We all want satiny smooth skin, unfortunately big pores often stand in the way of having that. Here is The Derm Institute’s Tips on minimizing the appearance of large pores.
There are a number of factors that will cause large pores, but of the many, there are three main culprits. The first one is age. As we age we will naturally lose the elasticity in the surrounding skin that supports the pores, causing pores to appear bigger than they actually are. Secondly, men are more likely to have larger pores compared to women from their genetic makeup and increased oil production. And last but not least, our body uses a substance called Sebum, which naturally hydrates our skin to prevent from drying. This substance however is very oily and individuals who produce more than average will find that oily skin causes larger pores.
The good news is you can make your large pores appear smaller and here’s some quick how-to’s:
1. Cleanse:
One of the easiest and quickest ways to reduce large pores is implementing a daily routine of constantly keeping them clean. Use a mild cleanser twice a day and exfoliate so that your skin doesn’t become overly dry. You can consider a cleanser that contains a gentle lactic or salicylic acid to declog the pores.
2. Exfoliate:
Removing dead skin cells from the upper skin layer to brighten skin texture and get rid of heaped up cells surrounding and in the pores. Removing the dull layer of dead skin cells on top of your living skin layer gives you brighter, smoother, more radiant looking skin with a velvety soft texture. You may want to think about investing in the Clarisonic Mia which uses sonic energy and the vibrations of a brush to pulse your cleanser down into your pores. Oil and clogged pore debris can then be lifted out of the pores. Empty pores look cleaner and smaller because the black appearance oxidized pore debris make pores look more obvious.
3. Treat:
The use of topical treatments such as retinoids, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or benzoyl peroxides will not only reduce the size of the pores but will also aid in the destruction of bacteria that cause acne and treat sun damage.
If you still feel like your pores look big with the tricks I’ve mentioned above. You may need a little extra help. There are many dermatological advances in skincare which has led to the development of a number of effective treatments for large pores. If you have large pores, you may benefit from the following treatments:
4. Chemical Peels:
Our team at The Derm Institute will work with you to transform your complexion into beautiful, healthy-looking skin. Our chemical peels use varying types of prescription-strength acids including salicylic, lactic, retinol, and trichloroacetic acid to remove your outer layers of dead skin – revealing the fresher, healthier, softer skin underneath.
5. Fractional Non-Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing:
Fractional Non-Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing works beautifully to create micro-zones of collagen boosting to reveal fresher, smooth skin. It can minimize the appearance of pores as well as acne scars. Downtime is minimal with some mild redness and flaking. Typically a series of even 2 treatments is enough for long-lasting results.
View our before and after gallery
6. IPL Photofacial:
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are also fantastic for refining the texture and appearance of pores. Skin feels incredible after even a single treatment. IPL causes tightening of the pores, gives the skin an overall glow, and addresses any unwanted red or brown spots.
7. Photodynamic Therapy:
Photodynamic Therapy uses a light activated solution to improve the skin texture by minimizing the size of oil glands on the face. Typically 1-2 treatments can address pore size significantly, as well as reducing signs of early sun damage.
8. Smart Makeup:
If you suffer from large pores your first instinct may to immediately reach for that makeup bag to reduce their appearance. But wait! Before you rush into it, double check that you are using the correct products first. What you want is a product that is an oil free formula without a lot of talc, which can actually settle into the pores and make them appear larger.
Dr. Chiu and her medical team are personally involved in every treatment here at The Derm Institute. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about any of the procedures. To learn more about treatments at The Derm Institute or to schedule a free consultation, contact us by phone or email today.
. . . Shared by Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute Team
Get ready to slough off the summer photodamage with a 
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Doing my hair, using a skincare regimen, picking an outfit, and putting on makeup, does a girl not already have enough to do as part of her beauty routine to worry about cleaning makeup brushes? Yes, I read magazine articles that tell me to clean my brushes. But they are the same magazines that say I should get a pedicure every 2 weeks. Real life just doesn”t allow this kind of time! But a new study is making me think twice . . . at least about my makeup brushes.
As we all strive for more perfect skin, the demand for makeup and different tools to apply makeup has exploded on the market. Professionals, celebrities, and even us everyday folks are covering blemishes, evening skin tone, volumnizing eyelashes, glossing lips—all with a different type of brush. The average woman who wears subtle makeup uses about 4 different applicators per day. Most of us have brush kits that we don’t even know what to do with: shadow brushes, sable brushes, highlighter brushes, kabuki brushes, liner brushes—I get anxiety just looking in my makeup drawer. 72% of us don’t wash our brushes. But now I am even more worried—it turns out all these instruments tend to accumulate bacteria not only from the cosmetic product itself, but from the oils of the the human skin, the dirt off our hands, and depending on how one stores them, the built-up toxins from our surroundings. Um, don’t most of us have makeup brushes in the bathroom? I feel eeek factor just writing this.
According to the conclusions of this study, the researchers recommend that brushes be cleansed once a week, or at the very least, every two weeks. Brushes that use creamy products like foundation, concealer, lipstick, or cream shadow need cleaning more often than “dry” products like loose powder. I like the inexpensive 
As the temperature heats up this summer, it’s a perfect time to step up your skincare routine to fight against 
If you have picked up a beauty magazine in the last year, you have probably seen the sudden explosion of a group of beauty products called the BB cream. It’s hard to forget this super catchy name, and patients have been asking me “what are BB creams and should I get some?”
So is it worth the hype? Well, as with all things, it depends on the brand and your unique skin type. BB Creams are particularly compatible with the increasing demand for simplicity in beauty routines. Because BB creams offer a natural cosmetic coverage with sun protection and anti-aging ingredients, it truly can be an “all-in-one” product. The key is to find a product that color matches well to your skin, and does not leave a chalky residue. It should feel light and natural, while offering enough coverage to hide blemishes. Some of my favorite brands include the 
Dr. Annie Chiu, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Owner of The Derm Institute, welcomes you to her Boutique Style Dermatology practice, where we believe that healthy, beautiful skin should be attainable for every patient. Serving Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes, our uniquely friendly and compassionate team is committed to delivering superior service and results in an intimate, comfortable, and relaxing setting. We are dedicated to making our patients feel special, glowing, and happy with their skin every day. At our practice, Dr. Chiu personally consults with every patient, providing physician quality care.
