From the Guidelines
Pores do not truly dilate or expand in size, as their actual size is determined by genetics and cannot be physically changed. The provided evidence 1 does not directly address the question of pore dilation, as it focuses on endoscopic dilatation in the context of eosinophilic oesophagitis. However, based on general medical knowledge, it is understood that pores can appear to become larger or smaller due to various factors such as:
- Excess oil production
- Aging, which reduces skin elasticity
- Sun damage
- Improper skincare
- Clogging of pores with oil, dead skin cells, or debris
These factors can make pores more visible, giving the appearance of dilation. Certain treatments like:
- Exfoliation
- Retinoids
- Proper cleansing can help minimize the appearance of pores by keeping them clean and supporting skin cell turnover, but these methods do not actually change the structural size of the pores. Additionally, heat from steam or hot water can temporarily soften the contents of pores, making extractions easier during facial treatments, but this is not true dilation of the pore itself 1.
From the Research
Pore Dilation
- The provided studies do not directly address the question of whether pores dilate.
- However, study 2 discusses the physiologic upper limits of pore size in different blood capillary types, which may be related to pore dilation.
- Studies 3, 4, 5, and 6 focus on the effects of glycolic acid and salicylic acid on skin conditions such as acne, melasma, and sunburn, but do not provide information on pore dilation.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support or refute the idea that pores dilate.