30/09/2026

LYFE WEDNESDAY | SEPT 30, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

@thesundaily @t

Ű BY ASHIQIN AHMAD

E NLARGED pores are one of those skincare concerns that can seem simple but are often influenced by several factors, from genetics and skin type to ageing and sun exposure. Prince Court Medical Centre consultant dermatologist Dr Shaaira Nasir explained why some people are more prone to visible pores and what can actually be done to manage their appearance. She said pore size is largely determined by factors that cannot simply be changed through skincare. Ageing can also make pores appear more prominent as the skin gradually loses collagen and elastin. Sun exposure contributes to the process by breaking down these structural proteins and reducing skin elasticity. The good news is while pores cannot be permanently reduced in size, their appearance can be managed by controlling excess oil, keeping them clear and protecting the skin as it ages. Oily skin concerns People with oily skin are more likely to notice enlarged pores because excess sebum can accumulate inside them along with dead skin cells and other debris. When a pore becomes blocked, it can develop into a comedone, commonly seen as a blackhead or whitehead. If enough blocked pores develop, this can lead to comedonal acne, while the presence of bacteria and inflammation can result in inflammatory acne. This is where skincare can make a difference. Shaaira recommends ingredients such as salicylic acid and niacinamide for people dealing with excess oil and visible pores. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that can break down oil and debris within pores, helping to keep them clearer. Niacinamide, meanwhile, can help regulate sebum production, making it useful for those whose oily skin contributes to more visible pores. “Pore size is mainly determined by our genetics, skin type and age. The appearance can be reduced by managing oil production, clearing the pores and boosting skin elasticity,” she said at the recent launch of La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Supramolecular, a new addition to the brand’s Effaclar range aimed at

Shaaira (left) giving a speech on skin health during the La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Supramolecular product launch. – HANDOUT PIC Pore pressure o Ageing, sun exposure, skin type contribute to enlarged ostium

situation changes when excess oil and clogged pores begin causing persistent breakouts or affecting a person’s well-being. “If you can’t control the oiliness to the point it is causing blocked pores and breakouts, or even affecting your mood or mental health, then visit a dermatologist for further treatment or skincare advice,” said Shaaira. A dermatologist can determine whether the problem is simply excess oil and visible pores or whether it has progressed into a form of acne that requires medical treatment. This is particularly important when people respond to persistent breakouts by continually adding stronger products to their routines. More active ingredients are not necessarily better, especially when they begin irritating the skin or compromising its barrier. Aim for healthier skin Ultimately, pores are a normal part of skin and their visibility is not something that can be completely eliminated. Genetics, skin type and age will continue to influence their size, but a consistent routine can help prevent them from becoming more noticeable. For oily and pore-prone skin, that means cleansing away excess oil and buildup, maintaining hydration, managing sebum production with suitable ingredients and protecting the skin from UV damage. The key is also to have realistic expectations, rather than chasing products that promise to erase pores altogether, understanding why they appear prominent can help people build a routine that addresses the actual cause. Healthy skin does not have to mean perfectly smooth or poreless skin. Sometimes, the more useful goal is simply skin that is balanced, protected and properly cared for.

Moisturiser is equally important, even for oily skin. One of the misconceptions Shaaira encounters is oily skin does not need hydration. In reality, she said, dehydrated skin may compensate for a lack of water by producing more oil. “Oily skin still needs hydration to replenish water loss from the skin. In fact, dehydrated skin may cause your skin to produce more oil by compensating for the lack of hydration,” she said. Sunscreen is the third essential because protecting the skin from UV damage can help slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin,

addressing concerns associated with oily and blemish-prone skin. Keep the routine simple For those living in Malaysia’s hot and humid climate, the temptation can be to use strong cleansers or skip moisturiser altogether in an attempt to keep oily skin under control. Shaaira, however, recommends sticking to three essentials: Cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. Cleansing helps remove excess oil, dirt and debris from the skin, while a cleanser containing salicylic acid can provide additional help by breaking down oil within the pores.

which contribute to maintaining skin structure and elasticity. The approach is therefore less about stripping the skin of every trace of oil and more about keeping its oil and moisture levels balanced. Pores do not shrink Another common skincare belief Shaaira would like to dispel is pores can open and close. “Pores don’t open and close,” she said. What changes is how visible they appear. When excess oil, dead skin cells and dirt are removed through proper cleansing, pores can look cleaner and less prominent. Managing sebum production and protecting the skin’s elasticity can also help improve their appearance over time. This means the goal should not be to physically shrink pores but to manage the factors that make them more noticeable. Topical retinoids such as retinol can also help regulate oil production, while daily sunscreen protects the collagen and elastin that help maintain skin structure. For people who want to go beyond topical skincare, Shaaira said professional treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels and laser resurfacing can also improve the appearance of pores. However, the most appropriate treatment depends on the individual’s skin and concerns. When skincare is no longer enough Visible pores on their own are not necessarily a medical problem. The

There is no need to wait for a serious skin concern before seeing a dermatologist, as professional advice can help you better understand your pores and overall

skin health. – 123RFPIC