How to shrink pores
Sep 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Pores can be minimized through methods such as applying a cold towel to the face, using pore-tightening toners, laser treatments, photorejuvenation, and hyaluronic acid injections. In addition to choosing suitable methods, it's important to maintain skin cleanliness, avoid over-cleansing or squeezing pores, and maintain a healthy diet and regular作息 habits. These practices contribute to overall skin health and help achieve the effect of reduced pore size.
In general, pores refer to the visible pore-like structures on the grain surface of skin or leather after hair roots have been removed. These are the common openings of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, serving specific physiological functions. Pores can be minimized through methods such as cold compresses, pore-tightening toners, laser treatments, photorejuvenation (photofacial), and hyaluronic acid injections. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Cold Compress
When a cool towel is applied to the skin, the skin's surface temperature rapidly decreases, causing the pores to temporarily contract, thereby achieving a pore-minimizing effect. This method also stimulates blood circulation in the skin, enhances skin metabolism, and helps eliminate toxins and waste from within the skin, promoting healthier skin.
2. Pore-Tightening Toner
Pore-tightening toners typically contain various astringent and firming ingredients, such as witch hazel extract and green tea extract. These components penetrate deep into pores, regulate sebum production, and tighten the surrounding skin tissue, effectively reducing the appearance of pores. Additionally, these toners provide sufficient moisture and nutrients to keep the skin hydrated, helping improve dryness and rough texture.
3. Laser Treatment
Laser treatment uses high-energy laser beams to precisely target deeper layers of the skin, destroying abnormal hair follicle structures that contribute to enlarged pores, while stimulating collagen regeneration and skin remodeling to reduce pore size. The reference cost is generally 3,000–4,000 RMB per session. Improvement can typically be seen within 1–3 weeks, although temporary redness, swelling, or blistering may occur.
4. Photorejuvenation (Intense Pulsed Light, IPL)
Photorejuvenation uses intense pulsed light on the skin, generating both photothermal and photochemical effects. This promotes the reorganization and regeneration of collagen and elastic fibers, restoring skin elasticity. It also stimulates contraction of the skin tissue around pores, resulting in smaller-looking pores. The reference cost is generally 3,000–6,000 RMB per session. Results are usually visible within 1–3 weeks, though side effects such as dryness, burns, infections, or allergic reactions may occur.
5. Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Hydroquin Injection / "Water Light" Needling)
This is a cosmetic procedure that uses microneedling technology to directly inject various nutrients—such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C—into the dermal layer of the skin. These nutrients deeply nourish the skin, improving hydration and elasticity, thereby reducing the appearance of pores. The reference price ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 RMB per injection. Improvements are typically noticeable within 1–2 weeks, although mild side effects such as redness, swelling, or discomfort may occur.
It is recommended to visit a reputable medical facility and undergo these procedures under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure effectiveness and safety. In addition to selecting an appropriate method, maintaining good skincare habits—such as keeping the skin clean, avoiding excessive cleansing or squeezing of pores, and maintaining a healthy diet and sleep schedule—can all contribute to healthier skin and help achieve long-term pore reduction.
