Medical Treatments for Large Pores

Large pores are common in people with oily skin. The natural aging process also causes an increase in pore size. Pores that are stretched will never permanently shrink, however there are medical treatments that work to diminish pore size. Home remedies are available at a lower cost, but only mask pore size for a short period of time.

Cause

Large pores in oily skin are caused by over treating or drying of the skin, which causes an excess of dead cells in pores, causing the pores to stretch and enlarge. Aging of the skin has the same stretching effect on the pores, as they enlarge due to excess sun exposure and loss of skin elasticity.

Microdermabrasion Treatment

Microdermabrasion treatment for large pores involves using a machine on the skin that pushes out a stream of crystals. This procedure will clean and shrink pores and clear out dead skin cells. The skin shows a noticeable change in texture and tone after one treatment. Microdermabrasion is a low risk treatment that has no downtime for the patient. A treatment takes 30 to 45 minutes with side effects being dry flaking skin for several days after.

IPL Photofacial Treatment

A photofacial treatment uses lasers and light therapy to shrink pore size. The treatment penetrates under the skin layer to initiate the growth of new collagen and connective tissue. A treatment takes approximately 30 minutes and can be painful to some people. The light flash is similar to the feeling of a rubber band snapping the skin. Side effects include face swelling and redness along with some bruising and blistering of the treated skin.

Chemical Peel Treatment

A chemical peel involves applying chemical solution to the face. This will exfoliate and smooth the skin when it is peeled off, causing the pores to tighten. The outer layer of skin is removed when the chemical layer is peeled. The treatment takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Side effects include redness along with itching and dry skin for several days and there may also be some additional peeling of the skin.

Makeup Tips

Applying a pre-foundation primer to the skin prevents the foundation makeup from soaking into the pores. Afterward, apply an oil-free foundation to the skin with a sponge. A cream to powder type foundation will mask the pores better than other types. Follow up with a translucent powder lightly dusted over the face.