“I was looking at my face today. Is it possible that my pores have gotten smaller?”
I received this question in email today from one of my dearest, long term clients. It’s a question that I get asked relatively frequently. The answer to this question is yes, and no. It’s a tricky one. Pore size is determined genetically. So, in essence it does not change. However, the way I explain pores goes like this: Think of your pore as a bag made of a stretchable fabric. When it’s filled, it expands. Much like the bags at the supermarket. It opens to accomodate that which is in it. So, if you remove what’s in it: i.e., debris, sebum, dirt, etc., it will close, lay flatter and appear smaller. Just like a bag when it’s emptied and flat.
Another key factor is this: when you care for your skin and have regular treatments like facials, peels, and microdermabrasion, the pores remain clean and empty longer and they will “learn” to stay flat and tighter. Good home care with good product will influence this as well. According to what I learned at the Aesthetic Science Institute, 40% of your skin’s health is dependant upon what you do at home, while 60% rests upon the professional treatment you receive.
So, to sum this up. No, your “genetic” pore size does not change, however it is greatly influenced by the care your skin receives and how filled for how long that pore has been. So, yes, when you look at your skin after having had years of good care and treatment, your pores will appear to be smaller. Hopefully, that sufficiently answers the question! So much for a black and white answer 🙂
