34, large pores & atrophic scars - recommendations for texture & discoloration? (Photo)

Given your concerns about large pores, atrophic scars, and discoloration, and considering the treatments you've already tried, here are some additional recommendations that might help improve your skin texture and address discoloration:

### Skincare Routine
1. **Cleansing**: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser twice daily to keep your skin clean and reduce irritation.
2. **Exfoliation**: Incorporate chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to help with skin cell turnover. Products containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid can be effective.
3. **Retinoids**: Use a retinoid (prescription-strength tretinoin or over-the-counter retinol) to promote collagen production and cell turnover, which can help with both texture and discoloration.
4. **Moisturizing**: Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
5. **Sun Protection**: Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is crucial to prevent further sun damage and discoloration.

### In-Office Treatments
1. **Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)**: This treatment can stimulate collagen production, improving both scars and skin texture.
2. **Fractional Laser Resurfacing**: Fractional CO2 or erbium lasers can be very effective for atrophic scars and large pores. These lasers create micro-injuries that promote collagen remodeling.
3. **Radiofrequency Microneedling**: This combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to tighten skin and improve texture.
4. **Chemical Peels**: Since you’ve tried medium depth peels, you might consider deeper peels (under the supervision of a dermatologist) for more pronounced results.
5. **Laser Treatments for Discoloration**: Since IPL has not provided satisfactory results, other laser treatments like Q-switched lasers or fractional lasers specifically targeting pigmentation might be more effective.

### Lifestyle and Home Care
1. **Diet and Hydration**: Ensure a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Staying well-hydrated is also important for skin health.
2. **Avoid Irritants**: Be mindful of products that may irritate your skin, especially around sensitive areas like your nostrils.
3. **Consistent Routine**: Stick to a consistent skincare routine, as it can take time to see significant improvements.

### Consult a Dermatologist
Given the complexity of your skin concerns and the treatments you’ve already tried, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist. They can provide personalized recommendations and may suggest newer treatments or combinations of treatments tailored to your specific needs.

### Potential New Treatments
1. **LED Light Therapy**: Can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
2. **Topical Treatments**: Products containing niacinamide can help with both texture and discoloration. Vitamin C serums can also be effective for brightening skin and reducing sunspots.

### Note
Always patch-test new products and treatments to ensure they do not cause adverse reactions. It's important to introduce new elements into your skincare routine gradually.

By combining professional treatments with a diligent at-home skincare routine, you can effectively address large pores, atrophic scars, and discoloration over time.

Hi, I’m Lauren, the aesthetic injector here at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center. Given your concerns with large pores, atrophic scars, and uneven skin tone—and considering the treatments you’ve already tried—microneedling would be a highly effective next step.Microneedling works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which helps: Refine large pores, improve the texture and depth of acne scars and evens out tone and reduce mild pigmentation over time. The best next step is always a personalized consultation with a skilled provider, where you can talk through your goals and have a full facial assessment to create a treatment plan that’s just right for you.

I would recommend a series of 3 to 5 microneedling sessions. Microneedling can help reduce the appearance of pores and scars by increasing collagen and elasticity. Pairing treatments that you are already doing like HydraFacial, chemicals peels as well as microneedling will definitely get you the results you are looking for!