People Are Using Botox To Shrink Their Pores, But Does It Work?
Large pores are one of those common skin concerns with abundant “solutions” and elusive results. If you’ve tried countless pore-refining creams and serums but have struggled to see a visible difference in the size of your pores, you may want to consider Botox.
Botox, an injectable skin treatment most commonly used to prevent and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, is gaining popularity as a pore-shrinking solution — and the experts say it actually works.
“Using Botox to shrink the appearance of pores has been used by professionals for around a decade,” said Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. “The apparent ‘pore-shrinking’ benefit was seen in numerous patients who sought out Botox to treat other concerns like fine lines and wrinkles. Many noticed that their pores appeared smaller, and research was done further on that benefit.”
In recent years, the procedure has become more popular than ever. “I’ve noticed an uptick in patients asking about pore refinement with Botox, particularly in the last few years as the demand for smooth, photo-ready skin has grown. Social media and the ‘glass skin’ trend have driven interest in treatments that can enhance skin texture and reduce pore visibility,” said Dr. Akshay Sanan, a double board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgeon at Dr. Sanan Facial Plastic Surgery & Boston Center for Plastic Surgery.
If you’re interested in trying this doctor-approved method of minimizing pores, here’s what to know.
How It Works
You may know that Botox can smooth out lines on your face by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles to form, and it works similarly when used to shrink pores. “We have a little muscle that is attached to all our pores called the arrector pili muscle,” explained Dr. Michelle Henry, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and the founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. “Botox inhibits the activity of that muscle.”
“As the muscle tightening sets in … Botox can have a shrinking effect on the pores,” added Michelle Paty, a nurse practitioner and founder of Preva Aesthetics in Encinitas, California, and Denver, Colorado. The result is “a more even, smooth appearance to the skin.”
In addition, Botox inhibits the sebum-secreting sebaceous glands found in hair follicles. “When we don’t have as much oil extruding from those glands, [pores] tend to look smaller,” Henry explained.
People who struggle with acne or clogged pores can see additional benefits. “This procedure can also help reduce oil production on the face in the areas treated,” Hartman said. “A reduction in sebum can lead to clear skin.”
In fact, the most sebaceous areas of the face are the ones that take this pore-reducing treatment best. “It does a beautiful job on the forehead, cheeks [and] nose,” Henry noted.
Still, it’s important to note that even though the appearance of pores can be reduced, the actual size of the pores will remain unchanged.
What To Expect From The Results
You won’t see the effects right away. “Patients will start to see the results within 48 hours,” Hartman said. The full extent of the effects “take about two weeks to set in,” Paty noted.
Like with most beauty treatments, regular maintenance is involved. “There is no permanent solution to shrinking pores, but maintaining a combination of treatments — such as medical-grade skin care, laser therapies and Botox — can lead to long-term improvement in skin texture,” Sanan said. “The effects of Botox for pore refinement typically last 3-4 months, similar to its duration when used for wrinkle reduction.”
If you prefer less upkeep, “microneedling with radiofrequency (ProfoundRF) and fractional laser resurfacing (Fraxel or Halo) provide longer-lasting results by stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin,” Sanan added. (While results can last anywhere from three to five years, these treatments tend to be more painful.)
Botox, on the other hand, isn’t typically very painful, depending on the treatment area and your tolerance to small needle pricks. “Patients need to know that they will feel multiple little pinches of the needle and that they may have some bruising afterwards,” said Henry, who noted the procedure requires “very little downtime.”
Consider The Risks
Though side effects are rare, they shouldn’t be overlooked. “Patients should discuss possible risks with their provider during the informed consent process,” Paty advised.
“The biggest risk about using Botox to shrink pores is choosing the right provider,” Hartman said. “I recommend seeing a board-certified dermatologist who can take assessment of your skin’s needs and recommend the appropriate amount to deliver the desired effect. It’s a fine balance between reducing sebum production and causing dry skin. Botox itself has rare risks like swelling and bruising at the injection site. If that happens, it usually goes away within a day or so.”
“Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid Botox treatments due to a lack of safety data in these populations,” added Sanan. And, of course, “people who have an allergy to anything in Botox” should steer clear, said Paty.
Keep Up Your Regular Skin Care Routine
Don’t expect pore-reducing Botox to replace your regular skin care routine. “Anyone who is concerned with pore size should start with a regular skin care routine,” said Hartman, who recommends “a daily cleanser, a moisturizer, a retinol and a sunscreen.”
To determine the best products, check the ingredient list. “Skin care with ingredients like retinol, niacinamide and salicylic acid can also help reduce pore visibility over time and are cost-effective for daily use,” Sanan said. If a robust skin care routine doesn’t do the trick, Botox can be an effective supplemental aid.
Looking For Skin Care With Retinol? Look No Further Than This List.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Amazon
Isdin Isdinceutics Retinal Advanced Rejuvenating facial night serum
Recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz, this serum "combines the power of retinaldehyde, melatonin and bakuchiol with ultra-soothing ingredients, including niacinamide — together these actives renew, rejuvenate and revitalize the skin," she told me. It's not cheap, but for those who are interested in a skin care splurge, it's definitely worth checking out.
