can block pores with sebum and dead skin cells, causing them to dilate [1].

How can you prevent enlarged pores?

To maintain a healthy complexion and combat the unsightly appearance of enlarged pores, there are a few steps you can implement into your daily skincare routine:

• cleanse your skin regularly - Choose a gentle cleansing gel suited to your skin type and use it twice a day, morning and evening. Avoid harsh products that can dry skin and stimulate sebum production;
• exfoliate 1-2 times a week - Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, unblock pores and prevent the build-up of impurities. Choose a gentle exfoliator suited to your skin type, either as a fine scrub or an exfoliating gel;
• apply moisturizing products - Moisturizing is essential for healthy, supple skin. Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer suitable for your skin type and apply daily after cleansing;
• use sunscreen - to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every time you go outdoors, whatever the season;
• maintain a healthy lifestyle - Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and try to avoid processed foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars, which can worsen the appearance of enlarged pores. Drink an adequate amount of water to moisturize your complexion from the inside out, and make sure you get enough rest at night [2];
• consult a dermatologist - In order to receive a personalized assessment of your skin condition and establish an appropriate care plan, a consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. Cronos Med specialists can provide you with a full facial analysis, assisted by artificial intelligence, with the help of the device Magic Mirror. It evaluates your skin's key parameters such as pore size, moisture level, skin elasticity and pigmentation and allows you to customize your skincare plan to help you get the best results!

Treating enlarged pores: what are your options?

Fortunately, there are a variety of effective treatment methods that can help you achieve a smooth, even complexion if you're experiencing enlarged pores. Here's what they are:

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin in the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, wrinkles and scars. The procedure uses a fine micro needle device that creates controlled micro lesions in the skin. These microlesions trigger a natural healing process, stimulating the production of proteins essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity [3].

There are several types of microneedling devices available today. At Cronos Med we use the most modern versions. One of them is CronosDerm, a proprietary concept that creates around 25,000 microscopic channels per minute. These options offer exceptional results and ensure a comfortable experience. The recovery time is relatively short and the effectiveness in improving overall skin texture and tone is enhanced!

Intraceuticals

Another effective treatment that can help you achieve a smooth and even complexion while significantly reducing the appearance of enlarged pores is Intraceuticals. It uses hyperbaric oxygen, a special form of oxygen that allows better absorption of the active ingredients in the applied serums. The formulas used can be tailored to your skin care needs.

Thus, to fight enlarged pores and blemishes, you can apply the Booster formula, which contains vitamin A to fight blemishes, antioxidants to detoxify and reduce dark circles, vitamin C to fade pigmentation spots and collagen to rejuvenate the skin. Depending on your skin type, your Cronos Med specialist may recommend other formulas such as Rejuvenate, Atoxelene, Opulence or Clarity.

DermaFacial Preime

DermaFacial Preime is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve a smoother, more even complexion while significantly reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. The Préime DermaFacial System combines five advanced technologies to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, stimulate and moisturize the skin:

• Aqua B - uses a spiral motion combined with vacuum to cleanse and moisturize the skin, preparing it for the next steps;
• VibroX - Microdermabrasion with vibration and red LED light significantly improves skin tone and texture;
• MicroT - uses electrical micro-currents to tone facial muscles, visibly reducing skin laxity and re-contouring the face;
• Collagen+ - heats the skin evenly to an optimal temperature to stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin, providing firmness and rejuvenation;
• UltraB - uses high-frequency thermal ultrasound to increase the transdermal absorption of the active ingredients in Préime DermaCeuticals DermaCeuticals products, intensely moisturizing the skin [4].

Tixel

Tixel is another innovative solution for reducing enlarged pores and rejuvenating the skin. Utilizing thermo-mechanical ablation technology, Tixel creates tiny holes in the superficial layer of the skin using beams of thermal pixels. This process stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture and appearance, reducing enlarged pores and treating problems such as fine wrinkles and post-acne scarring. Tixel rejuvenation treatment is quick and painless and recovery is easy, allowing you to get back to your daily routine quickly. In addition, Tixel allows the active ingredients to penetrate efficiently into the deeper layers of the skin, maximizing the benefits of the treatment [1].

As you can see, there are many effective options for reducing enlarged pores and smoothing the complexion. The team of experienced dermatologists at Cronos Med can help you choose the right treatment for your skin type and skin care needs. Schedule a consultation at one of our locations now and enjoy a flawless, smooth and radiant complexion!

Sources of information:

[1] Whelan, Corey. "The Misnomer of Open Pores and How to Treat Them When They're Clogged." Healthline, Healthline Media, May 2, 2018, www.healthline.com/health/open-pores#causes. Accessed on May 20, 2024.

[2] "What Can Treat Large Facial Pores?" Aad.org, 2017, www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/treat-large-pores. Accessed on May 20, 2024.

[3] "Microneedling: What It Is, Uses, Benefits & Results." Cleveland Clinic, 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23113-microneedling. Accessed on May 20, 2024.

[4] "Preime DermaFacial® | the World's Most Advanced Aesthetic Facial Device." Preime