Large Pores
Who doesn’t want silky and smooth skin that has zero visible pores, just like a doll! Over half of asian women are struggling with their large pores, and trying any possible ways to minimise them. In fact, it is hardly possible to reverse them by only applying skincare products. Good news is, anesthetic treatment makes minimising pores way beyond possible but easily achievable.
What is large pores
The pore is an opening of the hair follicle, which is the shared opening of both the hair follicle and the sebaceous gland. Apart from being a channel where hair grows, the other function of pores is excreting sebaceous secretions (sebum). A single pore larger than 0.02m㎡ is considered as a large pore, usually accompanied by depressed and uneven skin surface around the pores.
The accumulation of dead skin cells and keratin on top of the skin will make the skin become thicker and rougher, and the pores become larger. Water and nutrients are kept away from the skin as the dead cells block the absorption. The skin becomes dull and dry, secretes more sebum production, and the pores will appear larger. Also, when we get older, the skin gradually loses collagen, its elasticity and the support around the hair follicles, causing the pores to appear larger. On the other hand, when your skin looks oily but feels dry, it will also make the pores larger.
Causes
In general, large pores can be caused by high sebum secretion, skin aging, photoaging, natural pore size, gender, age, sun damage, irritation, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, etc. The gene also determines larger pores.
1. High Sebum Secretion:
Sebaceous glands (oil glands) on our skin secrete sebum, our body oil, to the pore to naturally moisturise our skin. However, sebum secretion is sensitive to external and internal factors such as weather, temperature, hormonal level, dietary, sleeping quality and mood. No matter the reason that triggers a high sebum secretion, a large amount of sebum will be secreted from the sebaceous gland and released to the pores. The excess amount of sebum and dead skin cells gathering in the pores will then cause pores to appear larger than usual.
2. Aging:
As we grow older, it is a natural process that our skin ages, loses collagen and elasticity which causes our skin to stretch and sag, making our pores look larger.
3. Enlarged Hair Follicles:
Pores are the openings at the top of hair follicles. An expanding hair follicle will stretch and enlarge the corresponding pore. Besides, recovery from severe acne may form small scars at the follicle sheath, and the follicle sheath may be blocked under the stimulation of androgen, resulting in large hair follicles and pores.
4. Prolonged smoking habit
Smoking cigarettes will cause blood vessels to constrict, which slow down the blood circulation throughout the body. Constricted blood vessels will limit the amount of nutrients your cells receive, causing skin dryness, early signs of aging, drooping skin and large pores.
5. Inadequate protection from sun
The UV radiation from the sun penetrates into the dermis causing damage to collagen fibres and loss of collagen. Therefore, not protecting your skin from the sun properly will enlarge the pore size.
6. Clogged pores:
Our skin constantly produces new skin cells to replace dead skin cells. Clogged pores are the result of the dead skin cells being trapped in the pores rather than coming off into the environment. The clogged pores full of dead cells, debris and sebum are blocked and get larger in size.
7. Other reasons:
Squeezing acne and pores will cause irritation and stimulate the pore to overly accumulate sebum. Also, the force from squeezing will stretch and damage the epidermis and dermis, which may leave depression and scars and enlarge the pore. Hair follicles located at pores that are filled up with debris and oil are prone to inflammation.
Symptoms
The skin that has large skin pores shows uneven and rough skin surface. There are four types of large pores: keratin type, oily skin type, dry skin type and aging skin type.
● Enlarged Pores – Keratin skin type:
When keratin builds up and blocks the pore, sebum will be trapped in the pore causing the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. The blackheads are small black dots located at the pores while whiteheads are small white bumps located at the pores.
● Enlarged pores – oily skin type:
Over secretion of sebum makes the pores appear larger and greasy than normal. The skin at the T zone (forehead and nose) secretes more oil than other facial areas. Oily skin tends to leave the skin yellowish, dull, greasy and U-shaped large pores.
● Enlarged pores – dry skin type:
Oval shape pores usually occur on people with dry or dehydrated skin, taking a long haul flight will dry out the skin causing the pore to appear larger and more obvious. Dry skin tends to have more texture than other skin types.
● Enlarged pores – aging skin type:
Y-shaped (water droplet shape) pores usually occur on people with aging skin. Due to the loss of collagen fibres and skin elasticity, the support around the pore has been destructed and weaker. Adjacent pores collapse together and form a pattern of lines.
Affected people
◎ People with oily skin compared to dry skin/combination skin are more prone to have problems with large pores as they have a higher secretion of sebum.
◎ People with signs of skin aging.
◎ People who do not take precautions in the sun. People who are chronically exposed to sun.
◎ People who have high or relatively high levels of androgen. People who are diabetic.
◎ People who drink and smoke for a long time.
◎ People who frequently squeeze their pores or acne.
◎ People with skin that easily forms scars.
◎ People who do not remove their makeup or clean their face properly. People who use poor quality skincare products. People who do not have a proper daily facial routine.
