A person’s pores may be more or less noticeable depending on their skin type. Some home remedies, such as using water-based skin products, may help minimize 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.
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:
Moisturizing products
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.
Washing the face is basic skin care. The AAD recommends 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.
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
A person with oily skin should exfoliate regularly to remove matter that can clog the pores,
- dirt
- dead skin cells
- excess oil
Suitable products
- 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
It is important not to exfoliate over exfoliate, as this can dry out the skin. Although exfoliation helps keep pores unclogged, pores can look bigger if the skin becomes too dry.
The idea of moisturizing oily skin may be counterintuitive. However, an oil-free moisturizer can
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.
Using a clay mask once or
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.
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.
It is crucial to care for the skin when in the sun. Excessive sun exposure can damage the skin, causing a decrease in firmness which can cause pores to look more noticeable. Many moisturizers contain sunscreen. People should choose a sunscreen with
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
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
- 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.
Age, gender, and ethnicity can help determine how active a person’s sebaceous glands are.
Having large pores is not a health concern. As one
While home treatments and a regular skin care routine can help reduce the visibility of pores, the following
- Eating well: Getting the right balance of nutrients and limiting high fat foods, sugar, and proteins 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 the skin, increases keratin water content, and changes skin structure.
Although sweating during exercise is beneficial for the skin, leaving it on the surface may clog the pores. Therefore, a person should always rinse the skin after exercise.
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.
A dermatologist may recommend microneedling to improve the appearance of pores.
This noninvasive skin treatment uses a derma roller (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 improve acne scars and other skin problems.
If a person is interested in these treatments, they should speak to their doctor.
Is it possible to close up pores?
It’s not possible to close up pores completely but there are ways to reduce their size or make them less visible. This includes:
- washing the face twice a day to wash away oil and dirt from the pores
- using an oil-free moisturizer to prevent the pores from becoming clogged with oil
- applying a clay mask twice a week to remove oil from the pores
Does vitamin C shrink pores?
A
Does retinol reduce pore size?
According to a
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.