A person’s pores may be more or less noticeable depending on their skin type. Some home remedies may help improve the appearance of large pores.
There are two types of pores. One releases the body’s natural oil, called sebum, and the other releases sweat. Sometimes the oil-releasing pores may appear enlarged.
It is not possible to get rid of large pores, but there are ways to reduce their appearance, such as:
using water-based products
applying a clay mask
avoiding too much sun exposure
This article explores how to make large pores less visible. It also discusses how to promote skin health and what further treatments are available.
8 ways to minimize large pores
It may not be possible to get rid of large pores, but there are ways to make them look smaller, including keeping the skin supple and stopping the pores from becoming clogged.
Here are eight effective ways to reduce the appearance of large pores:
1. Choosing water-based products
Moisturizing products contain various active ingredientsTrusted Source, including oils. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend using oil-free products, including water-based makeup.
People with oily skin will benefit from products that are high in humectants rather than oils. Honey and urea are examples of humectants in skin care products.
Oil-based products contain petrolatum, coconut oil, and other kinds of oil. They effectively moisturize the skin but may not be suitable for people with oily skin and large pores. The excess oil that collects on the skin can make pores appear larger.
2. Washing the face both morning and night
Washing the face is basic skin care. The AAD recommend the following:
washing the face up to twice a day, or more after sweating a lot or doing sports
using lukewarm water and gently applying a cleanser with clean fingers
choosing a gentle cleanser that is nonabrasive and does not contain alcohol
avoiding scrubbing or rubbing the skin
patting the face dry with a clean towel
Washing the face every morning and evening helps wash away oil and dirt from the pores. This can help make them less visible.
3. Choosing gel-based cleansers
A gel-based cleanser is suitable for people with oily skin who want to make their pores less visible. It is best to avoid oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers, as these can irritate the skin.
A moisturizing cleanser may leave residue in the pores and increase oiliness. A gel-based cleanser helps clear oil from the pores, reducing their appearance.
4. Exfoliating
A person with oily skin should exfoliate once or twice a week to remove matter that can clog the pores, such as:
dirt
dead skin cells
excess oil
Suitable productsTrusted Source may contain:
beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid
polyhydroxy acids, such as lactobionic acid and gluconolactone, which help strengthen the skin’s barrier function
mandelic acid, for sensitive skin
Over-the-counter (OTC) products usually contain 7–10%Trusted Source of the active ingredient. Too high a percentage may aggravate the skin, although a dermatologist may prescribe a stronger formulation than OTC options.
It is important not to exfoliate more than twice a week, as this can dry out the skin. Although exfoliation helps keep pores unclogged, pores can look bigger if the skin becomes too dry.
5. Moisturizing daily
The idea of moisturizing oily skin may be counterintuitive. However, an oil-free moisturizer can help reduce pore enlargement.
A person should first wash and pat the skin dry, then gently apply a moisturizer to help hydrate and soften the skin. That allows the oil from the sebaceous glands to penetrate more deeply into the skin, rather than staying in the pores on the surface.
In this way, moisturizing prevents pores from becoming clogged with oil, reducing their appearance.
6. Applying a clay mask
Using a clay mask once or twice a week can help remove additional oil from the pores. This is because clay absorbs sebum.
Removing that oil can help prevent pores from becoming enlarged and make them less visible.
It is advisable to do this on a different day than exfoliating, as overtreating the skin may cause irritation. Irritation can cause pores to appear enlarged and can lead to blemishes.
7. Always removing makeup at night
It is essential always to remove makeup before going to sleep.
Sleeping in makeup overnight can cause the pores to become blocked due to a buildup of makeup, oil, and bacteria.
Cleansing wipes are useful for removing makeup in a hurry.
8. Wearing sunscreen
It is crucial to care for the skin when in the sun. Sun exposure can dry the skin, making pores appear larger. Many moisturizers contain sunscreen. People should choose one with an SPF of 30 or over.
Keeping the skin protected from the sun keeps it supple. The best ways to do this are:
wearing a wide-brimmed hat
wearing sunscreen every day
staying in the shade when the sun is strongest
Why do pores become enlarged?
Tiny hairs cover a person’s skin, except on the palms of the hands and on the feet. Each hair follicle has a pore at the top of it.
The hair follicle has a gland inside it that produces oil. This gland is called the sebaceous gland. When the sebaceous gland releases oil, the oil rises to the top of the skin and collects in the pore.
According to a 2016 studyTrusted Source, the main causes of enlarged pores are:
Excessive sebum: This is when a person’s sebaceous gland produces a lot of oil, leading to oily skin.
Decreased elasticity around the pore: This is when the skin becomes less supple.
Increased hair follicle volume: This is when the pore at the end of the hair follicle becomes clogged.
When oil collects in the pore and combines with dirt or makeup, the pore can become blocked. This blockage stretches the pore, making it look bigger. If the pore remains clogged, a pimple may develop.
Genetics and the size of a person’s pores help determine how active a person’s sebaceous glands are.
Having large pores is not a health concern. As one 2015 studyTrusted Source noted, pore size is purely an aesthetic consideration.
How to promote healthy skin
While home treatments and a regular skincare routine can help reduce the visibility of pores, the following can promote the overall health of a person’s skin:
Eating well: Getting the right balance of nutrients, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates helps improve overall health. A healthful diet can enhance a person’s skin health.
Drinking plenty of water: Water hydrates the skin from within. This helps improve the overall complexion.
Exercising regularly: Regular exercise increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the skin, and encourages sweating. One studyTrusted Source found that sweat contains a natural antibiotic substance that helps protect the skin from bacteria.
Although sweating is beneficial for the skin, leaving it on the surface may clog the pores. Therefore, a person should always rinse the skin after exercise.
When to see a doctor
If a person has ongoing problems with their skin, such as acne, they should speak to their doctor.
A doctor can refer them to a dermatologist, or skin specialist, who can recommend an appropriate treatment.
Other treatment options
A dermatologist may recommend microneedling to improve the appearance of pores.
This noninvasive skin treatmentTrusted Source uses a dermaroller (a handheld roller with tiny needles on it) or a microneedle pen (a device with a motor that pierces the skin with tiny needles).
Piercing the surface of the skin causes micro-injuries, which prompt the skin’s healing response. This can reduce the appearance of large pores as well as improving acne scars and other skin problems.
If a person is interested in these treatments, they should speak to their doctor.
Takeaway
Many treatments are available to reduce the appearance of large pores and prevent breakouts. Many people may find that sticking to a good skin care regimen helps improve the skin’s overall look and health.
If at-home treatments are ineffective, a person can see a doctor or dermatologist for more advice.
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