From the Guidelines
Retinoids are effective in reducing the appearance of pores by promoting cell turnover and preventing clogging, as demonstrated by their modest benefit in improving lentigines and reducing wrinkles 1. When considering the use of retinoids for pore reduction, it's essential to understand their mechanism of action. Retinoids, such as adapalene and tretinoin, work by increasing cell renewal, which helps shed dead skin cells that can accumulate in pores and make them appear larger. Some key points to consider when using retinoids for pore reduction include:
- Starting with a lower concentration (e.g., 0.1% adapalene) and gradually increasing as tolerance builds
- Applying a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin in the evening, followed by moisturizer
- Expecting results after 8-12 weeks of consistent use
- Being aware of potential side effects, such as dryness, redness, and sun sensitivity, and using daily sunscreen to mitigate these effects According to the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines, topical retinoids, including adapalene 0.3% and tretinoin 0.01% and 0.05%, may lend additional benefit in improving lentigines and reducing wrinkles 1. Overall, retinoids can be a valuable addition to a skincare routine for reducing the appearance of pores, and their benefits can be optimized by using them consistently and as directed.
From the FDA Drug Label
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Isotretinoin is a retinoid, which when administered in pharmacologic dosages of 0. 5 to 1 mg/kg/day (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION), inhibits sebaceous gland function and keratinization. The decrease in sebum secretion is temporary and is related to the dose and duration of treatment with isotretinoin, and reflects a reduction in sebaceous gland size and an inhibition of sebaceous gland differentiation.
Retinoids, such as isotretinoin, inhibit sebaceous gland function and keratinization, which can lead to a reduction in sebum secretion. This reduction in sebum secretion can help to decrease pore size by reducing the amount of sebum that can accumulate in the pores. However, the FDA drug label does not directly state the effect of retinoids on pores.
- Key points:
- Retinoids inhibit sebaceous gland function and keratinization
- Reduction in sebum secretion is temporary and related to dose and duration of treatment
- Decrease in sebum secretion can help to reduce pore size 2
From the Research
Effects of Retinoids on Pores
- Retinoids have been shown to have a positive effect on pores by reducing their appearance and improving skin texture 3, 4.
- They work by targeting the pathoetiologic events of acne vulgaris, including comedogenesis, inflammation, and hyperkeratosis 3.
- Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene, have been found to be effective in improving acne lesions and reducing pore size 4.
- Retinoids also have anti-aging properties, which can help to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including those around pores 5, 6.
Mechanism of Action
- Retinoids bind to retinoid nuclear receptors, which activates specific regulatory regions of DNA involved in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis 7.
- This leads to an increase in cell turnover, which can help to unclog pores and reduce their appearance 7.
- Retinoids also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and inflammation around pores 3, 4.
Types of Retinoids
- There are several types of retinoids, including topical and systemic retinoids, each with their own strengths and weaknesses 7, 4.
- Topical retinoids, such as retinol, are available over-the-counter and have been shown to be effective in improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including those around pores 5.
- Prescription retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene, are more potent than over-the-counter retinoids and are often used to treat more severe cases of acne and aging skin 3, 4.