Why Pores Look Smaller in Youthful Skin
Have you ever noticed how smooth and flawless a child’s skin appears? In youthful skin, pores are tight, firm, and barely visible. This is because the skin is rich in collagen and elastin—two structural proteins that keep skin supported and resilient. As a result, pores remain compact and evenly distributed.
Pores Getting Larger With Age: What Changes in the Skin
As we age, pores getting larger with age becomes a common and frustrating concern. The primary reason is the gradual breakdown of collagen and elastin within the skin’s connective tissue. These proteins are responsible for keeping skin firm and taut. When they weaken, the skin loses its ability to hold pores tightly in place.
Sun exposure significantly accelerates this process. UV damage weakens collagen fibers, leading to lax, loose skin that allows pores to stretch and become more visible. This is most noticeable in oil-producing areas such as the nose, forehead, and inner cheeks.
The Role of Oil Production in Enlarged Pores
Another factor contributing to pores getting larger with age is oil gland activity. Areas with higher concentrations of sebaceous (oil) glands naturally have larger pores. As skin loses firmness over time, these oil glands weigh down surrounding tissue, making pores appear even larger and more prominent.
Can Skincare Products Shrink Pores?
Many skincare products claim to “shrink” or “tighten” pores, but it’s important to understand their limitations. Astringents and exfoliants can temporarily minimize the appearance of pores by tightening the surface layer of skin or removing dead skin cells. However, these effects are short-term and do not physically change pore size. Unfortunately, topical products alone cannot reverse pores getting larger with age.
How Medical Lasers Reduce the Appearance of Large Pores
Class IV medical lasers offer a more advanced and longer-lasting solution for enlarged pores. One method involves targeting oil glands with controlled thermal energy. This heat can shrink the oil glands and reduce oil production, which helps refine skin texture and minimize the appearance of pores.
Another powerful benefit of laser treatments is collagen stimulation. By encouraging new collagen growth in the dermis (the middle layer of skin), lasers help thicken and firm the skin. Increased collagen provides better structural support around pores, making them appear smaller while improving overall skin tone and firmness.
A Combination Approach for Long-Lasting Results
At Celibre Medical, we often recommend a customized treatment plan that combines medical-grade skincare with Class IV medical laser treatments. This dual approach addresses both surface-level concerns and the deeper structural causes of pores getting larger with age. Over time, this combination has proven to deliver the most natural, long-lasting, and beautiful results for patients seeking smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
