Pore size is one of the most common skincare concerns people have. When we’re constantly shown flawless airbrushed skin on social media, it's hard not to compare ourselves to people who appear to have perfect skin. The truth is, pores are a natural and necessary part of your skin. They release the oils and sweat that keep your skin healthy. However, when pores become enlarged, they can affect your skin's texture and appearance.
Understanding what makes pores appear larger will help you know the best ways to minimize their appearance. From skincare routines to professional skin treatments learn more about the causes of large pores.
What Causes Large Pores?
While 60% of how your skin looks and ages is due to genetics, 40% is due to non-genetic factors.
Excess Oil Production
One of the main reasons behind large pores is excess sebum⎯the natural oil your skin produces. When your sebaceous glands are overactive, the surplus oil mixes with dead skin cells and debris, leading to clogged pores. This buildup, often seen as a blackhead or whitehead can stretch the pore and make it appear larger. People with naturally oily skin or combination skin are often more prone to getting clogged pores.
Genetics and Skin
Your genetics play a significant role in determining your pore size. If your parents have larger pores, there's a good chance you will too. Your genetic makeup determines your skin’s composition like the size of your hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which are connected to your pores. It will be important to get personalized skincare treatments and products if your genes are why you have large pores and to prevent them from getting larger.
Aging Skin
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and firmness. This is due to a decrease in collagen and elastin production, which are proteins that provide structure and support for your skin. As the skin around a pore loses firmness, the pore may appear larger and oval-shaped. Over time, gravity and sagging skin can make enlarged pores more noticeable.
Sun Damage and Environmental Factors
Prolonged exposure to the sun is a major contributor to premature aging which also impacts pore size. UV radiation breaks down collagen, weakening the skin's structure and causing it to lose elasticity. This damage thickens skin cells, which then collect around the edges of your pores, causing them to look larger. Environmental factors like pollution can penetrate your skin, clogging pores and making them appear larger.
How to Treat Large Pores
While you can’t get rid of your pores, you can minimize their appearance. A consistent and targeted skincare routine can make a big difference in your skin's texture and keep your pores from getting larger.
Build a Skincare Routine
A daily skincare routine focused on cleansing and protecting will help keep your skin healthy.
- Cleanse twice a day⎯Wash your face every morning and evening to remove oil, dirt, and makeup. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin and potentially worsen the problem. Shop our recommended cleansers.
- Use sunscreen daily⎯Sun protection is something you need to use everyday regardless of the weather and whether you’re indoors or outdoors. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage, which contributes to enlarged pores. Shop our recommended sunscreens.
Skincare Ingredients for Large Pores
These active ingredients are really effective at refining skin texture and unclogging pores.
- Exfoliants (AHAs & BHAs)⎯Chemical exfoliants are great for removing dead skin cells and clearing out pores. Salicylic acid goes deep into your pores to break up any clogs. Glycolic acid and lactic acid work on the skin's surface to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and smoothing out your skin’s texture.
- Retinoids⎯This vitamin A derivative is a powerhouse for your skin. Retinoids speed up cell turnover to help clear out dead cells that clog pores, while also boosting collagen production to firm skin. If you’re just starting out using a skincare product with retinoids in it, use a low concentration to begin with so your skin can gradually adjust.
- Niacinamide⎯A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is known for its ability to help regulate oil production and improve skin elasticity. By protecting the skin barrier and reducing sebum, it can help pores go back to our normal size.
- Masks⎯Using a mask 1–3 times per week is recommended, depending on your skin type. Masks help balance sebum production, which reduces the chance of getting clogged pores. Shop our recommended masks.
Professional Skincare Treatments
For more noticeable and long-lasting results, professional skincare treatments are a great addition to your skincare routine.
- Microdermabrasion⎯Our Crystal Blast is a non-invasive microdermabrasion treatment that uses crystals to resurface superficial layers of the skin, smoothing the skin and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Acne Facial⎯This customized facial purifies, soothes, and balances acne-prone skin. It begins with a triple cleanse followed by a tailored peel, gentle extractions, and a blue LED treatment to kill bacteria and tighten pores.
Book Your Treatment at Sarah Akram Skincare in the DMV Metro Area
Our estheticians will create personalized skincare treatments tailored for your skin’s needs. Whether you’re looking to minimize pores, balance oily skin, or rejuvenate your complexion, every session is designed to leave your skin looking fresh and feeling healthy. Reserve your appointment here or by calling us at (703) 531-9350.
FAQs
Can makeup make pores look smaller or larger?
A high-quality primer can help blur the appearance of pores, but heavy or oily makeup may settle into them, making pores look more noticeable. Always remove your makeup thoroughly to prevent buildup and keep your skin healthy.
Will washing my face more often help?
Over-cleansing can strip your skin’s natural barrier and actually lead to increased oil production. Cleansing twice a day is usually enough to keep skin balanced and healthy.
Can sunscreen help with large pores?
Yes! UV damage breaks down collagen which makes pores look larger over time. Wearing SPF daily helps maintain firmness and prevent enlarged pores.
Can you actually shrink your pores?
You can’t permanently change pore size, but you can make pores look smaller by keeping them clean, reducing oil, and improving skin texture with the right products and treatments.
Do clogged pores make pores look bigger?
Yes, because when pores are filled with oil, dirt, or dead skin, they become stretched, making them more visible.
