Open pores from use of Vitamin C on face!

[TALKAL]

I'm white 35 year old male. I had perfectly toned facial skin. No open pores, no blemishes, just clear skin. 3 months ago, I read on the web that Vitamin C is good for exfoliating facial skin, bringing up brighter looking complexion. So I purchased vitamin C, in the form of Ascorbic Acid powder. Mixed it with water and applied it to my face for 5 minutes. Then washed. Skin was very bright, with great clarity and radiance. I was supposed to do this Ascorbic treatment once a week or less. No one told me that it may damage the skin!!

From after first use, I started increasing the dose, and less water, and keeping it burning on my face for longer time, like 1 hour or more. Skin on face started to show signs of red, peeling, and highly irritated face. I refrained from any more vitamin C treatment, but my facial skin was already damaged!

The main sign of damage: large open pores! Which I say 'never' had before. My face was like 20 years old before this, now look like 50 year old or more, from the visible pores on face.

Please tell me what can be done to reverse this, as I googled search many places for help, but all websites seem to indicate that once face skin develops open pores there NO way to remove them (i.e. close them). Once you get pores they will be there for ever!!

HELP!

[lisajae]

I have just recently experienced enlarged pores from the use of a vitamin c serum. Mine is not as extreme as yours sounds, but I noticed and stopped immediately. From what I've read going in the sun with vitamin c on your skin can horribly damage it. Also not all vitamin c treatments are equal. I thought I was doing the right thing getting a potent one of amazon with no preservatives, even better very reasonably priced. I got what I paid for. I've heard great things about other treatments, like the clineque one. I hope your pores have closed back up since then! There are natural remedies you can turn to, witch hazel is a great one to shrink pores.

[TALKAL]

Thank you very much for your kind response, Dr. Kaur.

I know about cleansing my face with the usual standard soap, but no idea about using moisturizers and toners, as I understand them to be for use by women, not men :(  

I wonder if there are certain products in the market specifically tailored toward men's facial skin! Will check supermarket shelf and report on use, and resulting pores change - if any.  

Thank you again for your help and suggestions.

[Jessjess1111]

Why would you EVER leave vitamin c on your skin for over an hour?? It's no one else's responsibility to tell you the risks associated with topical skincare items... That's your job to do the research.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The problem of enlarged pores on face or facial pores is commonly associated with excessive oiliness and acne. The excessive oiliness of the skin is in turn triggered by the hormonal changes in the body.

Large pores can be easily dealt with proper cleansing and frequent toning and moisturizing of the skin. Other treatments to consider include microdermabrasion, skin resurfacing lasers and chemical skin peels.

In my opinion you should discuss these treatment options with a cosmetologist/dermatologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.