Large Pores – Shellharbour Skin

What do Enlarged Pores refer to?

Small openings called pores are present on the skin’s surface, and they excrete oil and sweat. We use the term “enlarged pores” to describe the expansion or increase in size above normal.

Enlarged pores primarily occur because of an excess production of oil, skin congestions or blackhead activity, which causes the skin’s collagen to over stretch to accommodate. This results in the pores becoming stretched and enlarged. Enlarged pores are most commonly seen on the nose, forehead and chin areas, also known as the “T-zone”. They are also more common with patients who present with oily skin types. Enlarged pores can also occur when you pick or squeeze your skin.

Skin Cosmeceuticals have the power to transform your skin in a positive way that is visible.

Different brands of cosmeceutical products have varying philosophies and formulations. At Shellharbour Skin, we have handpicked brands that are safe, ethical, and elegant.

Who gets enlarged pores?

People of all ages and ethnic groups can see enlarged pores. Certain ethnic groups may have larger pores, particularly those of African and Indian ancestry. Pores often appear larger with age.

The question of whether men or women are more prone to large pores is surrounded by conflicting data. The size of pores in women can vary throughout the menstrual cycle, with the largest pores typically seen during ovulation.

What causes enlarged pores?

Factors that may lead to enlarged pores include:

Increased sebum production
Hair follicle size
Use of comedogenic products
Loss of skin elasticity with age
Sun damage.

Acne is linked to enlarged pores, occasionally revealing open comedones. The weakening of sebaceous gland and hair follicle openings because of inflammatory acne can lead to enlarged pores, making them more susceptible to blockage.

What is the treatment for enlarged pores?

Treatments that focus on preventing and shrinking large pores are not very effective. They include:

Avoidance of skin creams that induce blackheads and whiteheads
Weight loss (which is reported to reduce sebum production)
Chemical peels
Topical nicotinamide
Plant-derived copper chlorophyllin complexes
L-carnitine
Topical retinoids.

Oral treatments that are used for acne may also help. These include:

Physical treatments targeting the sebaceous glands may help enlarged pores. These include:

Laser treatment
Radiofrequency micro-needling (skin needling).

Benefits of Skin Cosmeceuticals

There are a variety of benefits to using Skin Cosmeceuticals, such as

Creating a visible, positive change to your skin
They feel gentle and nurturing to the touch, which will help with consistency of use
They contribute to the long-term health of your skin
Suitable for most skin types and ages
They don’t contain ingredients which will cause harm

Skin Cosmeceutical consultation at Shellharbour Skin

To assist you in selecting which cosmeceutical products are right for you, register at our Shellharbour clinic for an initial consultation with our qualified clinical team. During your consultation, you will discuss your lifestyle and health, including medical history, allergies, and any medications or supplements you may be taking. It is important to mention any allergic reactions to drugs or skin care products you may have experienced in the past and any other recent beauty treatments you’ve had. These factors affect how your skin responds to using new products.

We can plan a skin product regime for you that is based on your individual needs and assessment.

What to expect?

When used correctly, the right product or team of products will create a biological and visible change in the skin. Using Skin Cosmeceuticals will yield the best results when used with consistency in mind. Depending on the type of product/s you are using, you may notice improvements in skin brightness, texture, vibrancy, or hydration. Your clinician can describe your particular product outcome with you to assist in a comprehensive understanding of expectations.

Active ingredients that are new to the skin may produce a ‘purge’; skin purging is a temporary skin reaction during which the skin becomes dry, red, and irritated and experiences minor breakouts in response to a new product a person has introduced into their skin care regime. Skin purging will resolve and is usually a sign that the product works as intended. Discussing this with your clinician is an important part of the consultation process.

Cost of Skin Cosmeceuticals in the Illawarra

The cost of cosmeceutical products varies from patient to patient and depends on the number and type of products recommended- to achieve the results you desire. We always recommend that our patients have an initial consultation in our clinic to determine the cost of a comprehensive skincare routine. The clinician can assess your problem areas and develop a customised product plan based on your goals and concerns.

Results of using Skin Cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceutical skin products work in various ways, some nourish and moisturise the skin, while others increase cell turnover and exfoliate the skin. Some products will endeavor to create long-term skin changes, and these changes will begin after consistent use. There are no general rules for how long results should last or how effective they are and will vary from patient to patient, especially patients are exposed to excessive UV rays, cigarette or e-cigarette smoke, excessive alcohol consumption or poor diet.

We’ve gathered results from some favourite skin staples below.

Cleansers:

leave skin clean, balanced and soft
increase hydration and aid in skin barrier support

Exfoliants:

exfoliate for smooth and refined skin
leave skin brighter and clearer

Vitamins:

regulate skin turnover
reduce skin inflammation
preserve and stimulate collagen
regulate excess oil
regulate pigment production for brightening

Sun Protection:

provide broad-spectrum solar protection
calms skin and reduces risk of burn when used liberally

Risks & complications

Regardless of the type of Skin Cosmeceutical you are using, you should know the associated risks and complications before deciding. Using active skin care may carry the following risks and complications: