Shrink Your Pores

Pores are essential to healthy skin and a healthy body. They help eliminate waste, allow us to cool down, and release oils vital to skin health. There are two types of pores, oil pores and sweat pores. Knowing the difference and how to keep your pores clean is the first step to shrinking the appearance of pores. Often, pore size is genetically determined. However, pore size can change depending on various factors like age, sun exposure, skin trauma, or if they become clogged with dirt and oil. Let’s look at the different options on how to minimize their size. 

The first thing you can do is to exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. Exfoliation helps remove excess oil and dead skin. One of the more popular options is a chemical peel. SkinMedica, a professional skincare line available only in physicians’ offices, offers a range of peels that provide different exfoliation levels with minimal downtime. When used regularly, peels help prevent clog pores and the resulting acne. The frequency of peels depends on an individual’s skin type and sensitivity. 

Another effective treatment in reducing the appearance of pores is HydraFacial. A Hydra Facial exfoliates the top layers of skin and allows for the delivery of the antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid deep into the skin layers. It’s non-invasive and has no discomfort or downtime. 

A third option is microneedling. It is important to remember that not all microneedling is the same. At The Skin Care Center, we use Rejuvapen Microneedling. This technology allows a skilled aesthetician to stimulate the skin’s collagen production by creating tiny “micro” injuries to the skin at a precise depth. The result is firmer skin with improved texture and clarity. Pores appear smaller, and it also helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles. 

Other proven treatments of make pores less noticeable include AquaGold, PRP, and mirco-Botox. AquaGold is a customizable treatment designed to enhance any facial treatment. The practitioner can fill it with a variety of vitamin solutions and can even add Botox if needed. It brightens and improves skin quality. Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, uses patients’ platelets to stimulate collagen production and promote healing. Usually, PRP is combined with a microneedling treatment for maximum benefit. Mirco-Botox does not impact muscle movement but can reduce the skin’s oil production, which reduces the appearance of pores.

Lasers and similar technologies have long been a favorite treatment for pore size. The reason: They work. From treatments like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and PicoSure Facial to more intense treatments like ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers, a skilled practitioner can design a treatment plan to address each patient’s needs precisely. 

Some studies show that by injecting fillers somewhat frequently, you can build collagen, leading to a smaller appearance of pores. Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery and The Skin Care Center have access to all dermal fillers on the marketing, including Juvederm, Voluma, Vollure, Restylane, and Belotero. Depending on the type of filler used and where it’s placed, you can expect the filler to last six months up to two years.

If you want to see what options are best for you and your pores, schedule a free consultation with one of our skincare experts at The Skin Care Center at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery.