Manhattan

121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB, New York, NY 10022

Ph. (212) 285-1110

Long Island

901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530

Ph. (516) 512-7616

New York City (212) 285-1110

Garden City, NY (516) 512-7616

Large Pores Treatment in New York

Enlarged pores pose a cosmetic concern for many patients because they are particularly resistant to conventional skin regimes. While other unsightly skin features can be treated relatively easily with the use of cleansers or creams, pore size is much more difficult to tackle.

The term “pore” refers to the enlarged openings of pilosebaceous follicles. These may become clogged and result in acne or can appear as “blackheads,” consisting of excess oil accumulation and keratin which turns black when exposed to air. However, even when the pores are free from debris, they can remain noticeable. Double board-certified dermatologist and leading laser surgeon Dr. Rokhsar specializes in treating large pores in NYC to help patients maintain a fresh, youthful appearance.

Getting Rid of Large Pores

Pores are the tiny openings in your skin that can become clogged by dead skin and oils. For every hair follicle, you have a pore, however, not all of them are visible. The average adult has about five million hairs on their body, so maintaining clean, healthy pores is important for keeping skin firm, fresh and healthy skin.

When pimples and acne occur, there may be a temptation to apply pressure and pop the pimple, but this will only stretch the pore out more. Although you cannot actually shrink the pore because they do not have muscles to control the size, you can make it appear smaller than it actually is.

Large Pores Treatment FAQ

How Can Dr. Rokhsar Treat Large Pores?

Until recently, enlarged pores had been dismissed as an unavoidable nuisance, dictated by gender, genetic predisposition, acne, chronic sun exposure, and excessive oil production. Treatments such as Accutane, chemical peels, retinoic acid, and IPL occasionally had anecdotal success, but the clinical evidence was never consistently convincing. Patients were urged to reduce clogging, but accept the chronic nature of big pores.

First, taking preventative measures so that the pores do not expand is key. The build of sebum, which is the oil our bodies secretes to keep the skin from drying out, is the cause of most acne cases, and the increased build-up causes excessive flow through the pore channels. The overuse of the pores will tire and wear them out, eventually stretching them to larger sizes.

The advent of the Fraxel Re:Store erbium laser has expanded the realm of possibility for large pores treatment outcomes. Numerous studies have proven that 3-5 sessions of the Fraxel skin resurfacing treatment can produce pores that are histologically, subjectively, and quantitatively smaller and less noticeable.

How Does It Work?

The fractionated laser system works to create thousands of microthermal treatment zones (MTZs) amongst untreated areas. These untreated areas provide an intact framework around which the damaged tissue can rearrange and increase collagen production, resurfacing and re-texturizing the epidermal surface.

What is the Treatment Like?

Open pore treatment begins with the application of a topical numbing cream, which is given 40 minutes to an hour to absorb. During this time, patients can read, conduct business, or relax. After the cream is removed, cosmetic treatment takes from 10-15 minutes and is generally well-tolerated.

Is There Downtime?

Patients can immediately return to normal activities, as there is a minimal recovery period. A mild heat sensation returns in about an hour, and there is no rawness, oozing, or scabbing. Minor swelling and redness subside in 2-5 days, and patients can expedite the healing process by reducing salt intake and sleeping slightly inclined.

How Long Does It Take to See Pore Shrinkage?

Known as The Gold Standard in skin resurfacing, 3-5 sessions are ideal for Fraxel treatments, each spaced 2-4 weeks apart. In addition to pore shrinkage, patients can look forward to brown spot reduction, scar diminishment, fine lines, wrinkle-smoothing, and generalized skin tightening and rejuvenation.

What causes large pores on the face?

Large pores on the face can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes include high sebum secretion and decreased skin elasticity, chronic acne, hormonal differences, sun damage, smoking, radiodermatitis, and vitamin A deficiency. Genetics also play a large role, as large pores can be passed down from one generation to another.

Additionally, clogged pores or an oily complexion can make pores appear larger. Regularly cleansing the face twice a day can help unclog pores, prevent clogged pores, and reduce oiliness. It is important to use warm water and gently wash the face, as scrubbing can irritate the skin and cause inflammation.

