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Large Pores: Suprisingly common facial problem
Leading Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Fox explains unsightly large pores on the face and offers tips for treatment.
New Hyde Park, New York (PRWEB) July 2009 – Most people associate enlarged, and often unsightly, facial pores with the teen-age years, when puberty causes increased oil gland production and, in turn, larger pores. For many, however, the problem of enlarged pores and excess oil continues into adulthood. The condition, in fact, is one of the most common facial problems that adult women complain about, experts say.
“As with any medical problem, the degree of pore enlargement varies from person to person, but in some it can be quite pronounced and embarrassing,” says New York-based dermatologist Joshua L. Fox, M.D., F.A.A.D., medical director of Advanced Dermatology, P.C. and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery. “The good news is there are ways to improve the condition.”
What causes enlarged pores?
On the body, everywhere there is skin, there are pores. These tiny openings are responsible for secreting perspiration and oil–perspiration to keep the body cool, and oil to lubricate and protect the skin. Although it’s impossible to count the number of pores on any one person, some estimate as many as 1 million pores per square inch of skin.
Most of those pores are too small to be seen, which is desirable, Dr. Fox says. Small pores keep the skin looking tight and young.
It’s common for both men and women to have bigger pores around the nose, forehead and central facial area, where extra body oil is secreted. But those born with bigger pores, or experiencing the problem because of either a medical condition or the environment, may see them all over, though the face is where they tend to be most noticeable, Dr. Fox says.
In addition to heredity, causes of enlarged pores generally include:
Topical treatments include using a facial cream with benzoyl peroxide, which removes excess oil and dead skin, or salicylic acid, which helps prevent pores from clogging. Also helpful are topical acne creams made with sulfur or resorcinol, or skin astringents used to clean away oil. Products which stimulate collagen and elastin, like vitamin C, are also useful because they may help the pores from stretching. Lastly, topical retinoids and retinol can help reduce oil production and increase collagen and elastin.
Other treatments performed in a doctor’s office include: