If you are looking for products or treatments that will minimize pore appearance, we have some suggestions for you.
But first, there is a lot of conflicting information out there on whether it is possible to reduce the size of your pores. Here are some facts, gleaned from an interview with Dr. Howard Sobel, a New York City dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin. “You can minimize the appearance of your pores, but because pore sizes are genetically determined, you can’t really shrink them,” explains Dr. Sobel. “People with dry skin and fair skin tend to have smaller pores while oily skin and darker, more olive skin tones, tend to have more visible pores. Your pores can get stretched out when they’re consistently clogged, which makes them appear bigger.” The loss of collagen, due to aging and environmental exposure, such as to the sun, and air pollution, can increase pore size, so the object is to take care of your skin to reduce the effect of these unavoidable events.
Always apply a high-SPF sunscreen when spending time outdoors
Even on overcast days, the sun’s higher spectrum UV rays cause skin damage. We have a wide variety of sunscreens for all skin types and conditions. Stop by either of our locations in Marin or San Francisco to try a sample and talk with our experts about a good fit for your needs.
Exfoliate with a salicylic acid-based product
“Salicylic acid is oil soluble, meaning it’s able to get inside pores to gently push out dead skin, bacteria, sebum, and any other pore-clogging debris”, says Dr. Sobel. So by removing this debris from your pores, your pores will appear smaller. We carry a number of products with salicylic acid as an active ingredient, such as SkinMedica’s Purifying Foaming Wash and AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. SkinCeutical’s Blemish + Age Defense also inhibits excess sebum production and unclogs pores.
Try a chemical peel regimen for deeper exfoliation
Peels are commonly used to remove the outer damaged layers of the skin with an acidic solution to improve appearance and texture. We offer a variety of Skinmedica Peels and customize each treatment for your skin type and condition.
And don’t forget facials!
A bedrock of good skincare, a regular facial with a microdermabrasion or dermaplaning add-on is one of the best ways to keep your skin and pores in top form. We have a full menu of facial treatments that we further customize for you. Contact us for a free consultation anytime at either our Larkspur, Marin location or in Hayes Valley, San Francisco.
A final note. Always remove your makeup and apply an alcohol-free toner before bed. Revision Skincare’s Soothing Facial Rinse is an ideal solution which hydrates and conditions the skin while keeping it at its optimum pH level.
