Pores play an important role in your health, allowing sweat and oil to reach the skin’s surface. While having visible pores is normal, large pores are a common aesthetic concern among individuals. Some of the top causes of enlarged pores include genetics, age, sun exposure and skin type. Laser Clinics Canada discusses common misconception about enlarged pores and how you can treat them:
Myth 1: Pores can open and close
Pores don’t have muscles, which means they cannot open or close. While facial steams can help loosen the oil inside pores, they don’t physically open and close. Clogged pores are more visible, creating the appearance of enlarged pores.
One way to treat this is with our Fractional RF (or Max RF). This treatment uses a combination of fractional radiofrequency and dermal stamping to reduce pigmentation and the appearance of scars and large pores.
Myth 2: You can shrink pore size
Pore size cannot be physically shrunk, but their appearance can be lessened by keeping pores clean. This can be done through regular exfoliation and incorporating the right acids in your skin care routine. However, it is important not to over-cleanse, as this can damage and make the pores appear more prominent.
Our Cosmetic Grade Peels are clinical treatments that apply a safe chemical solution to the skin's surface. It penetrates the layers of the skin, ensuring the skin is left feeling lighter and brighter.
Myth 3: The black in blackheads is dirt
The black dots that appear as blackheads in our nose, chin and forehead areas are not dirt. It is caused by oxidised sebum or oil. You can manage blackheads by following a skincare routine that includes regular exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells.
For longer lasting results, consider our Skin Needling treatment. This collagen induction therapy uses Dermal rolling or Micro-Needling to remove dead skin cells and blackheads effectively. Skin needling also helps reduce acne scarring, fine lines, pigmentation, enlarged pores, blackheads, and scarring to deliver overall skin rejuvenation.
Myth 4: Tanning hides large pores
You may think that a bronzed glow is the answer to camouflaging your pores, but it’s doing more harm than good. A tan might hide imperfections in the short term but damages the skin’s collagen and elastin which give it its natural firmness and bounce.
As these break down, the pores actually become larger over time, causing them to become looser and appear more “open”. So ditch the tanning bed and slather on that SPF instead – your skin will thank you in the long run!
Myth 5: Large pores always mean oily skin
While it’s true oily skin types tend to have much larger pores, it’s not a hard and fast rule. It’s possible to have dry or combination skin and still deal with noticeable pores.
Genetics is a huge factor, after all. Some are just born with larger pores regardless of their skin type. Some are just predisposed to developing them. It’s like inheriting your mum’s laugh or dad’s dodgy knees - some things are just beyond your control!
But don’t despair. There are plenty of skincare solutions that help minimise the appearance of large pores. For example, a good cleansing routine keeps your pores free of dirt, excess oil (or sebum), and makeup. Choose a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of natural oils.
Regular exfoliation also helps remove dead skin cells that clog the pores and make them appear larger. You may opt for a physical scrub or a chemical exfoliator with either alpha or beta hydroxy acids.
Myth 6: All pore strips are created equal (and good for your skin)
Those satisfyingly sticky strips may promise to yank out all the gunk from your pores and leave your skin looking flawless. And they might have worked right? But be careful - pore strips offer only a temporary quick fix! They’re not the best long-term solution for your skin.
Some pore strips can be quite harsh, ripping off blackheads, healthy skin cells and even fine facial hair. This can lead to irritation, redness, and even broken capillaries. Plus, pore strips address only surface-level concerns but don’t do anything to prevent future clogging.
Myth 7: Squeezing pores is the best way to clean them
We've all been there. You see a blackhead or whitehead staring back at you from the mirror, and the urge to squeeze is almost irresistible. But here's the thing: squeezing, picking, or prodding your pores is a recipe for disaster.
Not only does squeezing increase the chances of developing pustules it leads to even larger pores. It damages the delicate skin around your pores, leading to scarring and more noticeable ones in the long run.
Plus, the satisfying "pop" you get from squeezing is often just sebum (your skin's natural oil) and not the clog itself. So, resist the urge to play dermatologist and leave those extractions to the professionals.
Myth 8: Pores get larger as you age
You might notice your pores becoming more prominent over the years and might have even blamed it on ageing. But the truth is, genetics largely determines your pore size and doesn't change much throughout your life. So, why do they seem to get larger as you get older?
The truth is, that sagging skin only causes your pores to look larger and more noticeable. Environmental factors like sun damage and pollution can also contribute to the appearance of larger pores over time.
Myth 9: Toothpaste can shrink pores
While we’re on the subject of questionable DIY skincare hacks, let’s address this one head-on: toothpaste is not your friend when it comes to reducing pore size. Sure, it might feel tingly and cool on your skin, giving off the effect it works. But that’s just the menthol.
The reality is that toothpaste is for your teeth, not your delicate skin. It often contains baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol which can all cause dryness and irritation, leading to even more noticeable pores in the long run.
Save your toothpaste for your pearly whites and stick to skin care products formulated with gentle ingredients for your face.
Myth 10: You can’t do anything about your pores
While we can’t completely eliminate large pores (neither should we want to, they’re essential for healthy skin!). The idea that you're stuck with your pore size forever is not true. Genetics and age may be significant factors, but they’re not the end-all, be-all.
Think of it this way: your pores are like a canvas, and your skincare routine is the paintbrush. Cliched comparison, but all we’re trying to say is with the right techniques and tools, you can absolutely minimise the appearance of those pores and have a smoother, more refined skin.
Don't let large pores dictate your skincare destiny! At Laser Clinics Canada, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident in their own skin. We offer a range of advanced, medical-grade skin treatments specifically designed to minimise the appearance of pores and reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion. Book your complimentary skin consultation online today.
