Men vs. Pores?
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Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:34 pm

Hi,

I'm new to the forum. I was searching google about pores and saw some posts here about it and thought I'd ask my questions -- apologizes ahead of time if men don't frequent the boards or I'm asking old content Embarassed

In any event, I used to take really good care of my face until I went on this backpacking trip across Southeast Asia, where I didn't have access to most of my daily products. On top of that, I broke my ribs in Indonesia and haven't been taking too much care of myself while I've been somewhat bedridden.

I've started up my routine again a few weeks ago, but have noticed my pores are large comparatively to before. They don't seem to be shrinking either.

I used to be an avid gym goer, and the ribs have disabled me from doing too much physical activities, so that may contribute somewhat to my current condition because I'm not sweating too often.

I was wondering what could be recommended to help my pores be less noticeable? Any products I should be using?

I'm using the clinque men's 5 step set as well as Lab's exfoliant once a week.

Any tips would be appreciated!

Cheers!
Tre

free skin care · Thu Oct 09, 2008 8:11 pm

Hi Tre,

Wow, a guy who actually takes care of his face? That's great... (Compared to my husband who thinks face care is washing his face with Lava soap in the shower!)

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to physically "shrink" pores - as they're pretty just outlets in the skin (no muscle exercise will help, sadly!) - and their minimum size is determined by genetics. However, they can get enlarged if they get filled with sebum and dead skin cells.

You can definitely help minimize their appearance and help keep them clear - which will, in turn, keep them from getting enlarged.

I would recommend daily cleansing with salicylic acid (or other) cleanser. Application of low-strength topical retinoid or vitamin C product may help as well. These are antioxidants that work to increase collagen and elastin production to give your skin a smoother appearance. My husband has great success with Biore strips - but some people have had bad experiences with those. (IMHO, men have tougher skin - so that may not be an issue for you.)

There are also physical treatments you can try - namely Fraxel laser and dermarolling (microneedling). Fraxel is a laser treatment administered by a dermatologist (or other professional) which can require a bit of downtime and $$. Dermarolling can be either done at home - or at a doctor's office. (There are a few threads on EDS forum about dermarolling - one to start with is: http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=22460)

Both the Fraxel and dermarolling have been shown to increase collagen production in the skin - and can help minimize the appearance of large pores.

Hope this helps!

Thu Oct 09, 2008 9:26 pm

I really appreciate the fast response and the tips Very Happy

I'll try some of what you mentioned and let you know if I have any progress. Maybe my skin isn't into the routine yet or whatnot, but well see.

I should have never stopped, but didn't have much a choice walking through mountains.

A couple of my other friends take care of their skin, so I'm not alone -- they would never admit to doing it though Laughing

To each their own...

Thanks again,
Tre

free skin care · Thu Oct 09, 2008 9:36 pm

You're very welcome!

I'm sure the other (more veteran) members of this forum will have other suggestions and better ideas too - but thought I'd just give you my two cents...

Don't worry too much about having to stop - I'm sure you have great memories of your backpacking trip - and those are much better than a few small pores any day... Smile

Good luck with your regimen! (And, don't forget, if you need any products on this site, I think EDS has a 20% off promo right now...)

free skin care · Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:54 am

The pore size is mainly determined by genes and age (unfortunately pores tend to get larger with age).

I agree that the best thing to do, is having a good cleansing routine with a salicylic acid cleanser, and you might also want to use a serum with both glycolic acid and salicylic acid in order to keep your pores clean and prevent them from stretching and getting larger.

I would be careful about vitamin C serums. Although it has many benefits, quite a few people experience an increase in blackheads, which you don't want.

Also, keep using a light moisturizer. Rich creams and oils may weigh your skin down and increase your problem. Good luck, tr3!

Smile

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