Pore reduction is a popular procedure in Japan. It may also be a common treatment choice in other countries, but it makes an important procedure as many women desire smooth, silky skin. A couple decades ago, women preferred tanned skin with healthy brown glow. But the recent trends of porcelain appearance of the skin has led many women to seek pore reduction. Unlike melasma, pores are not easily erased with make-up and people tend to seek a more fundamental solution. It is interesting to note that a large majority of patients interested in pore reduction are young in their teens and 20s who are free from the worries about wrinkles or dark spots. In addition, more men are becoming interested in pore management. Young men as well as those in their 40s and 50s visit the clinician to improve their pores (they may have become motivated to seek treatment thanks to today’s heightened awareness of aesthetic treatment).

 

Technology is also playing a role. The plethora of high-definition imaging and air-brushing programs are strengthening the notion of immaculate skin. The evolution from analog to digital television has made possible clear visualization of small imperfections including pores. High-definition photographs also show the skin’s conditions in every detail. People who make frequent TV appearances have to take good care of their skin and various make-up techniques are used to cover up imperfections. This also sensitizes the public to the appearance of their skin. Even people with normal pores are becoming obsessed with the size of their pores and try to further reduce them.

 

HELIOSⅡ/LOTUSⅡ/HYPERION – Manufacturer: LASEROPTEK(www.laseroptek.com)

 

Pores become enlarged largely due to the build-up of sebum and impurities. Sebum and impurities come in contact with air, become oxidized, darken and harden, which results in larger pores. Cosmetic manufacturers are releasing a wealth of pore-clearing facial masks (containing AHA. etc.) and exfoliating soap. In Japan, one can easily see many advertisements about these products. However, sebum and impurities will build up again soon after cleansing and pores will continue to enlarge. Excessive cleansing or exfoliating for the purpose of removing sebum and impurities from the pores will leave the skin weak and stiff, which will also enlarge the pores even more. In Japan, one can often encounter patients who have enlarge pores and red patches in the face due to excessive cleansing and stripping of the skin. I have emphasized this many times already, but this obsession with cleanliness is a major cause of various skin conditions in Japan.

 

From the perspective of an aesthetic clinician, pore reduction is a very difficult treatment. Sebum production cannot be stopped with treatment as sebum plays an important role in maintaining the health of normal skin. It is impossible to completely clear the skin of pores as with other pigmented lesions. Even very successful treatments would not be able to completely remove pores. 

 

-To be continued