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.
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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.
Here are some ways to minimize large pores:
1. Choosing water-based products
Moisturizing products contain various active ingredients trusted Source, including oils. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends 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 skincare 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 skincare. 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.
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
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. 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.
