Large pores affect more people than you know. A recent study by Harris Poll sponsored by L'Oreal found that 23% of women are willing to give up their favorite cocktails for a whole year just to have smaller pores. Large pores are a sign of aging, and will dramatically impact your overall appearance. Thankfully, dermatologists now recommend two procedures that have been known to offer permanent or long-lasting results. That's right. You won't ever have to worry about large pores ever again.

Induce Collagen Production and Reduce Pore Size with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is similar to laser therapy in many ways, as it emits a fixed wavelength of light to target different layers of the skin. IPL therapy is much more versatile in the sense that it can produce a broader spectrum of light in a wide range of wavelengths that are basically customized to fit your specific skin type. A full-face treatment typically takes 50 minutes, and you will be able to return to work after the session.

IPL therapy is suitable for just about anyone, as it is considered as a non-invasive treatment that causes very minimal discomfort. It works by targeting the pores and by stimulating collagen production. As collagen is produced, the skin will tighten and the pore size will be greatly reduced. Those who receive several treatments will find that their pore sizes may be reduced permanently for a more youthful and rejuvenated look.

On top of reducing pore sizes, IPL therapy will be able to also provide numerous benefits like evening out skin tone, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, reducing redness and improving skin color. Although beneficial and effective, IPL therapy can be a tad expensive, and you may require several sessions before achieving the final effect. 

Exfoliate the Skin with a Salicylic Acid Peel

Before IPL therapy arrived on the market, dermatologists would often recommend salicylic acid peel Salicylic acid works by penetrating deep into the sub layers of the skin, and drying up the oil glands in order to prevent them from getting clogged up and appearing much larger than what they actually are.

Some studies have also proposed that salicylic acid peels will help promote collagen production as well, which is an effective means of reducing pore size. Your dermatologist will need to first examine your skin type before determining whether the salicylic acid peel is a suitable treatment option. For some people, the chemicals within the peel may be too harsh for their skin, and they may have a negative adverse reaction to it. 

Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, the concentration of salicylic acid used in the peel and the length of time that the peel is left on your skin may also be modified. A typical peel will have a concentration of 30% salicylic acid, and will be left on for 10 to 25 minutes. Unlike IPL therapy, the reduced pore sizes from getting salicylic acid peels may not necessarily be permanent. You may need to reapply the peel every two weeks until you get the results that you desire.

The effects of getting a salicylic acid peel are relatively superficial. As a result, you can expect to experience minimal discomfort and quick recovery times. Some patients do experience some itching and facial redness afterwards, but most symptoms typically subside within a short period of time.

Conclusion

If you're not happy with your pores and would like a more flawless palette to work on, consider speaking to a dermatologist regarding options that may be best for your situation and for your skin type. You don't have to deal with these pesky nuisances anymore, and can kick them to the curb easily.