Life Lines, Not Flaws: Rethinking Wrinkles and Pores”

Devine Skin & Laser Salon
Sep 4, 2025
3 min read

Confidence: Social Media vs Reality

One of the most common things I hear in the clinic is, “My pores are huge” or “My wrinkles are awful.” And honestly? Half the time I’m looking at the person thinking… what are you talking about?

Then I remember—the dreaded magnifying mirror. You know the one. It’s usually x5 or, if you’re my age, x10. The sort of mirror that should come with a warning label: “Objects in this reflection are not actually visible to other humans.”

Here’s the truth: nobody’s walking around with magnified eyes. What you see in that mirror in the morning is not what the rest of the world sees.

Let’s Talk About Pores

Pores get such a bad rap, don’t they? But here’s the thing—we actually need them. Our skin is made up of thousands of tiny pores, and they’re there for a reason:

They release sweat, which helps regulate our temperature.
They allow oil (sebum) to travel to the surface, keeping skin moisturised and healthy.
They’re an essential part of how our skin functions.

Without pores, our skin would be dry, cracked, and pretty miserable. So yes—they’re there, and yes, you need them. They’re not a flaw; they’re part of your skin doing its job.

Reality vs Filters

Now, let’s talk filters, editing apps, and even AI. It’s easy to scroll and compare yourself to a flawless face on social media, but let’s be clear: it’s not real. Real people have pores. Real people have lines. Real people have texture.

And thank goodness for that! Imagine a world where we all looked like smooth plastic dolls. No thank you.

When We Home In on “That One Thing”

Here’s another little truth: when we spot something on our own skin, we home in on it. A tiny line, a blemish, a slightly larger pore… and suddenly it’s all we can see. Then the brain tricks us into thinking, “If I can see it, everyone else must notice it too.”

In reality? Most people don’t see it at all—unless, of course, you’re like me and point it out yourself! Honestly, I’m my own worst enemy for that. But I know I’m not alone—I see the same trait in so many of you too.

Wrinkles: Life’s Storybook

Personally, I love my wrinkles. They’re my story. Every smile line, every crease—it’s proof I’ve lived, laughed, cried, and had a bloody good time along the way.

So instead of looking at someone and saying, “They look old,” why don’t we think, “I bet they’ve had a good life—I wonder what their story is?”

Because chasing perfection (or “precision,” as the AI world likes to call it) is chasing something that doesn’t even exist.

A Little Practical Advice

Of course, loving your skin doesn’t mean you can’t look after it. Healthy skin always looks better (and feels better) than neglected skin. If you want to support your pores and lines without obsessing over them, here are a few easy steps:

Cleanse properly – use a gentle cleanser to keep pores clear of excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin.
Exfoliate (but not every day!) – chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs help prevent clogged pores and smooth skin texture.
Hydrate from the inside out – drink plenty of water to keep your skin cells happy, and pair that with a good serum that works deep within the skin to boost hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Moisturise well – hydrated skin looks plumper and more radiant, which softens the look of fine lines.
Protect – SPF every single day. Sun damage is the number one cause of premature wrinkles and enlarged pores.
Treat yourself – professional treatments like peels, microneedling, or facials can boost results and keep skin healthy long term.
But most importantly—remember your skin is supposed to look human. That means pores, lines, texture and all.

The Bottom Line
Confidence doesn’t come from a filter. It comes from understanding that your skin is alive, working, and carrying your story. Your pores are proof that your skin is functioning. Your wrinkles are proof that you’ve lived. And no magnifying mirror, filter, or app should take that away from you.