Open pores are an annoying concern to many of us. These simply appear as enlarged skin pores that get more noticeable with time. Those who have had acne or pimples on the face probably feel more conscious of this. When the pores are tight, it allows more light to be reflected giving more youthful and healthy skin. Sometimes, sebum secreted by the skin gets trapped inside the pores, oxidizing and turning the skin darker. Different skin types, genetics as well as your age can have an impact on pore size.

What happens to pores with age?

Until the 3rd decade of our lives, our skin undergoes desquamation (shedding) once in every 28 days. All of the dead skin and sebum get trapped inside the pores and the skin expands to fit all of this debris. As regular desquamation occurs, the pores stay relatively clear and clean. After the 3rd decade, this process slows down, ending up with the pores taking on more excess material before clearing naturally. Thus they expand and appear much larger than they are.                                                                The elastin and collagen that support the pores diminish over time causing them to sag and stretch. Elastin and collagen can further be degraded due to chronic and  cumulative sun damage.

What are the myths and misconceptions?

• We can shrink and close open pores
• Steaming can lessen the open pores
• Harsh scrubs and physical exfoliation can make the open pores go away!

How to deal with it?

Without open, functioning pores, the skin wouldn’t function as it should. So the pores are a constant – but the debris in them is what makes them look large and evident. Therefore, getting rid of the debris that blocks the pores is a key step to healthy looking skin. 

Removing any makeup or dirt gently and carefully is a good start. Regular use of biphasic makeup removers is always recommended. Weekly exfoliation with a gentle chemical exfoliator is vital. Topical tranexamic acid has been effective in minimizing the appearance of open pores. Topical retinol night creams  also help to keep the skin firm and keep the open pores less obvious.

Skin tightening/ lifting procedures with Radiofrequency devices are our favorite options when it comes to addressing open pores.  These results can be further boosted by microplasma radiofrequency, pixel RF, resurfacing peels, fractional Co2 lasers and fractional picosecond skin toning lasers.