Can skin astringent treat enlarged pores?

Not really

Skin astringent (also known as firming water) may shrink pores in the short term and make the skin look smoother and firmer, but it cannot fundamentally treat or permanently improve the problem of large pores.

One common cause of enlarged pores is excessive oil secretion from the sebaceous glands, which mixes with keratin and dirt to clog the pores, making them more obvious. The alcohol or other astringent ingredients in astringent water can temporarily remove oil from the surface of the skin and temporarily shrink the pores, but this effect is short-lived. Once sebum secretion resumes, the appearance of the pores will also return.

In addition, it is important to know that enlarged pores are a complex problem that is not only related to sebum secretion, but also involves a variety of internal and external factors. Internal factors such as gender, age and genetics can affect pore size, and external factors such as ultraviolet radiation, improper care habits and lifestyle can also aggravate pore problems. Therefore, relying on a single astringent water cannot fundamentally solve the problem of enlarged pores.

To improve the condition of enlarged pores, you first need to maintain healthy skin through proper daily skin care, especially cleaning and oil control. Regular exfoliation can reduce the accumulation of cuticles and clogged pores. If the problem is serious, you can also consider combining reliable medical measures to improve the problem.

When choosing skin care products, you should also avoid highly irritating ingredients such as high concentrations of alcohol. Long-term use of such ingredients may damage the skin barrier and may aggravate the problem of pores.

In short, skin astringents can only occasionally provide temporary visual improvement, but the real solution to enlarged pores lies in long-term, scientific skin care and comprehensive treatment strategies.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital