Dermal Botanics Skin Spa

Most people think anti-aging starts when they notice wrinkles. The reality? It starts years before you ever see them.

The choices you make today—wearing sunscreen, using antioxidants, keeping your skin hydrated, and protecting your skin barrier—can have a huge impact on how your skin looks years from now.

The goal isn't to chase wrinkles. It's to keep your skin healthy, resilient, and functioning at its best so it ages as gracefully as possible.

Curious why starting early makes such a difference? Read our latest blog to learn the science behind preventative skincare and how to build a routine that works at any age.

👉 https://dermalbotanicsspa.com/acne%2F-oily-treatments/f/the-earlier-you-start-the-better-you-age

📍 Dermal Botanics Skin Spa | Hickory, NC

Ask the Esthetician: Do Pores Actually Open and Close?

This is one of the biggest skincare myths out there!

The truth is... pores don't have muscles, so they can't actually open and close.

So why does it seem like they do?

💨 Steam softens the oil and debris inside your pores, making extractions easier. It also increases blood flow, which can make pores appear more noticeable temporarily—but it doesn't "open" them.

❄️ Cold water or ice may temporarily reduce swelling and tighten the surrounding skin, making pores look smaller for a short time—but they don't close the pores.

So what actually makes pores look larger?

✨ Excess oil
✨ Dead skin buildup
✨ Loss of collagen and elasticity with age
✨ Genetics
✨ Sun damage

The good news? While you can't permanently shrink your pores, you can make them appear smaller by keeping them clean and supporting healthy collagen production.

Here's what helps:
✔️ Regular professional exfoliation
✔️ Retinoids to improve cell turnover
✔️ Salicylic acid for oily or congested skin
✔️ Consistent daily sunscreen to protect collagen
✔️ Professional treatments like microneedling and radio frequency that stimulate collagen and improve skin firmness

Remember, everyone has pores—and you want them! They're an essential part of healthy skin, allowing oil to reach the surface and protect your skin barrier.

Instead of trying to "close" your pores, focus on keeping them healthy and minimizing their appearance with the right skincare routine.

✨ Have a skincare myth you've always wondered about? Drop it in the comments—I may answer it in my next Ask the Esthetician post!

🌺 Blooming beauty, inside and out.
Just one of the many things thriving at Dermal Botanics Skin Spa. ✨💗