Let’s Talk Pores: Why They Seem to Grow with Age (and What We Can Do About It).

Ah, pores—the little craters that most of us wish we could just smooth away like magic. They’re the tiny, innocent-looking openings that let your skin breathe, keep things balanced, and help produce essential oils. But then one day, after years of blissfully ignoring them, you look in the mirror, and—wait a minute! Are they… bigger? With age, pores can become more noticeable, but don’t panic. Let’s chat about what causes these changes and how you can keep them looking smaller and smoother at every stage.

Why Do Pores Seem Bigger as We Age?

Let’s break it down. Your skin’s elasticity (think of it like a trampoline for your face) naturally decreases with age, and those collagen levels that kept everything firm start to drop. When your skin starts to sag a bit, those tiny pores can stretch and look larger than they did in your 20s. Combine that with possible oil production changes and general skin laxity, and voilà—pores can become the latest addition to your list of skin quirks.

The Best Ways to Keep Pores in Check

So, what can we do? Let’s dive into a few powerhouse methods to help keep those pores looking refined, fresh, and as minimised as possible.

1. Exfoliate Regularly—but Not Aggressively!

Exfoliating is like spring cleaning for your pores. Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and prevent them from clogging up the works. But here’s the trick: go easy. Opt for gentle exfoliants like salicylic acid (great for breaking down oils in pores) or glycolic acid (which helps promote cell turnover). Just remember, it’s not about scrubbing your pores into submission; it’s about letting those ingredients do their magic. We love Fruit Enzyme by Aspect Dr, gentle yet effective. 

2. Retinol to the Rescue

Retinol isn’t just the anti-aging hero; it’s also a fantastic pore-minimising trick. Retinol helps speed up cell turnover and smoothes skin texture, making pores appear smaller over time. Retinol is a slow and steady wins-the-race type of treatment, so consistency is key. And yes, it might take a few weeks to see the results, but trust us, it’s worth it.

3. Hydrate Like a Pro

You might think that oil-free is the way to go, but here’s a fun fact: well-hydrated skin actually looks plumper, and that can make pores appear smaller. Try lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers, like those with hyaluronic acid, to keep your skin hydrated without clogging those pores. When your skin is balanced, your pores tend to look more refined and less noticeable.

4. Make Friends with a Primer

If you’re looking for an instant fix, don’t underestimate the power of a good primer. Many primers use silicones or light-diffusing ingredients to blur the appearance of pores. While this doesn’t actually change your pores, it’s a quick way to keep your makeup looking smooth and flawless.

5. Consider Professional Treatments (Hello, Beautyologist!)

Sometimes, the best results come from a professional touch. At Beautyologist in St. Kilda East, Balaclava, we have options like Laser Genesis and Microneedling (also known as Dermapen 4 skin needling). These treatments stimulate collagen production, which firms up your skin, smooths out fine lines, and makes pores look smaller. Want something extra luxe? Our Vita Brite Refresher Dermal Therapy Peel can also brighten and exfoliate the skin for a fresh, pore-refined glow.

6. SPF: Your Best Anti-Aging Friend

You didn’t think we’d skip the sunscreen, did you? Sun damage is one of the biggest factors in premature aging, leading to a breakdown of collagen and elastin—aka, making your skin less firm and your pores more noticeable. Wear SPF 30 or higher every day to keep your skin protected and firm.

Embrace Your Skin!

Remember, pores are part of what makes your skin unique, and having them is completely natural. With a few good habits, some quality skincare, and maybe a visit to your friends at Beautyologist in St. Kilda East, Balaclava, you can manage those pores and keep your skin looking gorgeous.

So here’s to pores and aging with grace! They may grow up with us, but with a little TLC, they don’t have to steal the show.

By Sia Psicharis