Hi there, I was wondering, is it possible to use electrolysis for large pores to shrink the the sebaceous glands?

Do you have acne associated with large pores? What area? I'm assuming you are referring to your face?

Thanks for the reply dfahey. Yes, I am referring to my face. Mostly on the nose, I keep getting those blackheads in the exactly same pores all the time, every few days. It's a continuous process. There are some lasers that could possibly help shrink the sebaceous glands, but they are way too expensive per treatment. Do you think that electolysis could help?

Yes, perhaps, but as electrologists, we are only permited to treat hair inside a follicle, not sebaceous glands, HOWEVER, sebaceous glands can get in the line of fire when hair follicle is damaged. So,in treating the hair, the sebaceous gland can be destroyed, but cells can readily produce new gland structures to replace those that were lost, according to one author of an electrolysis book very familiar to electrologists. Unless you have hair growing out of those follicles, an electrologist should not be treating those follicles with the intent to correct blackheads or large pores.

Have you studied and consulted with a dermatologist or skin care specialist about all the topical options that are available to lessen this problem?

Dee

The size of your pores/follicle openings are directly related to the oiliness of your skin. Have you considered finding an esthetician who does treatment facials? There are LOTS of foo-foo facials out there. (Like Aveda places.) You want someone who is working on improving the condition and appearance of your skin. There are some great products, techniques and treatments available out there.

I've tried lots of things out there...I have Retin A Micro, but since I have fair skin it makes my skin too red and it defeats the purpose because my skin looks worse. Salicylic acid is not too bad, seems to work better for my skin without the redness. I'm just looking for the right laser at this point...something that can shrink the sebaceous glands. If anyone knows a good laser or good chemical peel that's worked for them please let me know.

Dave,

I am a certified electrologist employed in the dermatology dept of a large teaching university hospital.You cannot shrink sebaceous glands but you can inhibit secretions several different ways. My first suggestion is to consult with a board certified dermatologist who sub-specializes in acne

Your problem clearly originates systemically, not a topical issuse

Posts: 1 Dave,

I am a certified electrologist employed in the dermatology dept of a Dave,

I am a certified electrologist employed in the dermatology dept of a large teaching university hospital.You cannot shrink sebaceous glands but you can inhibit secretions several different ways. My first suggestion is to consult with a board certified dermatologist who sub-specializes in acne

Your problem clearly originates systemically, not a topical issue

Yes, I've consulted many dermatologists...that's how I was able to get Retin A micro. Some have said there's nothing really on the market that works, while other have recommended lasers or chemical peels.
Your comment about not being able to shrink sebaceous glands is not true. Accutane for instance, does shrink sebaceous glands. I'm sure if you ask any dermatologist, he or she would also agree with that. The problem with Accutane is that it's only prescribed for severe cases, and not many derms prescibe it because of all the side effects.
As well, lasers such as Smoothbeam, Cool Touch, and Aramis are also supposed to shrink the sebaceous glands, but treatments are expensive and there's no telling how well they work.

Gosh, sounds like you have been researching things.

I have another suggestion for you if have not already done this. Why don't you go to www.cosmeticenhancementsforum.com and ask this question in the most appropriate forum there. Since there has not been a lot of response here from consumers that have had this same problem, maybe you will get more action over there.