Having open or enlarged pores on the face is a common skin concern for many people. Pores are small openings in the skin that allow oils and sweat to escape. While pores are normal, some factors can cause them to appear more prominent or enlarged. Understanding what causes pores to open up is the first step toward improving their appearance.
What are pores?
Pores are tiny openings in the skin connected to oil glands underneath. They serve an important function by allowing sweat and oil to reach the skin’s surface. This helps regulate body temperature and keep the skin lubricated and soft.
Pores don’t have muscles around them like other openings in the body, so they cannot open and close on their own. Their size is determined by genetics and other factors that we’ll explore more below.
What makes pores appear larger?
While pore size is genetically determined, some factors can make them appear larger or more noticeable:
- Oil production – The oil glands under pores produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin. Overactive oil glands can increase sebum production, filling up pores and making them stretch out.
- Dead skin cell buildup – Dead skin cells and other debris can clog pores, causing them to dilate and appear larger.
- Enlarged oil glands – Some people have naturally enlarged oil glands under their pores, leading to increased sebum production and more stretched out looking pores.
- Loss of collagen and elastin – As we age, the skin produces less collagen and elastin which are proteins that support the skin structure. This loss of support around pores makes them appear larger.
- Sun damage – UV exposure breaks down collagen and thins the skin over time. This makes pores more visible.
- Genetics – Some people inherit larger pores that are more visible.
- Using the wrong skin care products – Harsh cleansers, scrubs, and astringents can strip the skin and cause pores to overcompensate by producing more oil, appearing stretched out.
Areas most prone to enlarged pores
Enlarged pores are most common in certain areas where pores tend to be larger and more active:
- Nose – This area tends to have the largest pores and most active oil glands.
- Cheeks
- Forehead
- Chest
- Upper back
Common causes of open pores
Here are some of the most common factors that can lead to open, stretched out pores:
Excess oil production
The sebaceous glands underneath the skin produce an oily substance called sebum. This helps keep the skin hydrated and protected. However, sometimes these glands become overactive and produce excess sebum.
The extra oil fills up the pores, causing them to expand and appear more open. This excess oil production can occur due to hormonal changes, genetics, heat, humidity, diet, stress and more.
Clogged pores
When dead skin cells, dirt, pollutants and excess oil build up inside pores, it stretches them out. This debris becomes trapped and oxidizes as blackheads and whiteheads.
Clogged pores appear enlarged and more visible. The dark color of blackheads makes them even more noticeable.
Aging skin
As we get older, collagen and elastin production decrease. These are proteins that provide structure and support to the skin. With less of these proteins, the pores and skin around them expand, making pores appear more open and enlarged.
Other signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin and uneven texture can also draw more attention to enlarged pores.
Genetics
Your genetics play a big role in pore size. Some people naturally have larger pores that are more visible. Even within families, some members may struggle with large pores while others don’t.
Genetics determine the structure and activity levels of your oil glands. More active glands produce excess oil that fills and expands pores.
Sun exposure
Prolonged UV light exposure damages collagen and elastin in the skin. This breakdown of structural proteins causes pores to dilate and appear more open.
Sun exposure can also trigger excess oil production, leading to clogged pores. Always apply sunscreen when going outside to minimize sun damage.
Using the wrong skin products
Harsh skin care products like scrubs, astringents, and cleansers containing alcohol can strip the skin of natural oils. This causes the oil glands to overcompensate by ramping up sebum production.
More oil fills up the pores, enlarging their appearance. Stick to gentle cleansers without harsh ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate or alcohol which can irritate the pores.
Picking at pores
Repeatedly squeezing and picking at pores can permanently stretch them out. The trauma from picking can damage the pore wall, causing them to gape open. Stop picking and allow pores to heal for the best appearance.
How to minimize the look of enlarged pores
While you can’t change the actual size of your pores, you can help minimize their appearance. Here are some tips:
Exfoliate regularly
Use a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant 1-2 times per week to remove dead skin cells. This will help unclog pores and reduce their stretched out look.
Clay masks
Apply a clay mask once a week to deeply cleanse the skin and absorb excess oil from the pores. This can temporarily shrink their appearance.
Retinoids
Prescription retinoids like tretinoin increase collagen production and encourage skin cell turnover. This can help pores appear smaller over time with consistent use.
Hydrate
Keep skin hydrated with serums, oils and moisturizers. Dehydrated skin overproduces oil, clogging pores. Hydration keeps oil production balanced.
AHA/BHA exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) penetrate pores to dissolve dead skin, debris and sebum. Use 1-2 times per week for clear, unclogged pores.
Limit sun exposure
Prevent further collagen breakdown that enlarges pores by applying sunscreen daily and limiting time in intense sun.
Cleanse gently
Wash with a non-drying cleanser without alcohol or fragrance. Gently massage into skin and rinse well. Harsh cleansing irritates pores.
Limit touching pores
Avoid squeezing and picking at pores which can permanently stretch them. Hands can also transfer dirt and bacteria into pores, enlarging them.
Professional treatments
For severe cases, discuss professional treatments with a dermatologist like laser therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and light treatments.
Other remedies to try
Here are some other home remedies that may help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores:
Egg white mask
Applying egg whites to the skin can temporarily tighten and shrink pores. Let it dry completely before rinsing.
Witch hazel
Look for toners and astringents containing witch hazel to tighten pores and remove excess oil.
Apple cider vinegar
Dilute apple cider vinegar and apply to the skin to gently exfoliate and reduce sebum production.
Honey
Honey is naturally antibacterial to clear pores. It also hydrates skin to prevent over-production of oil.
Green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that protect skin and may help constrict enlarged pores.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil helps kill acne-causing bacteria inside clogged pores and controls excess oil.
Bentonite clay
This absorbent clay draws out impurities from the skin and reduces inflammation.
When to see a dermatologist
Most enlarged pores can be improved with diligent skin care. But if you’ve tried these remedies for several weeks without results, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
A dermatologist can examine your pores and determine if professional treatments are needed. They may prescribe retinoid creams or recommend treatments like:
- Laser therapy – Lasers can minimize pores by stimulating collagen production.
- Chemical peels – Peels remove the outer skin layers to reveal newer skin with smaller looking pores.
- Microneedling – Microneedling creates tiny injuries in the skin to generate new collagen and tighten pores.
- Intense pulsed light – These light treatments target abnormal oil glands to reduce pore-clogging sebum.
A combination approach of in-office treatments and at-home care for enlarged pores often provides the best results.
Summary
Enlarged pores are a common skin concern caused by a variety of factors like excess oil production, clogged pores, sun damage, genetics, and aging. While true pore size remains unchanged, you can minimize their appearance with consistent skin care and treatments.
Gently cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating the skin can help control sebum production and buildup in pores. Advanced treatments like lasers and chemical peels may also improve their look. Addressing open pores requires diligence, but clear, refined-looking skin is achievable.