Bad news first: You can't actually change the basic size of your pores. But here's the good news: You can do plenty of things to help minimize their appearance. Although your basic pore size can't be changed, there are plenty of ways to help minimize their appearance.
Saggy pores result from loss of firmness due to aging, sun damage, and an overall reduction in skin elasticity.
There is no way to shrink the pores or make them disappear completely. That said, regular hygiene and other skin care practices may help ensure that the pores stay clear and unclogged and reduce bacteria and dead skin cells.
During the normal skin cell turnover process, your topmost layer of skin sluffs off every 30-40 days or so. As you age, this process takes longer, up to 50 or 60 days. Retinoids like retinol speed up the process, bringing your skin turnover back to 20-30 days as in your youth.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatments give the most effective results in pore tightening. The reason is that lasers can reach the lowest layers of skin. With laser treatments, skin pores are tightened, wrinkles and spots on the skin are reduced.
If your pores appear larger, it may be because of: acne. increased sebum production, which causes oily skin. sun damage.
“In general, it can take anywhere from weeks to months—even years,” says Dr. Chen. If after one to two years skin is still loose, it may not get any tighter, she says.
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is the golden child of the skincare world: it slows signs of aging, prevents breakouts, and keeps your pores open and healthy. "Retinoids clear clogged oil and dead skin cells to make pores appear smaller," Dr. Feely says.
Bottom line: Laser resurfacing can tighten skin, usually better than any other skin-tightening procedure. It can also diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots on the skin, such as age spots. The tradeoff is that it requires downtime and has a greater risk of possible side effects, such as scarring.
Of course, you can't reverse the signs of aging completely. You can go the nonsurgical route and add firming creams or facial exercises to your skincare routine. There are also cosmetic procedures that provide quicker results, such as laser surfacing or ultrasound skin tightening.
For small to moderate amounts of weight loss, your skin will likely retract on its own. Natural home remedies may help too. However, more significant weight loss may need body-contouring surgery or other medical procedures to tighten or get rid of loose skin.
Laser Treatments
Several treatments are available at Dermatology and Laser Centre. Fractional ablative laser skin resurfacing decreases the appearance of pores and acne scars. For enlarged pores, Dr. Gallacher uses the Vbeam laser as well as fractionated CO2 lasers.
Cucumber is a natural skin hydrant; the high water content of cucumber helps replenish the skin and tightens it. It is an excellent home remedy for open pores on oily face and skin. Both besan and turmeric are equally effective in shrinking pores. Mix 1 tablespoon of besan with 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.
Pixel Laser Resurfacing: The technique can effectively get rid of holes on the face caused by acne, and improve your skin texture. Dermatologists use a fractionated laser to create small wounds which prompt a healing response in the skin.
Vaseline itself won't shrink your pores or treat wrinkles, but keeping your skin moisturized is an essential preventative measure to slow the signs of aging on your skin.
It tightens pores
Those who have oily skin and large pores can benefit from apple cider vinegar. The substance contains alpha-hydroxy acids (organic acids that improve cell turnover and reduce the appearance of wrinkles), which can shrink and tighten pores.
Look for Acids
Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid — in cleansers, lotions, or chemical peels — can all minimize the appearance of pores over time.
What is Sofwave? The Aivee Clinic's Sofwave treatment is the latest, most advanced, and non-invasive treatment using a 3D ultrasound technology that works best for skin tightening and lifting. It targets fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin usually found in the jowl, jawline, neck, eyelids, and brows.
Packed with good-for-skin ingredients including collagen and hyaluronic acid, Alastin's Restorative Skin Complex is our top choice. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, we recommend First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream, especially if you have sensitive skin.