If it seems like the pores on your face are getting larger as you get older, you’re not imagining things. Enlarged pores are often one of the many insults that happen to our skin as we get older. Additionally, people who have oily skin typically have larger pores as well.
Every person produces sebum, which is an oil-based substance that prevents your face from becoming too dry. It also acts as a buffer against water damage. The problem arises when your body produces too much sebum and causes your pores to become enlarged when oil and dirt are present.
Since acne scars and enlarged pores can look similar, some people assume that one causes the other. This isn’t necessarily the case. People with oily skin do struggle more with acne, but that doesn’t always lead to enlarged pores. It has more to do with aging, skin type, and hormonal influences.
Understanding How Enlarged Pores Happen
Children and young adults have amazingly elastic skin. But starting somewhere around middle age, the skin starts to lose its elasticity. This starts some of the well-known signs of aging in motion, such as deeply set wrinkles. It also leads to larger pores in both men and women. Damage incurred from exposure to the sun is another common cause of enlarged pores. Years of sun exposure cause the skin to thicken and your pores to expand.
It’s more common to see enlarged pores in men than women, except during times of heavy hormonal influence. This can include pregnancy, the monthly menstrual cycle, and the long process of menopause.
But take hope! Regardless of the size of your pores or how they developed, a dermatologist can help you get them to normal size with a simple outpatient treatment.
Laser Therapy and Chemical Peels
Skin revitalization with PicoSure laser therapy tightens and smoothens the skin to reduce pore size and the damage caused by aging, sun exposure, or smoking. The laser emits infrared pulses of light energy that reach the deepest layers of your skin. This corrects the problem at its source for long-lasting results. You will have brighter skin with improved elasticity that naturally gives you a younger appearance.
A chemical peel is an effective way to treat enlarged pores because it increases the cell turnover rate on your face. This means that your body will produce new, healthier cells at a faster rate than it did before treatment. The chemicals in the mixture cause the top layer of skin to blister and peel off, revealing a new skin layer with smaller pores.
Fight Back Against the Effects of Aging
You can’t always stop enlarged pores, but you don’t have to live with them if you don’t want to. Click here to learn more about laser therapy, chemical peels, and other potential treatments at Dermatology Associates that we can use to reduce the size of your pores and give you the appearance you desire.
Dermatology Associates offers a full spectrum of leading edge medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services from offices in Savannah and Vidalia.
