Prominent or Large Pores

What are prominent pores?

Prominent pores refer to visible and enlarged openings on the skin's surface, often more noticeable on the seborrhoeic areas of the face, such as the medial cheeks and nose.

They can become more apparent due to factors like sun damage and decreased skin elasticity. Individuals with oily skin (increased sebum production) or a family history of enlarged pores may be more susceptible to this condition. There is no known way to ‘cure’ prominent pores, but there are methods that can help manage and reduce their appearance for smoother skin.

What causes prominent pores?

Prominent or large pores can stem from:

• Increase in the contents of the pores: this can occur due to increased sebum production, especially in acne-prone skin, due to lifestyle and dietary factors such as stress, consumption of high-glycaemic-index foods, and dairy. Another contributor is the use of comedogenic products that occlude the pore.
• Weakening of the wall of the pore: sun damage and ageing typically result in loss of skin elasticity, thus weakening the pore’s wall. Genetics and follicle distortion due to previous trauma or inflammation, especially in acne, can cause prominent or enlarged pores.

Understanding these factors is crucial in addressing and managing enlarged pores, allowing you to make informed choices about skincare and lifestyle practices to minimise their impact on your skin's appearance.

Can we shrink pores permanently?

Pore size is often dependent on genetic factors and age. While treatments can be performed at regular intervals to minimise the appearance of pores, they are not able to shrink pores down permanently.

Who is at risk of prominent pores?

While anyone can be affected by prominent pores, certain factors may increase an individual’s risk; these are:

• Oily skin types: individuals with oily skin types are more prone to enlarged pores.
• Age: pores appear more noticeable as structural support for the pore weakens with age.
• Gender: men typically produce more sebum than women and tend to have larger pore sizes.
• Environment: living in a high-humidity environment naturally leads to prominent pores due to increased sebum production.
• Sun damage: individuals with cumulative sun damage are more likely to have enlarged pores.
• Acne and acne scarring: inflammation from acne can cause pores to enlarge, and acne scarring can further exacerbate the appearance of pores.
• Genetics: genetics play a role in determining skin type and structure, affecting pore size.

How do you distinguish sebaceous filaments from blackheads and whiteheads?

• Sebaceous filaments are tiny, cylinder-like structures formed from sebum and dead skin cells lining the pores. Sebaceous filaments are uniform in appearance and do not become inflamed. They are a natural part of the skin and not a manifestation of acne. 
• On the other hand, blackheads and whiteheads often refer to comedones that can either be open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads). Clogged pores are larger and more variable in size and appearance. They are often a precursor to acne and can become inflamed with time.

How are prominent pores evaluated?

Diagnosing prominent pores begins with a detailed visual and physical examination conducted by a dermatologist. We will evaluate the size, distribution, and general appearance of the pores while also considering factors such as age, ethnicity, and any hormonal fluctuations that may influence skin condition. 

This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects affecting your skin's health are considered. A thorough skincare consultation will also be conducted to identify any practices contributing to your pores' visibility.

This diagnostic process is crucial as it forms the basis for creating a personalised skincare or treatment regimen designed to address and manage your specific concerns regarding prominent pores effectively. We aim to provide the most suitable solutions to enhance your skin's appearance and health.

What are the treatment options for prominent pores?

When addressing concerns related to prominent pores, it is important to outline a range of treatment options tailored to individual skin types and concerns. Treatment aims to reduce the appearance of prominent pores and improve overall skin health and texture.

• Topical treatments:
  • Retinoids: prescription-strength retinoids or over-the-counter-retinol can help increase cell turnover and unclog pores.
  • AHAs and BHAs: look out for ingredients like salicylic acid, which is oil soluble. This allows it to penetrate pores better to control seborrhoea and provide gentle exfoliation.
  • Use non-comedogenic skin products: look for the non-comedogenic and oil-free label before purchasing or applying skin care products.
• Chemical peels: dermatologist-administered chemical peels can exfoliate the skin, remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, and stimulate new skin growth while minimising the appearance of pores.
• Comedone extractions: manual extractions can help unclog pores.
• Laser treatments: non-ablative fractional lasers (MOXI Laser, picosecond lasers, radiofrequency microneedling, and fractional carbon dioxide lasers are effective means of treating prominent pores. Your skin type and the underlying cause of your condition will determine the choice of laser. A combination of lasers is often used to maximise results.
• Prescription medications: oral treatment for acne management, such as combined oral contraceptives, spironolactone, and isotretinoin, may also reduce pore size.

Consulting with a dermatologist will help tailor a suitable plan, considering your skin type, overall health, and specific concerns. Engaging in a comprehensive approach, combining suitable skincare practices and, if necessary, medical interventions, can contribute to more effective pore management.

Frequently asked questions

Are prominent pores a skin concern for all ages?

Yes, prominent pores can be seen in all ages and ethnic groups. While they often become more noticeable with age, certain factors such as genetics and ethnic background can contribute to larger pores.

By considering genetic predisposition, skin type, and the natural ageing process, we develop customised treatment plans that include topical treatments, professional procedures, and lifestyle advice to help manage and reduce the visibility of prominent pores for clients at any stage.

Are toners effective in reducing pore size?

Toners may contain ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and niacinamide, which help regulate sebum production.

It's important to note that while toners with these ingredients can help manage pore size, they do not permanently alter the size of pores but can improve their appearance with regular use. Additionally, toners can restore the skin's pH balance, offer additional cleansing, and provide protection against environmental stressors.

What can I incorporate into my skincare routine to minimise the appearance of prominent pores?

• Opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic products with a lightweight finish.
• Implement a double-cleansing routine in the evening. Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
• Incorporate gentle chemical exfoliation once or twice a week, e.g. AHAs, BHAs, PHAs.
  • AHAs (e.g. glycolic acid, mandelic acid) work on the skin’s surface to exfoliate dead skin cells.
  • BHAs (e.g. salicylic acid) penetrate deeper into pores to remove excess oil.
  • PHAs (e.g., gluconolactone) exfoliate the skin gently while providing moisture, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
• Apply a lightweight moisturiser to strengthen the skin barrier function.

Are there non-invasive treatments for reducing prominent pores?

Professional treatments that can help minimise the appearance of pores available at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic include:

• Prescription grade retinoids
• Regular extractions
• Chemical peels
• Picosecond lasers
• Fractional non-ablative lasers
• Fractional ablative lasers
• Radiofrequency microneedling