Are you worried about your pore size?

Do You Have Porexia?

Allure Magazine recently published an article highlighting a growing quest for smaller pore size. The term "Porexia" was given by a professor of dermatology to describe our preoccupation with a desire for "impossibly small pores". In the pursuit of perfect skin, many consider large pores undesirable. Smaller pore size does reflect light better and gives a more youthful appearance. Pore size is largely determined by genetics, skin type and age. As we age, we start to lose collagen and elastin that help to support the pores causing them to sag around the edges and look larger (imagine what a deflated inner tube would look like).

We must remember that pores are a biologically necessary component to our skin and to get rid of them is impossible. However, there are some things that can be done to improve the size and appearance of them making them far less noticeable.

Over the counter products will help them to look clearer but once you stop the product, the pores will return to their original condition. Exfoliating cleansers with salicylic acid, lactic or glycolic acid all stimulate cell turnover and help to clean pores. Moisturizers should be oil-free with the addition of Vitamin C or retinol to increase cell renewal and collagen production. Sunscreen is a must and needs to offer both UVA and UVB coverage. Masks with algae firm the skin and masks with clay will absorb oil.

Unfortunatley, many people do not notice dramatic improvement with over the counter products. Timeless Skin Solutions provides a variety of products and procedures, only available through a physician's office, that offers more aggressive options in our quest for smaller pore size.

Our Obagi product line contains a system of products that work together to improve overall skin texture and tone. The prescription strength Retin A in this product will give more dramatic results than over the counter retinoid products to improve cell turnover. The system also includes prescription strength Hydroquinone which will improve any dark spots or hyperpigmentation in the skin that might have been caused by previous blemishes or sun damage. The Toner portion of the system will help with oil control and the exfoliator and sunscreen will help with cell turnover and help to prevent any future sun damage respectively. Our TNS SkinMedica system will give similar results as the Obagi line but with a less aggressive form of Retin A, retinol. This would be more appropriate for people with sensitive skin. Our Anthelios line of sunscreen is the only sunscreen on the market with the patent for the protection of short UVA rays. The short UVA rays penetrate deepest into the skin and are the rays of ultraviolet light that can pass through glass.

Our physician strength chemical peels combined with regular medical grade microdermabrasion (the Silk Peel in our office) will promote exfoliation to improve overall texture and rejuvenation of the skin. Intense Pulse Light combined with Laser Genesis will target uneven tone and decrease sebaceous gland activity to reduce oil production. This in turn will reduce the tendency of the pores to be clogged with sebum (oil) which leads to cleaner and smaller appearing pores. The IPL component of this treatment also moderately stimulates collagen which will reduce the laxity of the skin and will help to support the edges of the pores. The Titan 3-D procedure is combination of the IPL and Genesis along with the addition of the Titan laser. The Titan laser targets the fibroblasts in our skin which are the cells responsible for the production of collagen and helps to stimulate their activity. As we age, the fibroblasts slow down in their production of collagen which cause skin laxity. The skin laxity is usually most evident in the jowl line and neck but it also affects the edges of the pores as mentioned above.

All of the above products and procedures offer significantly more benefit than just reduction in pore size which we will be happy to review during the consultation process.