Large Pores & Oily Skin

Dr. Irwin
August 18, 2009
Dear Dr. Irwin, I'm a nineteen year old girl who has had acne in the past and my skin is still pretty oily. Since my pores have been enlarged by the acne, I'm wondering if a laser procedure like IPL or Fraxel would work on me. Or should I wait until I'm older and possibly less oily? Thanks so much for your time. Your website is great! Gaby

Hi Gaby –  thanks for the compliment!

 Pore size, as I’m sure you know, is one of the toughest things to change. This is because pore size is largely inherited and related to the amount of oil we produce. The oilier we are, the larger our pores generally.  And, since the amount of oil is related to hormones, we produce the most in our teens and twenties.  Most people, but not all, get less oily with each passing decade. But that’s not comforting I know when you’re 19!!

 So in the meantime, oral contraceptives which will regulate your hormones, may help. Lasers, because they make make you a little dryer, help temporarily but I’m not convinced they are worth the time and money if your only issue is pores.   Oil control measures like the Shisedo rice powder blotting papers and making sure you only use oil free or mineral powder based sunscreens and make up also will help.  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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