During my 15 years as a dermatologist, an obsession with pores is something I come across all the time - and I’ve coined this fixation with pore size, “porexia”.
Pores are tiny little openings on the outermost layer of our skin, where our natural oils are released to the skin’s surface. They’re also the opening at the top of our hair follicles. Each oil gland has a hair follicle in it, and the opening of that follicle and gland on the surface of our skin is the pore we see.
Contrary to popular belief - and the misleading marketing peddled by many skincare brands - it is scientifically impossible to reduce the size of our pores. You physically cannot “shrink” your pores! Unfortunately, their size is predetermined by our genetics. Any product that claims to do otherwise is simply lying to you.
However, it is possible to reduce the “visibility” of your pores with a targeted at-home skincare routine full of the right concentrations of the right ingredients. Combined with in-clinic laser treatments, you’ll be well on your way to treating your “porexia” in no time!
MY DrNC POREXIA-FIGHTING ROUTINE
It’s time to put down the harsh scrubs, which can actually do your skin far more harm than good, and switch to chemical exfoliating products instead. This highly potent serum, which is still gentle enough to use everyday, contains a combination of AHAs and BHAs that sink deep into the cell follicles, preventing and removing blackheads and whiteheads, and settling any breakouts. High concentrations of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic and tartaric acids leave skin feeling tighter and brighter, replacing old dull cells with fresher, newer ones!
Your weekly pore cleanout, all in one convenient little at-home sachet! A clinical strength treatment, this single wipe is soaked in a 25% alpha and beta hydroxy acid solution that literally wipes away dull skin, penetrating deep into your pores to clear out any debris, giving the illusion of smoother, smaller and tighter pores.
If your pores are clogged with excess oil, this instant breakout-buster will have you covered. Featuring a unique, travel-friendly rollerball design and a cocktail of AHAs and BHAs to stop breakouts dead in their tracks. Keeping breakouts at bay - and preventing them from scarrings - goes a long way in helping reduce the appearance of large pores. If you do get a pimple, the Spot Destroyer accelerates the healing process to ensure minimal long-lasting damage occurs.
FACE BAR LASER TREATMENTS
If you’re still unhappy after diligently applying yourself to your at-home skincare routine, my Face Bar offers a range of laser treatments that can help reduce the appearance of pores.
OK, I’D LIKE TO DIP MY TOE IN THE WATER……
Dubbed the “Hollywood Laser Peel” on Instagram, this 30-minute treatment changes the biology of your skin, reactivating your collagen production, leading to pumper, more refined skin. And the best bit? It requires absolutely zero downtime.
HydraFacial is one of the most powerful, non-invasive skin treatments available. It combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration & antioxidant protection. HydraFacial aides clearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Improves overall skin texture, tone and appearance.
ALRIGHT, I’M FEELING A BIT MORE BRAVE……
An intelligent and gentle laser treatment suitable for all skin types that creates a smoother, softer and more even skin texture by resurfacing the skin. A short 20-minute treatment for those wishing to target sun damage, uneven tone, rough texture and fine lines, as well as pores. Committing to regular monthly treatments will help give you a brighter, tighter, healthy glow.
GIVE ME THE FULL FORCE BABY, LET’S DO THIS!!
RF MORPHEUS 8
This is an advanced skin treatment with minimal pain and downtime that incorporates traditional microneedling and fractionated radio frequency (RF) to rejuvenate skin, delivering a targeted radio-frequency energy to each layer of the skin, stimulating the production of collagen. Skin feels tighter, with the illusion of a reduction in pore size, while fine lines and scarring are also reduced.
ALMA HYBRID
The Alma Hybrid combines CO2 laser, non-ablative 1570nm laser and thermal technologies creating a uniquely synergistic effect to treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, scars and much more! This makes it increasingly effective in resurfacing the skin while remaining safe for most skin types and reducing overall downtime. In addition, Alma Hybrid offers complete control of parameters setting, enabling your practitioner to create a bespoke treatment programme, depending on the individual’s skin type and recovery time available.
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