Other factors that can contribute to large pores on the face include using makeup, irritation from harsh skincare products, sleeping in makeup, and age-related loss of elasticity in the skin.

What causes large pores on the nose?

Large pores on the nose can be caused by various factors, including genetics, oily skin, acne, lack of exfoliation, sun damage, and aging. Some people may have naturally larger pores on their nose due to their skin type and characteristics and genetics. Individuals with oily skin tend to produce excess amounts of sebum, which can cause enlarged pores. Lack of exfoliation can also contribute to a buildup of dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores and enlargement. Inflammatory acne can weaken the skin’s sebaceous glands and hair follicle openings, making them more prone to blockage, which can lead to enlarged pores. Sun damage, smoking, radiodermatitis, and vitamin A deficiency can also contribute to large pores on the nose and cheeks. Finally, as we age, our skin loses elasticity, which can make pores appear larger. While we cannot permanently shrink our pore size, we can minimize their appearance by keeping them clear of oil and debris, boosting our skin’s collagen and elastin, and confronting environmental factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and lack of hydration.

How to prevent large pores?

Large pores can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to prevent them from forming in the first place. Here are some tips to help you prevent large pores:

  • Cleanse twice daily: Clogged pores and an oily complexion can make pores look larger. Use warm water, as hot water can irritate your skin, causing pores to look larger. Gently wash your face, as scrubbing can irritate your skin, causing inflammation.
  • Use oil-free or non-comedogenic products: To keep pores clear of excess oil, make sure you only use products labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores). Moisturizing products contain various active ingredients, including oils, so opt for water-based products instead.
  • Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliate your skin with gentle scrubbing or periodic chemical peels. This helps to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and make them look larger.
  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen: Protection from the sun’s rays is a must to avoid losing collagen and elastin from skin damage. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen in your daytime skin care routine. EltaMD UV Daily Face Sunscreen Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid, Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is one of the best sunscreens to minimize pores.
  • Use products with retinol or alpha hydroxy acids: Look for facial products made with retinol or alpha hydroxy acids, which can help remove blockages and make pores appear smaller. Pore strips may help, too, but remember that these tactics are temporary.
  • Avoid touching your skin with unwashed hands: Touching your face with dirty hands can transfer bacteria to your skin, which can lead to clogged pores.
  • Don’t smoke: Smoking severely damages skin by weakening its elasticity and strength, leading to premature aging.
  • HydraFacial treatments can help unclog your pores and get rid of black heads and white heads.
  • The Fraxel restore dual laser is highly effective in treatment of large pores to shrink them. Multiple treatments are required.

By following these tips, you can help prevent large pores and maintain healthy, clear skin.

What helps with large pores?

  • Consider professional treatments: Dr. Rokhsar commonly treats large pores and he can recommend certain procedures to help with enlarged pores, such as Microneedling and Fraxel laser procedures. Multiple treatments session will be need to achieve dramatic results.
  • Hydrafacial treatments can help get rid of dead skin cells, debris, blackheads and white heads.
  • Practice good skincare habits: Wash your face both morning and night with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to keep pores clear of excess oil. Using a cleanser with salicylic acid may also help pore reduction. Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day to protect your skin from sun damage.
  • Use the right products: Make sure to use products labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores). Exfoliation can also help by removing clogs and reducing dilation.

Overall, a combination of professional treatments, good skincare habits, and the right products can help minimize the appearance of large pores. Keep in mind that consistency is key, and it may take some time to see results.

How to shrink large pores?