◎ People who have unhealthy lifestyle and diet such as staying up late, eating food with high content of fat or sugar or spicy food.
Treatment
When you come to Prime Cosmetic clinic wishing to treat your large pores, firstly face-to-face consultation and skin evaluation will be carried out to collect data about your skin condition for a comprehensive analysis of your skin. The analysis report will indicate the cause of your large pores. Then, a treatment plan customised for your condition will be recommended for a desirable outcome.
A. Venus Viva
What is Viva:
Venus VivaTM is an advanced, non-surgical solution for skin resurfacing. It combines NanoFractional Radio Frequency & SmartScanTM technology to reduce the appearance of acne scars and other scars, stretch marks, rosacea, enlarged pores, deep wrinkles, and uneven skin texture and pigmentation.
How does Viva work:
Venus Viva™ MD skin resurfacing treatments work with tiny pins that safely deliver heat (via NanoFractional Radio Frequency) through the skin’s surface. This creates tiny micro-dermal wounds, which the body naturally heals on its own. This process repairs signs of skin damage visible on the surface of the skin. Since the wounds are so small, the treatment is much more comfortable than traditional CO2 lasers, while still producing incredibly visible results.
Procedure:
1、Face-to-face consultation: Customise a Thermage treatment plan based on client’s conditions and desired results.
2. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas.
3. During treatment: Proceed with the customised plan to perform Viva to treatment areas.
4. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 45-60 mins
Who is it for:
√ People with large pores;
√ People with deep wrinkles or acne scars;
√ People with stretch marks or cellulite;
√ People with uneven skin texture;
B. Morpheus 8
What is Morpheus 8:
Morpheus 8 is unique in targeting and strengthing the Fibro-Septal Network(FSN) skin-fat matrix, resuting in improved skin apprearance and reduced irregularities on the face and body.
How does Morpheus 8 work:
Four fractional tips with different microneedle configurations for xustomised treatments (Prime 12 pin, Resurfacing 24 pin, Morepheus8 24 pin and Body 40 pin) deliver clinically proven RF energy to myltiple treatment depths.
Procedure:
1、Face-to-face consultation: Customise a Thermage treatment plan based on client’s conditions and desired results.
2. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas.
3. During treatment: Proceed with the customised plan to perform Morpheus 8 to treatment areas.
4. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 45-60 mins
Who is it for:
√ People with large pores;
√ People with deep wrinkles or acne scars;
√ People with stretch marks or cellulite;
√ People with uneven skin texture;
C. PicoSure Laser Pigmentation Treatment
What is PicoSure
PicoSure is a picosecond laser treatment that can safely and effectively remove tattoos and pigmentation. It has been certified by the FDA and approved for use in treatment of pigmented skin problems and pigmentation. A specific wavelength of light (755nm) is used to remove melanin. This treatment is 7 times more effective than traditional laser, and less high thermal damage and less rebound. The specific lens will deliver specific wavelength energy into cells to breakdown melanin, stimulate growth of collagen and elastic fibers, and effectively improve the elasticity of aging cells.
How does PicoSure work:
The PicoSure Laser device is equipped with unique FOCUS lens. The FOCUS lens will redistribute 70% of the emitted laser energy and concentrate the energy into the skin, which will break down the melanin at the epidermis. The energy will also create a shock-wave hitting the deep dermis layer and damage the collagen, which will stimulate the repair and regrowth of collagen. Therefore, PicoSure treatment is not limited to improving pigmentation, but also smoothing lines, reducing pore size and restoring a youthful look.
Procedure:
1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2.Face-to-face consultation: Develop unique treatment plan based on individual’s skin condition and desired results.
3. PATCH TEST: Perform a PATCH TEST 24 hrs prior the treatment. Proceed with the treatment when no allergy or abnormal sign is shown.
4. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean, disinfect and apply anesthetics at the treatment areas. Put on safety goggles.
5. During the treatment: Deliver wavelength pulse at the pigmentation areas, repeat steps at the severe pigmented areas. Cooling effect from cold air outlet.
6. Post-treatment: Medical-grade facial repair mask to nourish and repair the skin.
7. Post-treatment caring.
Duration: 1-1.5 hrs
Who is it for:
√ People who have or are developing severe problems with large pores;
√ People who have large pores caused by improper sun protection or improper anti-aging skin care;
√ People with large pores and stubborn pigmentation;
√ People who want to improve their skin condition, but do not rush to get instant results.
D. Acid Peel
What is acid peel:
Acid peel is a skin resurfacing procedure involving application of acidic solution on the skin. The acidic solution dissolves the oil particles among cells on the outermost layer of the epidermis and promotes the removal of the outermost layer. It stimulates the renewal of skin cells, promotes the replacement of elastic fibers in the dermis, and maintains the healthy state of the skin. It also helps with skin whitening, removing acne marks, reducing pores size and fine lines, removing blackheads, and curing acne and chloasma.
