What to Do About Enlarged Pores
Enlarged pores, or pores that are noticeably visible, aren’t fun for anyone. And if they’re accompanied by acne, you might be even more self conscious. While you can’t actually shrink the size of your pores, one particular cosmetic treatment can help reduce the appearance of large pores, making them appear smaller. Here’s why you should consider giving a dermatologist microdermabrasion treatment a try and how it can help you kick enlarged pores to the curb.
What to Know About Enlarged Pores
What Causes Enlarged Pores?
First, let’s talk about a couple of reasons why pores can appear so large in the first place, and why enlarged pores are often accompanied by acne.
Typically, enlarged pores are genetic, but they can also be caused by other issues. Pores are tiny openings on the skin that produce oil, known as sebum. They are also connected to the hair follicles that produce the vellus hair on the face (commonly referred to as “peach fuzz”). When these sebaceous glands produce excess oil, they can become much more noticeable. Add any dirt, sweat, or bacteria to this excess sebum and you’ve got a recipe for clogged pores.
When pores become clogged, they lead to breakouts like pimples and pustules or other acne-related skin conditions like blackheads and whiteheads. All of these issues can cause pores to appear larger. Using a high-quality skin care line specially formulated for oily or acne-prone skin is a good start. But there’s another dermatological treatment that can help minimize the appearance of large pores more noticeably.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Regular exfoliation is a critical part of any skincare regimen, but it is especially important for those with acne-prone skin. Sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells takes dirt, oil, and other debris with it, giving pores a chance to clear out and breathe. It’s recommended to exfoliate the skin rather than using products like pore strips, which may temporarily remove excess sebum from a few select pores but don’t help exfoliate the skin. Pore strips can also damage the skin.
Microdermabrasion is commonly prescribed as part of a comprehensive acne treatment regimen. Since you can only achieve so much with manual exfoliation on your own, getting a dermatologist microdermabrasion treatment periodically can help reach deeper levels. Depending on your skin type and specific skin care needs, your dermatologist may recommend a microdermabrasion treatment at anywhere from two to eight week intervals.
A dermatologist microdermabrasion treatment takes less than one hour and requires little to no downtime. It’s a superficial peeling therapy, meaning that it works on the top layers of the skin and therefore has few, if any, side effects. Occasionally some mild redness or flaking can occur for those with sensitive skin, but these should dissipate within a few days after treatment. Let your doctor know if you’re taking any retinol products or prescription retinoids, as these will need to be discontinued one week prior to treatment.
Contact Vanguard Dermatology
Want to give microdermabrasion a try or see if you’re a good candidate? If you’re in the greater New York City area, contact Vanguard Dermatology today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists.