14 replies to this topic

[pores]

This is what my forehead looks like:



Pores and pores and pores, and some scarring, and some closed comedones, and redness. My pores are chronically congested with sebum plugs despite the fact that: I use a combination glycolic and salcylic acid cleanser. I have been on Retin-A for extended periods of time, and I am currently on Differin 0.3%. I use Queen Helen's Mint Julep Mask. I recently started using jojoba oil to remove sebum prior to cleansing. I use a pore-tightening toner. I have stopped drinking and eat a healthy diet. Yet my forehead is still in terrible shape. I am going to get a micro-dermabrasion next week unless someone tells me it is a bad idea. How can I fix my skin? I would be so grateful for even the most minimal improvement. I think I need to go on Accutane, then get Fraxel. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[lameleah]

That is what my forehead, and my cheek and my nose look like.. I'm sorry you are getting through this too.

I dont want to disappoint you, but there is no way to get rid of enlarged pores. When I told my derms there are many "small pitted scars" on my forehead, she just simply said "Well... there are only enlarged pores. You cant do much to that" and that hurt me lot.

You are doing the right things to your skin now. For the pores, if you think they are open pores, use AHA every few days which can help closing them up but dont use with differin at the same time on that night. If they are scarred pores, consult a derm to see if you can do TCA Cross. You can also buy kit and do it your own. Check out the scar sub-forum which have many info related to TCA Cross or TCA peel.

Microdermabrasion, accutane and fraxel are very bad ideas for your skin IMO. Please don't do any invasive move to your skin that could possibly do more harm than good. Try HA serum as well. It can help plump up your skin as what people told in the scar forum.

If you don't mind, may I ask what did this to you? You have very oily skin type?

Good Luck Hope you find what you need here.

Edited by lameleah, 27 November 2010 - 01:54 AM.

[pores]

Thanks for the advice. I have always had very very oily skin and really do not remember not having this problem with my pores. My derm always says the same thing, that pores cannot be shrunk. And I completely understand this, but there must be a way to reduce or even eliminate the chronic congestion of my pores. I cannot "minimize the appearance" of my pores if they are always clogged. I've had this problem for years, and I've tried various cleansers and topicals. Nothing works. After I wash my face, I can see the plugs in the pores, but they cannot be extracted. I've used exfoliating masks, and still the plugs remain stubbornly embedded in my pores. This is why I want to try a microdermabrasion, because I am hopeful that this might be the one way to actually unclog my pores. If I am ever to begin to "minimize the appearance" of my pores I must first unclog them. And the reason I am considering Accutane is because this would attack the root of my problem -- excessive sebum production.

Like I said, I am hopeful for even the most minimal improvement, but of course I do not want to do any damage to my skin. What are the risks with a microdermabrasion? Would this dilate my pores even more than they already are (though I cannot imagine how they could ever be bigger)? I am really just going by my derm's recommendation with the microdermabrasion. But now I am having second thoughts.

[lameleah]

I'm curious: couldnt retina/differin help unclog you pores? I've tried OTC retinol- Avene Diacneal and it has helped unclogging most of my pores for six months which was marvelous! I understand what you said because I'm facing the same problem too. Sebum always stay inside pores no matter what we do. For years I kept squeezing my pores to clear out the gross sebum. Not only it left me a lot of scarred pores, scars, and very poor skin texture, but also the sebum would always come back, so I know. I think topical retinoid is the only choice we left to unclog our pores. You can also try AHA or BHA but they don't do much to me.

From what I know, accutane can only reduce your sebum secretion while you're on it, if you use it on purpose of eliminating your oiliness, it comes back after you end the course. As for microdermabasion, I don't know much about it but some people mentioned it's a pretty invasive treatment which is for people with actual scars. But if your derm recommend it, I suggest you can do your own research first. GL mate

EDIT: hey sorry. I checked it and want to clarify that it's dermabrasion that is invasive. Microdermabrasion is an exfolication method. But still think twice, some said they didn't notice big difference after treatment

Edited by lameleah, 27 November 2010 - 07:04 AM.

[Timehealsall]

I'm curious: couldnt retina/differin help unclog you pores? I've tried OTC retinol- Avene Diacneal and it has helped unclogging most of my pores for six months which was marvelous! I understand what you said because I'm facing the same problem too. Sebum always stay inside pores no matter what we do. For years I kept squeezing my pores to clear out the gross sebum. Not only it left me a lot of scarred pores, scars, and very poor skin texture, but also the sebum would always come back, so I know. I think topical retinoid is the only choice we left to unclog our pores. You can also try AHA or BHA but they don't do much to me.

From what I know, accutane can only reduce your sebum secretion while you're on it, if you use it on purpose of eliminating your oiliness, it comes back after you end the course. As for microdermabasion, I don't know much about it but some people mentioned it's a pretty invasive treatment which is for people with actual scars. But if your derm recommend it, I suggest you can do your own research first. GL mate

my nose pores and cheek pores look similar to this. Unlike youlamleah, i do not believe i ever squeezed or picked at my pore. They just kind of scarred.. I think maybe because the gunk has been stretching them out for so long? Anyways how would i know if my pores are considered "open" pores and not scarred pores? How long do they usually stay "open" for? Is it too late if they have been open for a few months (3-4 months?) Also regarding the aha, how many times a week should i be using it on the pores? Any guesses?

[pores]

I'm curious: couldnt retina/differin help unclog you pores? I've tried OTC retinol- Avene Diacneal and it has helped unclogging most of my pores for six months which was marvelous!

Well I have been off and on Retin-A and Differin for years. Most recently I was on Retin A for 6 months and in the last month I've switched to Differin 0.3%. I know these topicals are supposed to help unclog pores, and maybe they have been doing so for me, but the problem persists and my pores are still very clogged. If I just stretch my skin I can see each individual pore is clogged with a plug. So basically neither retinoid has seemed to help me, and thats why I am frustrated and looking for something new which my help i.e. microdermabrasion. I am also thinking about going off the topicals and just using my combination AHA/BHA cleanser, Mint Julep Mask, and jojoba oil for my skin regimen.

my nose pores and cheek pores look similar to this. Unlike youlamleah, i do not believe i ever squeezed or picked at my pore. They just kind of scarred.. I think maybe because the gunk has been stretching them out for so long? Anyways how would i know if my pores are considered "open" pores and not scarred pores? How long do they usually stay "open" for? Is it too late if they have been open for a few months (3-4 months?) Also regarding the aha, how many times a week should i be using it on the pores? Any guesses?

I don't know the answers to your questions but I know my pores stretched open on their own just like yours. I think some of my pores are scarred, but also that the majority are just clogged. This is why want to unclog them because once I accomplish this I am hopeful their appearance will be less noticeable.

Edited by pores, 27 November 2010 - 09:08 AM.

[pores]

More pics of my pores problem. In these pics I notice my skin is very red, which I never notice in the mirror, and I wonder why it is so red. Also, I bought some Vitamin E oil today which I'm going to start using. I am really tempted to just quit Differin for a while and see how that goes considering the fact that I don't know retinoids have done or ever will do anything positive for my skin. I've also decided to quit dairy, but I am not sure how long I will be able to last. Basically though I am willing to try anything at this point.

[Timehealsall]

More pics of my pores problem. In these pics I notice my skin is very red, which I never notice in the mirror, and I wonder why it is so red. Also, I bought some Vitamin E oil today which I'm going to start using. I am really tempted to just quit Differin for a while and see how that goes considering the fact that I don't know retinoids have done or ever will do anything positive for my skin. I've also decided to quit dairy, but I am not sure how long I will be able to last. Basically though I am willing to try anything at this point.

just curious, but do you have this only on your forehead or even your nose?

[roderick9van]

Large Pores Treatment - Home remedies

Large pores are simply a genetic problem, but you can temporarily reduce large pores by clearing away dirt and debris. Large pores are often an indication of oily skin.

Use one after the other for cleansing and exfoliating the skin.

SUGAR SCRUB

Ingredients: 1 Tablesoon each of sugar, olive oil and honey.
Wet face, apply scrub by rubbing very gently in a circular motion. Remove with water with hands only.

EGG WHITE MASK

Mix 2 egg whites with a few drops of lemon juice. Apply on face and leave on for 5-7 minutes, then rinse with hands.
Note: As egg whites dry, they linghten the skin and pull debris out of pores. Lemon is a natural fruit acid which also helps to exfoliate.

Or you may try the following to treat large pores

1) Mix almond meal with enough water to make a paste. Apply to pores for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then apply withch hazel or a solution of apple cider vinegar and water.

2) Mix table salt and buttermilk into a paste, apply on enlarged pores and massage well. Rinse with warm water.

3) Add lemon juice and a little milk to oatmeal. Apply the paste and remove after 20 minutes with water. Do not use if there are eruptions.

Tips on reducing large pores

Stop using harsh toners or astringents on the affected areas. Using these products may have a very temporary 'tightening' effect on pores, but it's extremely short-lived. In fact, harsh astringents actually encourage oil glands to over-produce oil, leading to an increase in the size of pores.
Avoid putting moisturiser on the area as the skin produces quite enough moisture and oil on its own and doesn't need more.
Makeup tips to hide the appearance of large pores

Heavy foundations will draw attention to your large pores. So, stay with a sheer, light and oil free foundation.
Apply foundation, concealer, powder and blusher in a downward motion, otherwise you'll accentuate pores by pushing colour up and into them.

[ahaaa]

I think a lot of people in the world, even those without acne, have enlarged pores. They suck yes, but I really really really don't think anyone notices them the way you do. While they are slightly visible in the pictures you post, those are very close up, from a normal distance I imagine they are very insignificant. I just don't want you worrying too much over this; its how I started and now I've ended up with acne dysmorphia.

[ShamBam]

Even though a microdermabrasion would seem to solve the problem I heard its bad. Apparently my cousin got it done, but she had uneven healing of the skin so she has brown spots. I don't know if she went to a crappy place or not but yea

[Timehealsall]

I think a lot of people in the world, even those without acne, have enlarged pores. They suck yes, but I really really really don't think anyone notices them the way you do. While they are slightly visible in the pictures you post, those are very close up, from a normal distance I imagine they are very insignificant. I just don't want you worrying too much over this; its how I started and now I've ended up with acne dysmorphia.

i think i have acne dysmorphia as well. Every single zit i get, regardless of size, scare me. Big ones literally scare the living day lights out of me.

I keep getting scarred pores on my nose and cheeks. I dont know what to FUCKING DO.

do you think jojoba oil can cause enlarged/scarred pores?

[blackkchoco]

I think a lot of people in the world, even those without acne, have enlarged pores. They suck yes, but I really really really don't think anyone notices them the way you do. While they are slightly visible in the pictures you post, those are very close up, from a normal distance I imagine they are very insignificant. I just don't want you worrying too much over this; its how I started and now I've ended up with acne dysmorphia.

i think i have acne dysmorphia as well. Every single zit i get, regardless of size, scare me. Big ones literally scare the living day lights out of me.

I keep getting scarred pores on my nose and cheeks. I dont know what to FUCKING DO.

do you think jojoba oil can cause enlarged/scarred pores?

i used jojoba oil on my already oily face, and it like one drop in my oil-free moisturiser, and that's why i got all the blackheads and pores over my face.
for me, im going to stay away from jojoba oil or wadeva oil, period.

[Timehealsall]

I think a lot of people in the world, even those without acne, have enlarged pores. They suck yes, but I really really really don't think anyone notices them the way you do. While they are slightly visible in the pictures you post, those are very close up, from a normal distance I imagine they are very insignificant. I just don't want you worrying too much over this; its how I started and now I've ended up with acne dysmorphia.

i think i have acne dysmorphia as well. Every single zit i get, regardless of size, scare me. Big ones literally scare the living day lights out of me.

I keep getting scarred pores on my nose and cheeks. I dont know what to FUCKING DO.

do you think jojoba oil can cause enlarged/scarred pores?

i used jojoba oil on my already oily face, and it like one drop in my oil-free moisturiser, and that's why i got all the blackheads and pores over my face.
for me, im going to stay away from jojoba oil or wadeva oil, period.

did these pores close up yet? Also, how long did you use jojoba oil before you found that it enlarged your pores?

[gecko333]

I found that salicylic acid was really good for my large pores, just get a 2% moisturiser or something and within a few days they're so much smaller, it was all that worked for me. But be careful, I would be hesitant using it at all with differin because of the irritation, maybe try a tiny bit on your forehead for the first few weeks before you flush yor whole face red!