If Vertical Pores Become More Noticeable with Age

As you get older

If vertical pores become more noticeable

Human Dermatology Clinic Seoul National University Branch

In the past, only the round pores around the nose may have bothered you, but at some point, some people notice that the pores around their cheeks or cheekbones appear elongated vertically. They are commonly referred to as “vertical pores,” but rather than understanding this as the pores themselves changing shape, it is more accurate to view it as a phenomenon in which decreased skin elasticity and looser surrounding tissue with age make the pores appear more elongated. As skin elasticity decreases, pores may also become more noticeable.

This change may be especially noticeable in areas that are easily affected by sagging, such as the cheeks and the butterfly zone. Therefore, in many cases, it is not that the number of pores has suddenly increased, but that existing pores appear more prominent than before as changes in skin texture and elasticity occur together.

The skin’s ability to provide firm support gradually decreases

Young skin generally maintains a relatively firm structure, including collagen and elastin. However, as you age, the skin’s ability to stay taut and supported gradually decreases, which may lead to looseness and sagging. Collagen and elastin play important roles in maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity.

When the supporting strength of the skin around the pores decreases, pores that originally appeared round may be pulled downward and look oval or vertically elongated. Therefore, if vertical pores are a concern, it is important to consider skin elasticity and texture together rather than focusing only on removing sebum.

Pores may also look elongated when sagging increases

As aging progresses, the skin on the cheeks may also begin to sag downward more softly than before. When this happens, the skin’s surface may stretch along with it, making the pores appear to extend downward. In particular, if the pores look less noticeable when you smile or gently pull the skin upward, decreased elasticity may be a contributing factor.

Of course, not all enlarged pores are caused by aging. Pores may also look wider and more defined when the skin is oily or when sebum and dead skin cells have accumulated inside them. Therefore, factors such as age, skin type, level of sebum production, and skin elasticity should be considered together to identify the possible cause of the pores that are currently noticeable more accurately.

UV exposure can also affect how prominent pores appear

UV exposure is an important factor that should not be overlooked when discussing decreased elasticity. Because repeated exposure to sunlight may accelerate skin aging, consistent sun protection is important in daily life.

In particular, be careful about repeatedly using harsh scrubs or peels simply because you are concerned about your pores. Excessive rubbing can irritate the skin and cause inflammation, which may instead make the pores appear more prominent. Cleansing gently and using moisturizer consistently to keep the skin barrier comfortable are basic steps.

It is better not to approach vertical pores through “sebum management” alone

When people think about pore care, many first think of removing sebum or using pore strips. Of course, if excessive sebum and dead skin cells have accumulated, appropriate cleansing and care may help. However, vertical pores that appear with age may also be associated with decreased skin elasticity, so it may be difficult to achieve the desired change through sebum management alone.

At home, make sun protection and moisturization the basics, and avoid the habit of rubbing your skin excessively. If your skin is sensitive or becomes irritated easily, it is better to begin according to your skin’s condition rather than trying to manage it too aggressively.

Even when pores appear to be the same type of vertical pores, sebum and dead skin cells may have a greater influence for some people, while decreased elasticity and skin sagging may play a larger role for others. In some cases, acne scars or uneven skin texture may also make the pores look larger. Therefore, rather than simply choosing a “pore-reducing treatment,” it is necessary to first assess your current skin condition.

At a dermatology clinic, the treatment approach can be planned after comprehensively examining the shape and location of the pores, skin thickness and elasticity, and level of sebum production. When decreased elasticity is also present, treatments intended to improve skin elasticity, such as radiofrequency treatments, may be considered depending on the skin’s condition. If vertical pores on your cheeks have recently become noticeably more prominent with age, it may be more helpful to have your skin condition accurately assessed by a board-certified dermatologist and develop a treatment plan that considers both pores and elasticity.

Human Dermatology Clinic Seoul National University Branch

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