Large or enlarged pores are an incredibly common issue that can really affect our confidence. While they may not pose any health risks, they definitely push us to invest in products and explore treatments to shrink them. But how can we separate truth from hype? Can we truly minimise pore size, or are we falling for cunning marketing ploys?
What Causes Large Pores?
First things first. Large pores can be caused by multiple factors:
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Sun Damage: The sun plays a huge role in the deterioration of healthy skin tissue and collagen. Harmful UVA and UVB rays bombard your complexion (this can also happen when it's overcast) which is why we emphasise wearing SPF all year round. These sun rays are responsible for sun burn and even skin cancer, as well as destruction of skin collagen and DNA which is responsible for keeping your pores looking tight.
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Genetics: Provided your large pores are genetic, there is little that can be done to actually reduce their size. Minimising their appearance is a different story however, and often oily skin and genetic pore size go hand in hand, making targeted treatments an effective solution to tackle your pore size.
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Aging: As mentioned above with sun damage, collagen is responsible for keeping the skin firm and youthful. As we age, we lose skin elasticity which, as a result, leads to enlarged pores. Anti-aging treatments can help to combat this.
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Oily skin: Whilst this partially falls under genetics, oily skin can also be caused by a poor skincare routine, poor diet, as well as genetics. Getting to the root of the problem can help reduce the amount of oil secreted by your sebaceous glands, and therefore minimise pore appearance.
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Hormones: Hormones are often responsible for enlarged pores, especially amongst teenagers and young adults as this is the demographic most likely to suffer from oily skin.
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Acne: Characterised by black and white heads, pimples and often scarring, acne can have a significant impact on pore size.
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Hair follicle size: Those with larger hair follicles often have larger pores.
Is It Possible To Reduce The Size Of My Pores?
Well, yes and no. You can minimise the appearance of your large pores by maintaining a good skincare routine and balanced diet, coupled with exercise and targeted medical treatments specific to your concerns.
Note that we say 'minimise their appearance' because that's exactly what you're doing in most cases (unless you're going in for a medical procedure such as laser skin resurfacing, which in turn tightens skin tissue and therefore pore size) but even this may not be permanent.
There also seems to be this false notion that pores 'open' and 'close' which is not the case. Pores do not open or close like a door. We're strong believers in fighting misinformation, especially in the skincare world as it can lead to harm. This idea comes from the fact that it becomes easier to cleanse the pores once your face or body is warm, or after undergoing a steaming. This is not because your pores are 'open', but instead due to the softening of the sebum allowing for easier extraction. The removal of this sebum can give the impression that the pore is 'open' as it is now clear of any debris.
Back on topic, below are a few methods that you can use at home to reduce or minimise the appearance of your pore size.
How To Reduce Pore Size And Minimise Their Appearance
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Practise a Good Skincare Routine: We cannot stress this enough. It is critical that you have a skincare routine tailored to you. Too often we hear that our readers are following a routine from an influencer, or a friend. Every complexion is different and everyone requires a tailored plan for optimal skin health. If you have oily skin as an example, using a routine for dry skin can wreak havoc on your face and even exacerbate your existing condition. If you suffer from oily skin, we've written an article for you: The Ordinary Regimen For Large Pores. We've also written a comprehensive guide on what skincare is, and how you can form a routine for your skin type.
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Use SPF: Use a minimum of SPF-30 offering UVA + UVB protection. Not only will this prevent your pores from further damage, it will also prevent skin cancer, and premature aging.
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Rethink Your Diet: Cutting out processed, fried and unhealthy foods can significantly improve the appearance of your pores, especially if you already suffer from oily skin.
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Try Salicylic Acid: Whilst this falls under 1), we're a big fan of Salicylic Acid. It is one of the best ingredients on the market to tackle large pores caused by oily skin and acne, and is easily accessible.
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Use Non-Comedogenic Products: This simply means products without ingredients that clog pores, and further accentuate their size. Stay away from oil-based products, and instead opt for water-based ones instead.
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Cleanse: Cleansing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser is critical in maintaining good skin health, and clearing out any debris that can clog your pores further. Remember to always wash your makeup off at the end of the day.
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Dermarolling: Whether done at home or professionally, dermarolling is effectively making micro-punctures in the skin which in turn stimulates collagen production. If your pores are enlarged due to aging or sun damage, this treatment can be an effective solution over time.
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Visit a Dermatologist: If your pore size is causing great insecurity, speaking to a medical professional is advised. Factors such as hormones may be immune to at-home treatments and require medical intervention.
To Sum It Up
Pores are simply part of the skin, whilst we understand that enlarged ones can be unsightly to oneself and cause confidence issues, we're here to promote a positive outlook. Some factors (genetics, large hair follicles) are simply uncontrollable and in this cause we just emphasise that you practise a good skincare routine, and love your skin for what is it.
We hope to have shed some light on large and enlarged pores and also hope you've enjoyed this article. Remember to subscribe to our mailing list for regular updates! (We never spam). Hope to see you again soon! - Obviously Team x