Reduce large pores

SINGAPORE — We can all do without visible pores. Enlarged pores are made more conspicuous when skin is exposed to environmental aggressors, such as UV rays and pollution. And apart from making us appear older than we are, enlarged pores can result in an uneven and rough skin surface, making it difficult to work our daily make-up magic.

“Pores are basically enlarged openings of sebaceous old glands. Because the pore opening is connected to an oil duct and oil gland (that are) situated below the epidermis, it is inaccurate to say that pores can be removed from the skin,” said Dr Goh Seng Heng of PPP Laser Clinic.

The appearance of pores can, however, be minimised: Through the use of skincare products, make-up or laser treatments. A life with a clean and nearly poreless canvas? Sign us up, please.

MAKE-UP

Kiehl’s Micro-Blur Skin Perfector is a lightweight and water-based emulsion that instantly smoothens out uneven skin tone, diminishing lines and reducing the appearance of pores along the way. Use this over your sunscreen protection or after a BB cream during the day and at night. It should be applied as the last step in your skincare regime. Retailing for S$52 at Kiehl’s stores.

SKINCARE

Treat your skin to GLAMGLOW’s Supermud Clearing Treatment. Use it as a full mask or as a spot treatment three times a week. With ingredients such as Activated-X Charcoal and fresh eucalyptol, this clay mask draws out impurities as it treats blemishes, black and white heads, razor bumps and ingrown hair. You can be sure to see a reduction in pore size. Retailing for S$92 at Escentials Paragon, Escentials TANGS Orchard and Sephora stores.

TREATMENT

Lastly, you might want to consider the Laser Light Cleaning System (LLCS) laser treatment at PPP Laser Clinic. It engages the use of non-ablative lasers, which enables heat energy to shrink the size of the oil gland. This, in turn, reduces the production of oil and size of pores. The treatment takes less than five minutes — although they say you can expect mild redness and swelling after. Of course, results do vary from person to person, but generally, you can expect to see a shrinkage in pore size almost immediately or over the next 24 hours. Price upon consultation. Find a PPP Laser Clinic near you at http://www.ppp.com.sg.