Unleash a Fresh Summer Glow by Shrinking Pores

One of the top questions asked of dermatologists is why are my pores so large, and how can I shrink them? As summer approaches, most people will be wearing clothes that reveal more skin than normal and wearing a more natural makeup look (or no makeup at all), so the spotlight is on making skin look its best. The good news is that there are insider tips approved by dermatologists to keep pores clean and shrink them just in time for that summer glow. Looking in the mirror, especially a magnifier, leaves people wondering why their pores are so large. Reducing pore size on the skin will make them less noticeable.

The Small Pore Syndrome

When you look at a child, it seems they mustn’t have pores because they are barely visible. However, through the thrilling stages of puberty and into adulthood, pores tend to be more noticeable. It may not be possible to have baby-looking skin this summer, but taking some skincare steps can help the appearance of the skin. The appearance of pores does vary depending on several factors. It is encouraging to know that enlarged pores can be treated so they shrink and are kept super-secret over the summer.

What Causes Pores to Enlarge?

Understanding what makes pores large is empowering so that when individuals put the effort in to shrink them, they feel triumphant when it works. There are five main reasons pores become enlarged:

• Gender – Males have more sebaceous glands, which means oilier skin, which means larger pores.
• Age – Elastin and collagen provide the foundation support for pores, so as people age, less collagen and elastin are produced, which results in pores widening naturally.
• Sun—Too much exposure to the sun’s harmful rays does the skin no favors, and the same is true for pores. The sun’s rays break down elastin and collagen and reduce the skin’s firmness, leading to enlarged pores.
• Oil Glands – The skin produces oil through sebaceous glands, and there are more of these in the middle of the face, and that is why when people typically breakout, it is in the forehead near the center of the face.
• Hormones – When puberty hits, sebaceous glands go wild and produce more oil, and that is why many teens suffer from acne during high school. Boys have more active sebaceous glands at birth, but females get more active glands during their menstrual cycle.

Best Ways to Shrink Pores

Pore shrinking is not a one-and-done situation. Pores will not stay smaller without continual treatment, but many choose to take those extra steps during summer when they have more skin showing and typically wear less makeup.

1. Cleaning pores will boost the skin’s protein production, creating more elastin and collagen.
2. Use oil-free and non-comedogenic products.
3. Don’t pick at pores and cause trauma to the skin – use gentle cleansers instead.
4. Always apply sunscreen to avoid skin losing more collagen and elastin.
5. Explore facial peels with your dermatologist – removing dead cells unclogs pores and boosts collagen production.
6. Seek professional skincare advice about prescription medication to help reduce pores.

There are many social media trends about reducing pore size, including cold applications, but these last only a few minutes. For longer-lasting results, try the above roadmap and keep it simple and uncomplicated.

Shrinking Pores is Painless

The fact is that your skin needs its pores. Some pores are smaller than others, and sometimes genetics make them more visible and more challenging to manage. If you are unhappy with how your pores look, there are ways to improve and shrink their appearance. These suggestions for shrinking pores are manageable, and meeting with a trustworthy and dedicated dermatologist can help get you the results you seek. When a skincare routine is intentional and meaningful, the results follow; when they don’t, a professional can provide insight and guidance.

The best advice this summer is to step away from the mirror. When fixating on pore size, it may be impossible to see anything else. It is rare that anyone else gets close enough to have the magnified view that you see when you get so close to the mirror that you are fogging it up with your breath.

When any skin concern is on your mind, it is time to make a dermatology appointment with a genuine and honest licensed dermatologist. If you live in Atlanta, contact Buckhead Dermatology today for an appointment. Dr. Sherrie Straughn is undoubtedly the most respected dermatologist in the Atlanta area. She understands wanting beautiful skin year-round and continues to help her clients get the skin they want. Don’t wait until summer is over—spend your days showing off your skin with confidence!