Is IPL Effective for Reducing Enlarged Pores?

First of all, pore size is related to oil production, and although this is affected by other factors, it is primarily determined by one’s genetics. Individuals who are genetically “programmed” to produce more oil will naturally have a larger pore size. Therefore, having larger pores does not necessarily mean that the pores are “enlarged.” However, pores may become even larger over time if they have been stretched by prolonged congestion with oil and debris. For this reason, it is important for persons with oilier skin to utilize products such as salicylic acid and retinoic acid that will control oil buildup in the pores, as well as received regular professional treatments that involve extraction of the pores.

Having said that, IPL treatments are actually not effective treatment for reducing enlarged pores. The best way to treat enlarged pores once is to remove the upper layers of the skin while also stimulating deeper cellular renewal. IPL treatments do not have much of an effect on the more superficial layers of skin as it does not remove skin tissue. It does have some benefit in terms of collagen stimulation, and therefore could have some effect on pore size, but it would definitely not be the treatment of choice for this condition. Both chemical and laser resurfacing can provide this benefit. If a patient who presents enlarged pores is still experiencing oily skin, I will generally recommend chemical peels. This is especially true for a patient with an acneic condition. This is because chemical peels will offer the added benefit of balancing oil and controlling acne conditions. In this way, we are treating both the symptom and the cause. I may use a series of six or more SkinMedica Vitalize or Rejuvenize peels, or a shorter series of two or three Obagi Blue Peels. For a patient who no longer has oily skin, but has enlarged pores from a past condition, laser resurfacing may provide a faster result, and would be the preferred method. I believe, and research has shown, that the CO2 laser provides the best results with optimal safety for laser resurfacing. This is the laser that we use in our clinic.

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

IPL treats discoloration on the skin, such as hyperpigmentation and redness. IPL will not reduce the size of pores on the skin. Procedures recommended to reduce the appearance of pores are ones that create controlled injury to the skin, such as skin resurfacing or microneedling. 

This response is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.

thank you for your question.  IPL treatment treats red vessels, hyperpigmentation and it improves the texture of your skin by producing collagen and elastin. you will pepper after the treatment and the dark spots will appear darker before they flake off. do not be alarmed.  This takes 2-4 days depending on your skin type and the intensity of the treatment.Always consult with a physician to make sure you are a good candidate.

In my experience (with Lumenis an BTL IPLs, and some other IPL brands as demos) no, even a lot of IPL manufacturers promise pore improvement. What improves more the pore size are retinoids and azelaic acid, together with fractional laser, which I offer in my practice.

This question is asked alot. IPL DOES affect Acne and can help improve acne. I recently wrote a blog that reviewed the scientific evidence assessing numerous beneftis and drawbacks of IPL (you can click the link to it below). IPL is thought to work on acne by doing two things. (1) it can reduce the redness associated with outbreaks by targeting the red pigment in your skin. (2) It is thought to actually kill the bacteria that can cause acne. Perhaps pore size is slightly effected indirectly for a short time. IPL works by heating certain tissues in the skin and this heating "may" slightly and temporarily reduce pore size, but that is just a guess on my part. In the end, IPL has great benefits but pore size is a controversial one. James P. Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSCJB Cosmetics and Facial Surgery Center of OttawaHead and Neck Surgerypracticing in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryAssistant Professor, University of OttawaOttawa, Ontario, Canada

Yes, IPL can help rejuvenate the complexion by tightening the pores. The technology boosts the production of collagen, enabling the skin to become firmer and smoother and your pores will gradually become smaller.

IPL works great for pigmentation, such as sun damage, melasma, rosacea, broken blood vessels, cherry angiomas, freckles and birth marks. To reduce the size of your pores you need laser resurfacing, such as Fraxel Restore laser and it may take 3-5 treatments for the best results. Once you complete the fraxel treatments to maintain the results we always recommend a good skin care regimen such as Obagi Nu- Derm system with Retin-A.

IPL treatment is not a great option for reducing pore size.  Other options that may help with pore size include full CO2 laser resurfacing or fractional CO2 laser.   

We do not use IPL for reducing pore size. In fact, of all the lasers that we have at our practice (we use more than 20), we have found that the best one for reducing pore size is the q-switched Hoya Conbio Medlite C6. In conducting trials related to Melasma treatment with the Medlite C6, we have noticed a tremendous improvement in the texture of the skin. This included greatly reduced pore size after 4-6 high energy Medlite treatments over a 4 week period.
In addition to the Medlite laser treatments, any continued and prolonged exfoliation techniques such as glycolic acid products, Retin A, Microdermabrasion and even manual soap scrubs will help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and improve pore size.