Enlarged pores and fine lines – How can I refine and reduce them?

It can be unsettling when we first notice visible signs of aging. For many, aging first becomes apparent in your 20s, and can be exacerbated by a combination of internal and external factors. Fine lines and dull or textured skin leave us searching for the best skincare to fight first signs of aging and achieve silky-smooth skin. 

Eucerin’s Hyaluron-Filler Skin Refining Serum is formulated with a strong combination of active ingredients, making it a very powerful anti-age serum and pore refining solution to achieve silky-smooth skin. 

Each person’s skin type and story are unique, but many of us look to tackle signs of aging skin in our 20s due to common first signs of skin aging such as wrinkles or rough texture. 

Fine lines and wrinkles 
As skin ages, its metabolism also slows down. This means, the substances that keep our skin smooth decline. As the metabolism within each cell slows, skin gradually also loses moisture and elasticity. This is a natural part of the aging process, but symptoms like dry facial skin can be counteracted with the right skincare routine. As we age further, we are likely to experience loss of elasticity or age-induced dryness.

Enlarged pores and unsmooth texture 
Various lifestyle factors or genetic predispositions can contribute to skin appearing overall less smooth. As skin ages in your 20s its natural rate of regeneration begins to decline, and rough or dull textures appear. Even though skin in your 20s begins to show first signs of aging, it is also common to experience an overproduction of sebum, causing clogged or enlarged pores.

Skin ages due to a number of both internal and external causes. Some can be mitigated with lifestyle changes or topical treatments and others are simply a natural process. Understanding how and why skin ages helps us find the most effective solution to prevent visible signs of aging or premature skin aging. 

Internal causes 
Intrinsic or biological skin aging is a completely natural process. Skin is a living organism and undergoes significant changes throughout a person’s lifetime. In our 20s, internal factors such as genetic predispositions or hormonal influences can trigger the first visible signs of aging. At this age, skin naturally starts to lose hyaluronic acid and cell turnover declines making it appear less radiant and smooth. Some skin tones or types will show signs of aging sooner than others. Fair skin often shows aging at an earlier stage than darker skin as it is less protected from UV rays. Sensitive skin may also start showing wrinkles sooner than less sensitive skin types.

External causes 
External factors that influence first signs of skin aging include sun exposure, environmental pollution, smoking, medications, diet or lifestyle. These can all trigger free radicals which cause oxidative stress in skin. Oxidative stress accelerates skin cell damage, leading to a decrease in hyaluronic acid and collagen. The result is visible premature skin aging. Tell-tale signs include enlarged pores, rough or dull skin and the appearance of fine lines.  

To prevent further signs of aging, it’s important to develop a comprehensive anti-aging skin routine in your 20s. The first step is in understanding your skin type. Many skin types will present multiple indications, such as aging, dryness, hyperpigmentation or acne. 

For skincare products that refine pores and reduce first lines, look out for formulas which include and ideally combine the following ingredients:

This ingredient is produced naturally in skin and plays a key role in skin hydration. It is a powerful humectant which attracts water to skin, binding between 1,000 and 10,000 times its own weight in water. Because skin produces less hyaluronic acid as it ages, applying certain forms of this active ingredient in topical skincare can boost skin moisturization and plumpness, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines. There are different types of hyaluronic acid, but a combination of long chain and short chain forms of the molecule in a powerful formula effectively plump skin for a smooth look.

This acid is an extremely common chemical peel used by many dermatologists. Glycolic Acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) or sugarcane derivative with an extremely small molecular size. It works by removing dead skin cells to even skin texture. Products that include Glycolic Acid will help to improve smoothness of skin and reveal a more radiant, glowing look.  The concentration of Glycolic Acid used in the Skin Refining Serum is a lower concentration than what is used in dermatological treatments for softer effects.

Lactic Acid is a gentle and moisturizing exfoliant. Unlike other acids, it dissolves impurities and clogged pores while at the same time improving skin’s moisture factor. 

Anti-oxidants, such as Vitamin C are very popular in modern skincare. Anti-oxidants such as Alpha-Glycosyl Rutin (Agr) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Sap) work to effectively neutralize free radicals and provide superior biological cell protection to support skin’s natural defences.  

Understanding the causes of acne can help find the best solution to treat acne-prone skin, which in some cases may include taking medication. For cases where oiliness or acne is a secondary concern in addition to anti-aging, taking particular care when choosing product textures can be the most effective way to find the right skincare for first signs of aging. For example, choosing the appropriate gel versus milk cleanser or selecting a smoothing serum with a non-greasy texture will allow you to effectively layer products in your skin routine. Look for an anti-age serum with a watery, lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and does not exacerbate sebum production.