How To Shrink Large & Enlarged Pores On The Face

Our skin consists of two kinds of pores spread all across. They include the pores that secrete the sebum or natural body oils and the other ones that release sweat. These oil releasing pores sometimes appear enlarged and unsightly. The large pores on face can also be due to excess sweat production in some cases.

What Are Large Pores On Face?

Large pores on the face are caused largely by excess production of sebum or the natural oil. These pores are the hair follicles which are spread all over the skin except the palms and sole. These get enlarged and cause a lot of embarrassment due to their appearance right on the face.

Especially individuals with oily skin or skin that is aging tend to have larger pores. These pores produce sebum via the sebaceous glands which are required to keep the skin supple and hydrated. While the pores on our skin play an important role in releasing sweat, sebum and other toxins, they can also become a cause of concern when they appear to be bigger than they are due to dilation, infection or clogging with oil and dirt.

Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars And Pimple Marks?

What Causes Large Pores On Face?

1. Excess production of sebum – When the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum or oil, they cause the skin to become oily. This excess sebum combines with dead skin cells and dirt and eventually clogs the pores thus thickening these pores and causing them to appear large
2. Excessive sun exposure – Excessive amounts of sun exposure thickens the skin, decreases and destroys the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin, which results in the shrinkage of the skin tissue, thereby causing the pores to enlarge
3. Genetics – The thickness of your skin and tendency to secrete excess oil can be attributed to your genes, which results in your pores having an enlarged appearance
4. Age factor – When you age, your skin matures and ages too. The elasticity in the skin reduces with age and this can make your pores look bigger than normal
5. Increase in volume of hair follicles – When pores at the end of hair follicles become clogged, they cause the skin pores to enlarge
6. Gender – Men tend to have thicker skin biologically, thus making them prone to large pores. But women develop large pores on their skin due to hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation as well as pregnancy

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Large Pores v/s Blackheads v/s Whiteheads

Large pores become blackheads when excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria in the skin, combine to increase the diameter of the pore, causing large pores which then get clogged. In some cases, the debris gather at the top of the pore, oxidize due to air exposure and turns dark, thus forming a blackhead. Blackheads are an unwelcome outcome of large pores.

How To Get Rid Of Large Pores On Face?

Technological advances in dermatology have led to the availability of several treatments for large pores on the face. These treatments will not just help clear large pores but also bring rejuvenated skin from beneath –

• Chemical peels – Chemical peels result in controlled and accelerated exfoliation that can unclog pores, treat blackheads, and improve the texture and appearance of your skin by treating the sun damaged areas of your skin. Plant extract based alphahydroxy acids (AHA’s) are used in varying strengths, that remove the dead skin layers and unveil smoother and even skin from beneath.

• Laser Toning and Tightening – Laser technology is the most advanced and effective treatment for large pores. It works by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin which improves its appearance, by tightening the pores. Specific wavelength of light is targeted on marked areas of skin, and collagen is stimulated which unveils rejuvenated skin from beneath that have reduced appearance of large pores. Expert skin clinics use only USFDA approved laser technology which is effective and safe for all skin types.
• Microdermabrasion – This non-invasive procedure helps in the removal of dead and damaged skin cells that cause the pores to enlarge and clog. It is often described as a ‘skin rejuvenation’ technique. Diamond tip device is used to scale the upper layer of the skin, thus removing the pores and bringing rejuvenated skin from beneath.

Also Read: Does laser treatment really get rid of acne scars permanently?

How To Prevent Large Pores On Face?

It is difficult to shrink the size of your pores once they have enlarged, but a healthy and consistent daily skincare routine can help you prevent your pores from enlarging. Some of these tips include –

• Use a gentle cleanser (face wash) and rinse off with cold water which helps in tightening of the pores and helps remove excess oil, dirt, bacteria etc.
• The application of a toner after cleansing is a great step to tighten your pores.
• Restrict harsh face washes and chemical based products as they can strip off the glory from your skin.
• Moisturize with a product that is compatible with your skin type (pick non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic moisturizers). Individuals with oily skin should stick to water-based and oil-free products. Dehydrated skin can highlight your pores.
• Exfoliation helps with the removal of dead skin cells blocking your pores, and thus, results in subsequent tightening of the skin.
• Sunscreen is the key as it will help in preventing undue exposure of UV rays on the skin. Sun damage can make your pores look bigger than they actually are.
• Learn how to effectively cover up your enlarged pores with makeup and use products that are suitable for your skin type and make sure to cleanse it off thoroughly before you sleep.
• Pamper your skin with weekly masks and peels, to rejuvenate the pores.
• There is no cure for large skin pores but treatments can help in reducing their appearance to a great extent. An expert dermatologist can help in not only treating these unsightly and enlarged pores, but also bringing rejuvenated and radiant skin from beneath. It is essential to understand that nothing can permanently shrink the size of large pores but treatments can reduce their prominence and prevent us from further infections caused by clogged pores.

Also Read: What exactly is scar tissue?

FAQ’s 

Will I Be able to Reduce The Appearance Of Large Pores With Make-up?

Yes, make-up can only conceal the appearance of large pores but it is just for a few hours. They would not cause any long term impact and if you use inappropriate cosmetics then it can further damage your skin by clogging the pores.

Large Pores and the Aging Process

There is a direct link between enlarged pores and aging, as with age collagen begins to reduce and the skin becomes less elastic. This also causes the pores to dilate as skin becomes loose and relaxed. Thus giving large skin pores on face.

Do Face Primers give better results than Pores Treatment?

No, face primers are not a long term solution. They just act as a concealer and do not reduce or shrink the size of the pores. The specialized treatments work on not just reducing the appearance of pore size, but also revitalizing the skin altogether.

Will Homemade Face Masks and scrubs for Large Pores really work?

No, there is no scientific evidence suggesting for or against the usage of face masks or scrubs prepared at home. Also extreme caution must be taken when applying anything on face as not every homemade product is fit for all skin types. And it may also worsen the condition rather than treating it.