How does acid peel work:
Acid peel/AHA peel solution can loosen the physical attachment among stratum corneum cells by dissolving the oil particles between their cellular gaps, which will peel off the excessively accumulated keratin, unblock the clogged hair follicles and prevent the development of clogging opening at hair follicles. In addition, it stimulates the regeneration ability of epidermal cells and promotes dermal collagen fiber proliferation and its structural rearrangement, which will help to effectively improve skin texture (especially chicken skin), minimise large pores (by inhibiting oil secretion) and brighten skin tone.
Procedure:
1. VISIA examination: Access skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Provide suitable acid peel treatment plan based on client’s needs and goals.
3. Pre-treatment: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas.
4. Treatment: Apply an acidic solution on the face, waiting 1-5 mins.
5. End of treatment: Apply a neutraliser solution on face to terminate the acidic reaction and peeling reaction to avoid over peeling.
6. Cleaning. Post-treatment care.
Duration: 45-60 mins
Who is it for:
√ People with large pores caused by accumulation of keratin. People with keratin skin type;
√ People with large pores caused by over secretion of sebum. People with combination or oily skin types.
√ People who have problems with large pores and whiteheads;
E. Mesotherapy
What is Mesotherapy:
Our skin is facing all kinds of damages everyday, like photodamage, pollution and the natural aging process. Mesotherapy can be a regular skin rejuvenation treatment that helps maintain our skin in a good condition in the long run. It is a non-surgical treatment that injects solution with various vital nutrients to our skin directly, which has a significantly higher absorption of nutrients than using skincare products. According to the skin condition, the injection content can also be tailored to meet one’s need for the maximum desired outcome.
How does it work:
Mesotherapy involves the injection of hyaluronic acid or/and multiple nutrients to the dermis. Dermis cells absorb the nutrients via osmotic absorption, which will activate cellular activity, promote the proliferation of collagen and elastic fibroblasts, resulting in smoothing depressed scars, improving pigmentation, deep hydrating and smoothing wrinkles. Leaving you a thoroughly improved skin texture, healthier skin condition and a perfect silky skin.
Procedure:
1. VISIA skin evaluation: Evaluate skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Tailored a suitable mesotherapy treatment plan based on client’s conditions and desired results.
3. Pre-treatment preparation: Apply anesthetics. Clean and disinfect the whole face.
4. Treatment: Administer injection solution by qualified practitioner. Repeat injection or scatter injection in severe areas.
5. Post-treatment care: Medical-grade facial repair mask to nourish and repair the skin.
5. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 60 mins
Who is it for:
√ People with large pores caused by dry/dehydrated skin;
√ People with large pores and oily skin caused by oil-water imbalance;
√ People who have unstable skin or rough skin want to regularly condition their skin;
√ People with large pores and have skin rejuvenation needs;
F. Hydrafacial
What is Hydrafacial:
Hydrafacial is a skin cleansing device developed by an American skincare company, Hydrafacial. This FDA, CE and TGA approved device was designed to promote the health of skin and to restore skin barrier rapidly. It utilizes a patented 4-in-1 VORTEX two-way vacuum system in the addition of a serum solution to deeply clean the skin and restore a nutritious healthy skin. Hydrafacial treatment can fundamentally improve skin conditions (including blackheads, skin dryness, fine lines, sensitive skin, yellowish skin tone, large pores, acne and photoaging) in 30 mins without causing pain and downtime, helping to restore a healthy and strong skin.
How does it work:
Hydrafacial treatment combines the usage of an exclusive formula essence and the patented VORTEX two-way vacuum technology to exfoliate the skin, rapidly open up the pores, clear the congestion, non-invasively clear out blackheads, whiteheads, debris and dirt, gently remove old dead skin cells. While vacuuming and cleansing the skin, the essence that is made with nourishing ingredients will be absorbed into the skin, which can accelerate cellular metabolism, restore the skin’s oil-water balance, resulting in a cleaner and healthy skin. In only 30 mins, hydrafacial treatment will cleanse, extract, and hydrate your skin in 3 steps. According to your skin condition, location and desired results, a unique plan can be tailored for your need.
Procedure:
1. VISIA skin evaluation: Evaluate skin condition or existing skin problems with assistance of data analysis and picture analysis.
2. Face-to-face consultation: Tailored a suitable hydrafacial treatment plan based on client’s conditions and desired results.
3. Pre-treatment preparation: Remove makeup and cleanse the face.
4. Hydrafacial 3 steps: ①Cleanse+Peel ②Extract+ Exfoliate ③Nourish+Protect
5. Post-treatment care: Medical-grade facial repair mask to nourish and repair the skin.
6. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 45-60 mins
Who is it for:
√ People who have large pores caused by keratin congestion. People who want to deep cleanse the pores;
√ People who have large pores caused by oily skin or combination oily skin;
√ People who have rough skin texture or do not cleanse their face properly. People who need a deep cleanse of their face;
√ People who have large pores and damaged skin barrier;
√ People who want to combine hydrafacial treatment with other skincare treatments to improve skin condition and texture;