In today’s beauty industry, enlarged pores have become a common concern for many. Regardless of age or gender, the pursuit of beautiful skin typically includes the desire for smooth, firm skin. However, why do some people find that their pores never improve?
First, we must understand the fundamental causes of enlarged pores. Generally, enlarged pore issues can be summarized into three main factors. The first is overly active sebaceous glands. This condition is usually related to oily skin; if the sebaceous glands are frequently inflamed, it can lead to chronic inflammation in the surrounding skin, potentially hardening the skin and making pores appear larger. The second factor is skin aging and prolonged sun exposure, which can also impact pore condition. While aging is an unavoidable process, we can still mitigate its effects through proper care. Finally, hormonal changes, especially in women before and after their menstrual cycle, can significantly affect pore size.
When enlarged pores are noticed, one should consider two primary treatment methods. First, reducing oil secretion is a key measure. Common methods include oral or topical retinoids. While oral retinoids are effective for severe skin types, they may be too extreme for mild pore issues. When using topical retinoids, the skin may experience dryness, itching, and peeling, which is a normal reaction and not an allergic response to the medication.
In addition to topical medications, laser treatment is also a commonly used method. Many individuals have high expectations for this; however, relying solely on laser treatments often yields limited results. Effective treatment must be combined with reducing oil secretion and suppressing the proliferation of nearby bacteria to truly achieve pore minimization. Furthermore, using overly greasy moisturizing products that burden the skin can also make pores appear more noticeable. Therefore, for oily skin, selecting appropriate skincare products that promote keratin renewal, such as retinoids or retinol, can help improve the situation.
On the internet, we often see many beautiful fantasies about “egg-shell skin” and “boiled-egg skin”; however, these are merely embellishments on social media and do not represent real skin types. If your skin has formed scar-like pores due to prolonged inflammation, segmented laser treatment may be a good choice, although this method has a relatively long recovery period.
In summary, treating pores cannot rely solely on external laser treatments to thoroughly solve the problem. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate care, along with strong treatment methods when necessary, are essential for gradually achieving smooth, firm skin.