ABSTRACT
Pores, the openings on the skin surface of sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles give the skin its texture. Pores are most obvious on the nose, nasolabial area, and chin where the oil glands are concentrated. There are about 400 to 900pores/cm2 of skin on the face (1). Not surprisingly, individuals with enlarged pores have an intense interest in altering the condition, which is regarded as unappealing. Because of genetic predisposition of physiology, it has been the understanding in the dermatological community that pore size cannot be altered (2). While this is true, surface impression of pores can be minimized by effective exfoliating treatments. We have presented findings from an evaluation of a facial treatment containing retinol and glycolic acid indicating alteration of perception of pores both by a dermatologist and the subjects themselves (3). The objective of this study was to critically examine the ability of the retinol-glycolic acid facial treatment to effect pore-size impression and sebum secretion.
