Pores are small openings in the skin that allow sweat to reach the surface. They play an important role in regulating body temperature and removing toxins and bacteria from the body. However, enlarged pores can be unsightly and lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Understanding what causes pores to open up can help you take steps to minimize their appearance.
What are pores?
Pores are tiny openings in the skin connected to hair follicles and sweat glands. They exist mainly on the face, back, chest and shoulders. Pores serve several important functions:
- Allowing sweat to reach the surface of the skin to cool the body
- Removing excess oils, toxins and bacteria from the body
- Housing hair follicles to allow hair growth
Healthy pores tend to be small and barely visible. But certain factors can cause pores to become enlarged and more noticeable. Enlarged pores give the skin an uneven, bumpy appearance.
What makes pores open up?
There are several factors that can cause pores to appear larger than normal:
Genetics
Genetics play a big role in pore size. Some people are simply born with larger pores that are more visible. Ethnicity can also impact pore size, with those of Asian descent tending to have smaller pores than other ethnic groups.
Age
As you age, pores tend to get larger and more pronounced due to loss of elasticity in the skin. Collagen and elastin fibers that keep pores tight and skin taut begin to break down over time.
Hormones
Hormonal fluctuations related to puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can increase sebum production and cause pores to dilate. The excess sebum can get trapped inside pores, making them appear larger.
Sun exposure
Exposure to UV rays from the sun can damage collagen and elastin over time. This leads to enlarged pores as the skin loses its firmness and elasticity. Sun exposure also thickens the outer layer of skin, causing dead skin cells and oils to accumulate in pores.
Dehydration
When skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate. This excess oil production can enlarge pores. Not drinking enough water is a common cause of dehydrated skin and enlarged pores.
Excessive skin care products
Using too many oil-based skin care products can clog pores and stretch them out. Products like heavy moisturizers, thick makeup and occlusive acne treatments should be used sparingly to prevent enlarged pores.
Picking at skin
Frequent picking and squeezing of blemishes can permanently stretch pores. Avoid the temptation to pick at pimples or blackheads, which damages skin over time.
How to minimize pores
While you can’t permanently shrink enlarged pores, you can take steps to minimize their appearance. Here are some tips:
Use oil-free products
Stick to oil-free moisturizers, sunscreens and makeup. Avoid thick, greasy products that can clog pores. Look for products labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free.
Exfoliate regularly
Use a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant 2-3 times per week to remove dead skin cells. This will help keep pores clear of debris that can stretch them out.
Try clay masks
Clay masks containing kaolin or bentonite clay can help absorb excess oil and tighten enlarged pores.
Use retinoids
Retinoids boost collagen production and increase skin cell turnover. This can improve skin elasticity and tighten enlarged pores over time.
Extract blackheads
Extractor tools can remove hardened oils and dead skin gently to prevent pores from stretching out.
Hydrate skin
Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating toner or serum. Properly moisturized skin produces less oil that can clog pores.
Protect skin from sun
UV damage is a leading cause of enlarged pores. Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
Ingredients to look for
Certain ingredients in skin care products can help minimize the look of enlarged pores:
Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide improves elasticity, reduces sebum production and tightens enlarged pores.
Salicylic acid
This beta hydroxy acid exfoliates inside pores to remove oils, bacteria and dead skin. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
Retinol
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that boosts collagen and smooths skin texture to shrink the look of pores.
Green tea extract
The antioxidants in green tea protect against UV damage that enlarges pores while reducing inflammation.
Hyaluronic acid
This powerful humectant ingredient hydrates skin to minimize excess oil production that can clog pores.
Willow bark extract
Containing salicylic acid, willow bark extract exfoliates pores and reduces inflammation.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is an astringent that helps remove excess oil and tighten enlarged pores.
Acne treatments that can enlarge pores
While acne treatments are meant to clear up breakouts, some ingredients may inadvertently enlarge pores with long-term use. These include:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Isotretinoin (Accutane)
- Sulfur
- Heavy emollients like petrolatum
Always follow directions closely when using acne products. Apply a light moisturizer after treatment to counter any drying effects.
Procedures for enlarged pores
For severe cases of enlarged pores that don’t respond sufficiently to topical products, certain professional treatments can help. These include:
Laser skin resurfacing
Laser treatments remove outer layers of skin to improve tone and texture. They also stimulate collagen to tighten enlarged pores.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Glycolic, salicylic and lactic acid peels can all help minimize enlarged pores.
Dermabrasion
This treatment uses a rotating brush to remove surface skin layers. New skin that forms is smoother with tighter pores.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This can improve skin elasticity and shrink enlarged pores.
Fillers
Injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid can temporarily fill in enlarged pores to make them less visible.
Home pore vacuum devices
There are also at-home pore vacuum devices that claim to remove blackheads, excess oil and debris from pores. However, there is limited evidence showing these devices permanently shrink pores. They may provide temporary improvement in appearance.
Conclusion
Enlarged pores can be caused by a variety of factors like genetics, age, sun damage and hormones. While pores can’t be permanently shrunk, minimizing their appearance is possible. Using oil-free, non-comedogenic skin care products is key. Retinoids, AHAs and collagen-stimulating ingredients can also help tighten pores over time. For severe cases, professional procedures like laser treatments, dermabrasion and microneedling may provide results. With some diligent skin care, it’s possible to minimize the look of enlarged facial pores.