  • Follow a good skincare regimen: A gentle cleanser should be used to wash the face in the morning and evening. Make sure to only use products labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic to keep pores clear of excess oil.
  • Use products made with retinol or alpha hydroxy acids: These products can help remove blockages and make pores appear smaller. Pore strips may also help, but these tactics are temporary.
  • Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating once or twice a week can help shrink large pores by removing debris from the pores that block them, including dead skin cells and excess oil. Use an exfoliator that contains BHA or AHA’s, and make sure not to overdo it.
  • Try pore-shrinking procedures: Laser treatments with the Fraxel dual laser is the gold standard to shrink large pores. Medium or deep chemical peels, and Microneedling can create microscopic injuries to the skin, which in turn stimulates new collagen growth and helps reduce the appearance of large pores. Dr. Rokhsar recommends about 3-5 sessions of the Fraxel Re:Store dual laser which has the benefits of skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation.
  • Use a zinc oxide lotion: When you need to reduce large pores quickly, a zinc oxide lotion can be used. This lotion is often used to treat diaper rash, burns, cuts, scrapes, and other skin irritations. It protects the skin and can reduce the appearance of natural openings in the skin at the same time.
  • Use pore-minimizing primers and clay masks: Perfecting your makeup routine with a pore-minimizing primer can reduce the look of large pores, and using a clay mask once a week can extract excess dirt and provide a deep clean.
  • Cut back on dairy: Consuming dairy products can increase oil production in the skin, which can lead to larger pores. Cutting back on dairy consumption may help reduce the appearance of large pores.
  • Monthly HydraFacial treatments are helpful in keep pores clean and clear of debris, dirt, make up, blackheads and white heads.

Wile these methods may help minimize the appearance of large pores, it’s unlikely that they will completely eliminate them. Consistency and patience are key when trying to improve skin concerns. If you’re unsure which method to try, consult with Dr. Rokhsar, a double-board-certified Dermatologist and Dermatologic Surgeon, for personalized recommendations.

How to get rid of large pores on legs?

Large pores on the legs can be a frustrating skin issue, but there are several ways to reduce their appearance. One effective method is to use chemical exfoliators, such as glycolic acid, to aid in the shedding of dead skin cells and decrease inflammation from razor bumps. Dr. Rokhsar recommends exfoliating only one to two times per week to avoid over-stripping the skin.

In addition to chemical exfoliation, following a good skincare regimen that includes washing the legs with a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening can help keep pores clear of excess oil and dirt. It is also recommended to avoid abrasive scrubs, as they can lead to inflammation and more noticeable open pores. Regular exfoliation, whether manual or chemical, can also help reduce the appearance of pores on the legs.

Finally, keeping the skin hydrated with a daily cream or lotion containing salicylic or glycolic acid can help dissolve excess dead skin cells and improve the texture of the skin. When shaving the legs, it is important to shave in the direction of hair growth to prevent razor burn and folliculitis, both of which can contribute to the appearance of large pores on the legs.

The Fraxel laser is Dr. Rokhsar’s recommended treatment for shrinking pores on legs.

What laser treatment is best for large pores?

There are several laser treatments that can help reduce the appearance of large pores on the face. Fractional laser technology is one of the newest forms of laser treatment available that can boost collagen production and shrink large pores. The Fraxel laser, a non-ablative erbium laser, can also stimulate collagen production and improve the texture of the skin, resulting in the appearance of smaller pores. Laser skin resurfacing, which uses CO2 lasers to penetrate deep into the skin, can effectively remove acne scars and marks while minimizing pores but its only recommended on light skin on the face.. Non-ablative lasers, such as the Fraxel restore dual, can also stimulate collagen production and minimize pores without damaging the skin surface. The Fraxel restore dual can be used on all skin types including black, brown asian, hispanic and white skin. All body surface areas including the face, neck, chest, back, legs, arms, and shoulders, can be treated safely with the Fraxel laser.

Laser treatments may not be suitable for everyone. Dr. Rokhsar is a world-renowned laser expert and he has been involved in the development of many laser systems including the Fraxel laser. We recommend consulting with him to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs. In addition to laser treatments, micro-needling, which involves making tiny micro-punctures into the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin production, can also help reduce the appearance of large pores. Retinol cream, which increases cell turnover and acts as an exfoliation for the skin, can help reduce the size of pores.

If you want to learn more, contact Cosmetic, Skin, and Laser Surgery Center and book a consultation with Dr. Rokhsar today!

New York Office Locations

Upper East Side Manhattan Office
121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022
(212) 285-1110

Long Island Office
901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 512-7616

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About author - Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.

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