Can IPL leave you with larger looking pores?

Question

I had IPL done 6 months ago strictly for broken capillaries. I've noticed my skin either looks like there's tiny holes all over it or my pores have enlarged. Can IPL cause pores to look larger?? I've seen some posts on here where people were complaining about the same thing. I wanted to hear a doctors opinion on this. I'm now extremely hesitant to do another session even though it helped with my broken capillaries. Skin background- extremely oily, fair, and 29 years old.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

IPL is mostly visible light that helps to get rid of brown and red spots on the skin.  IPL have very little effect on pores or sebaceous glands.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question jmariestevenson. I understand your concern.
IPL is a great treatment for facial rejuvenation. IPL itself does not do much for pores. However if the settings are adjusted and infrared light is used pore size can be reduced. Non-ablative and fractional ablative lasers work well to reduce pore size. IPL can work for redness and broken capillaries. A series of treatments is required and result are seen slowly over time. Patience is important. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question and I'm sorry your frustrated this happened. IPL in itself will not increase the size of your pores. What it can do is remove red and brown pigment from your skin. What happens when this pigment is removed is that you're left with a more even skin tone which reflects light differently than before, making the pores seem more visible. If you really don't like your pores, there are other treatments which can improve pore size. Fractionated lasers such as Halo and Fraxel may improve the appearance of your pores, but it may take 1-2 treatments for you to see a noticeable difference. I hope this helps and best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Shelby Bentz, MD (retired) · Answer

IPL does not affect pores.  When skin tones become more even and reflective (such as after IPL), it is often easier to spot other areas of concern such as enlarged pores or asymmetrical lips, etc, that you had not been aware of.  The best treatment for pores is good skin care to keep them empty of sebum, Retin-A to maintain skin turnover so the pores don't fill and become enlarged with sebum and Halo which reduces pore size and number.  Pores can certainly drive you nuts at times as they are so variable - larger with exercise, sweating, weather, hormones... They are difficult!   Shelby Bentz MD

Can IPL leave you with larger looking pores?

Answers (4)