What Are Open Pores? Introduction
The term ‘open pores’ refers to enlarged skin pores that have become more noticeable over time. The pores on the skin allow it to ‘breathe’ by releasing the sebum or natural oil onto the surface. However, large skin pores often appear in areas that have a higher density of sebaceous glands specifically, in the ‘t-zone’ of the face. They adversely affect the skin texture and become an aesthetic concern for both men and women with oily or combination skin types.
The skin concern affects teenagers undergoing hormonal changes and adults with ageing skin or hormonal issues too! After knowing the meaning of open pores, it’s time to find out its causes. Also, explore effective treatments and preventive tips for minimising them, right here!
Types Of Acne Open Pores?
When it comes to open pores, there are different types and factors to consider. Here are some common types of open pores and approaches to address them:
- Oily Skin Pores: People with oily skin tend to have more noticeable and enlarged pores due to increased sebum (oil) production.
- Congested Pores: Pores can become clogged with impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oil, leading to congestion and enlargement.
- Sun-Damaged Pores: Sun exposure can weaken collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to the enlargement of pores.
- Age-Related Pores: As we age, the skin loses elasticity and firmness, which can contribute to the appearance of enlarged pores.
What are the Causes of Open Pores?
Check out the top reasons for the occurrence of open pores:
Excessive Sebum Production: Excessive secretion of sebum, especially in the case of those who have oily or combination skin leads to the enlargement of hair follicle openings and the appearance of large open pores.
Increased Hair Follicle Volume: Hair follicles are tubular in structure. Thicker hair follicles have a bigger follicular opening that forms skin pores. These dilate further to allow the flow of natural oil and appear enlarged.
Heredity Factor: Genetic predisposition and ethnicity are significant internal factors that cause large open pores.
Ageing And Sun Exposure: Ageing and sun damage may adversely affect the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. Diminished strength and elasticity of the skin may make the pores appear crater-like in older adults.
Chronic Acne: Pores in acne-prone skin, clog and cause blackheads and whiteheads. Moreover, inflammatory acne weakens sebum glands and follicular openings and enlarges the pores.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations stimulate the hyperactivity of sebaceous glands and trigger the production of excessive sebum, which results in large open pores.
Acute Skin Conditions And Nutritional Deficiency: Chronic radiodermatitis and vitamin A deficiency are other uncommon causes of enlarged skin pores.
How To Diagnose Open Pores?
A dermatologist will first perform a physical examination of the affected area. He or she will determine the severity of the condition based on the following criteria:
- Size of the pores
- Location of the pores
- Severity of the condition
- Size of the affected area
Post-evaluation, the dermatologist will note your family and medical history, hormonal health and lifestyle habits to identify the underlying cause of the concern. Based on his assessment of your skin type, the severity of the condition and the underlying cause, he will recommend a customised treatment plan for reducing your open pores visibly.
Risk of Open Pores
If along with large pores on your face, you experience skin infections or acne, you should consult a dermatologist immediately. Keep in mind that large skin pores are benign, cause no pigmentation, and do not cause other skin afflictions. They are not a serious medical concern.
However, seek medical help if you note a significant increase in pore size, distribution or density. Your dermatologist can treat the condition effectively to improve your skin texture.
Self-Care
Though it is the first line of action for most people, open pores treatment at home is a bad idea. Avoid using any OTC products like creams, serums and toners for reducing open pores as they will give you temporary results at best. Unsupervised use of medicated ointments may cause a severe side-effect. Experimenting with home remedies for open pores that have unproven safety and efficacy may cause an allergic reaction and worsen your skin condition. It is best to consult a dermatologist for recommending any skin-care products or aesthetic procedures based on your skin type, cause and condition.
Treatments For Open Pores
Enlarged pores are challenging to treat as they may be a result of various underlying factors. Leading dermatologists at Urban Skin & Hair Clinic combine medical treatments for open pores with advanced aesthetic procedures to give you visible results. They focus on treating primary triggers by controlling excessive sebum production and minimising skin damage due to ageing.
Our medical expert at Urban Skin Care Clinic may suggest the following modalities as standalone or combination treatment to give you the best results:
Topical Therapies: Many qualified skin experts recommend the use of topical applications like Tretinoin, topical nicotinamide, Vitamin C, or AHAs to diminish open pores. They also advise the dosage and direction for use to ensure visible improvement in your skin texture.
Oral Medications: The medical experts at urban skin care have a holistic approach. They may prescribe oral medicines such as oral retinoids (Isotretinoin), antiandrogens (spironolactone) and oral contraceptives to treat any hormonal cause of enlarged pores. You must follow the instructions related to the drug intake strictly to get the best results without any side-effects.
Laser Toning: Top doctors at urban skin care specialise in performing advanced laser treatment for open pores using USFDA-approved technology. They use Q-Switched YAG and fractionated erbium YAG laser to boost the collagen production in the skin and minimise the appearance of open pores effectively. A 2011 study revealed that Q-switched lasers visibly reduce open pores when used along with photo-activated topical solutions.
Fractional Micro-Needling Radiofrequency (MNRF): Experienced dermatologists at urban skin care may use tiny micro-needles to release radiofrequency energy in the deeper layers of the skin. It stimulates collagen and elastin production and thereby results in the decreased visibility of enlarged pores.
Chemical Peels: The medical team at Urban Skin & Hair Clinic recommends the application of salicylic acid peels and glycolic acid peels for the controlled exfoliation of the dead cells. It helps control excess sebum production and aids skin renewal. It is an effective treatment for reducing large skin pores.
Comedone Extraction: Our skin experts may use specialised tools to extricate open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads). The procedure helps prevent clogging and subsequent widening of pores.
Prevention Open Pores?
If you are wondering how to close the open pores on your face; you can do your bit by keeping the skin clean and sun-safe. Here are some simple skin-care tips you can follow to prevent the open pores from becoming prominent:
Clean: Use a gentle, gel-based, non-comedogenic cleanser twice daily to unclog pores.
Protect: Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30+ every day to prevent premature skin ageing due to sun damage.
Nourish: Use water-based moisturisers suitable for oily/combination skin. You may also ask your skin specialist to recommend any collagen-boosting products, such as retinol.
However, if you feel the above tips are not giving you the desired results, it’s advisable to explore advanced solutions.
Prognosis
Please remember, no treatment can remove pores from your face completely or permanently. However, advanced dermatological procedures can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and give you a smoother and more radiant skin texture than before.
If open pores are drawing all your attention of late, consult a dermatologist at Urban Skin & Hair Clinic today to find a suitable treatment option that can restore your smooth and flawless skin!
