L'Oréal Paris study: Many women obsessed with pores

NEW YORK — Step aside, sun spots, and farewell, fine lines; women have a new skin obsession — pores. That’s according to the findings of a recent poll conducted on behalf of L’Oréal Paris.



According to new research conducted among more than 2,000 adults in February by Harris Poll on behalf of L'Oréal Paris, nearly half of women (45%) wish they could change the size of their pores, and 28% are more concerned about their pore size than wrinkles. This obsession has even led dermatologists to coin the term "porexia" for those who have a neurosis about their pores, according to the beauty brand.  

With 73% of women saying they have not found a product that effectively shrinks their pore size, L'Oréal Paris is looking to come to the rescue with the introduction of Youth Code Pore Vanisher, which is positioned as the first-to-mass skin care treatment that shrinks pore size both instantly and over time.



Additional highlights from the research include:

• 38% believe their pores are too big; this number rises to nearly 50% among Latina women (48 percent);


• Nearly half of U.S. women (47%) would give up something in exchange for smaller pores; 23% would give up alcohol for a year, 17% would give up social media for a year, and 11% would give up shaving their legs for a year;


• 19% edit or filter photos before posting to hide skin imperfections;


• 13% have avoided taking selfies because they are self-conscious of their pore size;


• 21% say they began noticing the size of their pores between the ages of 15 years and 20 years;


• 13% think about the size of the pores on their face seven or more times per week;


• 14% say they worry about their pore size while on a date; and


• 53% admit they have never noticed the size of pores on a woman's face.

While pore size is largely determined by genetics, oil, dirt and dead skin cells that collect on the face can form blockages within pores. When this happens, pores look larger, inflamed and can cause acne to form.



The L'Oréal Paris Youth Code Pore Vanisher is available now at mass, food and drug retailers for $24.99.