$166.50 at Amazon (regularly $185)
Dermstore
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 serum
I've long heard people rave about this highly-rated serum from Medik8, and I can't say I'm surprised. Everything I've tried from the brand thus far has been effective and left my skin looking and feeling great. This serum can help to address typical signs of aging like wrinkles, texture and tone quickly and efficiently. It's balanced with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help keep skin supple, soft, smooth and hydrated. It's a great mid-price jumping-off point for anyone curious about trying a retinal.
Amazon
Eau Thermale Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
I'm a big fan of Avène products; this French pharmacy staple always knows how to strike the perfect balance between using tried and true potent ingredients and nourishing goodness to help keep skin looking and feeling youthful, soft and plump. This cream is no exception and can help to leave your complexion looking and feeling smooth, radiant, hydrated and fresh.
Sephora
Murad Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt overnight treatment
If you're looking to make a big investment in your skin, then look no further than this nearly perfectly rated serum from Murad. It balances out the anti-aging powers of encapsulated retinal with ingredients like kangaroo paw flower extract that can help firm and smooth skin along with olive, oat and alpha glucan to ensure a big boost of hydration and help to maintain and restore the skin's barrier.
Sephora
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
This highly-rated and oft-reviewed serum utilizes retinal, niacinamide and ceramides to not only improve the look and feel of skin texture and common signs of aging but also reinforce the skin's barrier, smooth skin, even tone and moisturize. It's a powerhouse combo in the form of a lightweight serum that won't feel heavy.
Amazon
Naturium Retinaldehyde cream serum 0.05%
I am loving the price of this highly-rated serum from Naturium because it proves you don't need to drop an arm and a leg to get good skin care products. It uses sustained-release retinal that can help to refine skin texture and reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and even discoloration. It's the radiance booster you've been waiting for. This is the .05% concentration, but if you've used it for a while or know your skin can handle a stronger amount, you can always swap it or alternate it with the .10% version.
Skin Better Science
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet overnight cream
"I love Skinbetter Science’s AlphaRet Overnight Cream," Mraz told me. She added that "it combines retinoid with lactic acid and glycolic acids to exfoliate the skin and pairs those benefits with soothing, nourishing peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamins C + E making the formulation gentle enough for most skin types, including those prone to dryness."
Dermstore
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
According to Mraz, you can't go wrong with Skinceuticals Retinol, which comes in three strengths (.3%, .5% and 1% concentrations). "This is a great option for anyone who needs to downshift to a gentler strength in the cold, dry winter months and turn up the volume [spring through fall]," she recommended. It's a great way for first-time users of retinol to enjoy the benefits while still protecting the skin from potentially irritating side effects.
Nordstrom
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
This popular Sunday Riley retinoid serum is beloved by HuffPost shopping writer Tessa Flores. She shared that it’s “composed of a retinoid ester, encapsulated retinol and retinol-alternative extracts derived from blue-green algae, all of which can impart the texture-improving wonders that retinol is known for without overwhelming the skin and causing irritation."
She went on to explain that the formulation includes COQ10, an antioxidant that "targets the appearance of sun damage while two different humectants soothe redness and draw moisture into the skin. After using this product consistently for two months, I’m noticing a significant reduction of my keratosis pilaris in that the texture is smoother, less red and with fewer clogged hair follicles. I’ve also noticed less congestion in my T-zone, fewer sun freckles, and an overall increase in skin plumpness — all without those telltale signs of retinol-induced irritation."
Sephora
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Before I made the switch to prescription retinol, I was devoted to this Paula's Choice treatment. It uses a trio of ingredients — retinol, bakuchiol and peptides — to help firm up, hydrate and smooth skin, leaving it feeling soft and youthful. I was obsessed with how soft it left my skin and how quickly I noticed results. Like the rest of the brand's lineup, it has a permanent spot in my heart.
Nordstrom
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
I always keep a pack of these in my fridge; it's one of the safest ways to enjoy the benefits of retinol around the delicate under-eye area. Not only do these patches help to smooth and firm my tired eyes, but they are nourishing and hydrating as well. The combo of ingredients can even help to treat those tiny bumps that can appear around the eye. They are on the pricier side, but a single container contains 60 patches, which goes a long way even with multiple weekly use.
Nordstrom
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
I've raved about this sleeping oil before and I'm doing it again. It's an absolute game-changer. I happen to be obsessed with using Luna oil in conjunction with Sunday Riley's Good Genes; it's a powerful duo that leaves me swimming in compliments and glowing skin. If you’ve been on the fence about trying an oil or retinoid, then this is the perfect place to start. Soothing botanicals like blue tansy and German chamomile are paired with an advanced retinoid ester that supports skin health and elasticity, evens out redness and fights fine lines and wrinkles. Avocado seed oil plumps up the skin and delivers a healthy dose of antioxidants. It doesn’t clog pores, which is perfect if you are acne-prone like myself. It's my favorite retinol delivery method.
