Enlarged Pores

Enlarged Pores

Enlarged pores are one of the five changes that skin undergoes as a result of sun-damage (the others being spider veins, brown spots, wrinkles and sagging skin). We have enlarged pores on our face to begin with. These pores can respond to hormonal changes making them produce more oil and cause acne around the teenage years-and beyond. I have a number of patients that didn't have acne as teenagers, only to get acne and rosacea as adults. Overactive oil glands can lead to enlargement of the pores.   However, the sun seems to be the biggest culprit in causing enlarged pores. Typically our pores get large on our nose, cheeks, forehead and chin.  

A number of topical products can help remove keratin and oils that clog pores, and thus help reduce their size. Chief among these products are the retinoids (Retin-A like products) and the alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid. In addition, these products may affect the oil glands themselves causing them to decrease in size. One advanced stage of enlarged pores is yellowish spots that appear on sun-damaged skin, called sebaceous hyperplasia. These yellow bumps are greatly enlarged pores. Although not all yellow bumps are sebaceous hyperplasia; so see your dermatologist if you are developing any new bumps in sun-exposed skin.

Lasers do a great job of shrinking enlarged pores. A number of the non-ablative lasers are quite effective at improving enlarged pores. The other characteristics of your skin will dictate which lasers are best for you. Often, a combination of lasers works best.

To answer your specific questions or schedule a consultation, call Dr. Bernstein today at 610-581-7400.