Enlarged pores are concern for many women of all ages and skin types, especially for those with oily and combination skin. If you don’t take care of your skin properly these pores will become larger and larger and may be easily clogged which usually leads to blackheads, pimples, discolorations, excessive sebum production. If you don’t treat them at early stage the pores can look worse than they actually are. They usually appear on the T-zone – forehead, chin and especially around the nose and a concern mainly during puberty.
The large pores are generally “little openings of the hair follicle onto the surface of the skin that provide a way for the oil glands underneath to lubricate and protect the surface of your skin”. Pores play a vital role in skin physiology and are a natural part of the skin and without them the skin won’t be able “to breathe”. Their secretion ensures essential skin moisture and oiliness and all the nutrients are supplied through them.
Causes
- Genetics
- Sun damage
- Hormonal changes
- Acne
- Blackheads
- Skin dehydration
- Trapped dirt, oil, dead skin cells
- Improper cleansing
- Excessive oil production
- Overuse of makeup
- Improper diet
- Smoking
- Puberty, menopause
Genetics may cause enlargement of the pores since people with combination or oily skin tend to have larger looking pores. If your mother or father have large pores this simply means that you are more prone to have them too.
Sun damage may also cause them. The sun’s harmful rays cause the skin to thicken and the skin cells may collect around the pores which makes pores appear larger. Also as we know the sun damages the collagen and elastin in the skin and as a result the skin loses its elasticity and the pores enlarge because there is no collagen to keep them tight and small. Once the collagen and elastin in your skin is damaged the pores will begin to enlarge.
Improper skin care – in 78 percent of the cases the pores enlarge due to improper skin care. If you don’t remove your makeup in the evening, don’t cleanse your face twice a day, don’t use moisturizers and don’t exfoliate your skin regularly you are more likely to have enlarged pores. It’s essential to exfoliate your face at least twice a week to remove the dead skin cells, otherwise the surface oil and the dead cells may collect around your pores and make them appear large.
Blackheads and pimples may cause large pores if not treated properly. For example, if you squeeze a blackhead or a pimple you may stretch the pore.
Excessive oil production is another cause because if the oil glands produce large amounts of sebum the pore will be forced to expand itself in order to release the oil. Excessive oil production usually appears on the T-zone as these areas contain more oil glands than other areas.
Puberty because as we know during puberty the skin begins to produce more oil and the pores have to enlarge in order to be able to handle the increased output.
Pores appear enlarged when they are clogged, dilated, infected and that’s why the best way to keep your pores small and less visible is to keep your skin clean all the time. Often the pores get clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, oil which makes them appear more prominent and that’s why regular skin exfoliation is essential in order to remove the dead skin cells and to allow your skin to produce new, healthier cells.
Unfortunately there is no way to make them invisible and to shrink them for ever but there are a few things and procedures you can do to minimize their appearance.
Available treatments
Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical procedure designed to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin by using a tool that sprays tiny microcrystal particles on the skin. Microdermabrasion is an ideal procedure for shrinking enlarged pores – it lessens the appearance of pores by roughening up the skin, loosening the dead skin cells that clog the pores. Microdermabrasion performed by a professional can stimulate collagen production which is essential for healthy-looking skin. The treatment removes the upper layer of the skin and reduces not only the size of the pores, but also wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, acne scars, blemishes. In most cases 2/ 3 treatments are enough to minimize the appearance.
Chemical peels are also effective for reducing the size, look and appearance. Chemical peel with Trichloreacetic acid (TCA) is the most appropriate peel as the acid penetrates more deeply into the skin and removes the damaged layers of the skin, allowing new cells to form.
Laser resurfacing is another procedure that is effective in treating. Laser resurfacing treatment treats not only large pores but also wrinkles, discolorations caused by sun damage, post-acne scars and the best thing is that it boost collagen production which is essential for the skin’s elasticity and healthy look. The procedure tones, lifts and tightens skin on the face and stimulates long-term collagen and elastin rebuilding.
Chemical peels, Microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing all work to reduce the appearance not only of large pores, but also improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, age spots, scars, discolorations and other imperfections.
Deep pore cleansing treatment – the facial includes exfoliating, toning, cleansing, moisturizing, extractions. It’s the best treatment caused by puberty as it balances oil (sebum) production, removes congestion and encourages healthy new cells to form. Deep pore cleansing should be performed by a beautician or by a dermatologist to achieve best results.
Topical vitamin A treatments
These include: Retin A, Renova, Avage, Tretinoin. Vitamin A is believed to help minimize pores’ size. They all unclog pores by loosening blackheads and speeding up cell turnover.
Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids
AHAs and BHAs are effective in preventing enlargement of the pores as they exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Both AHAs and BHAs stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and provide smoother, brighter-looking skin. Common use AHAs in products are: Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid.
At home remedies
- Exfoliation
Exoliation is essential for keeping your skin clean and to prevent enlargement of facial pores. Use a mild exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells twice a week, but make sure it’s appropriate for your skin type. Another alternative for at-home exfoliation are the Microdermabrasion kits such as: L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Microdermabrasion Kit ($23), SPA Sciences Acne Microdermabrasion Kit ($50), Vita K Solution Microdermabrasion Kit ($20), Nivea Visage Micro-Dermabrasion Kit Q 10 Gentle SPA ($20). These kits usually include gentle exfoliator and post-treatment moisturizer. These products not only refinish skin’s texture but also erase sun damage, reduce discoloration, smooth signs of aging, refine pores and even out skin tone. - Reduce the excess oiliness
As we said these pores can be caused by excess oil (sebum) production and that’s why it’s essential to control the sebum production. Fortunately there are some products, specially designed for this aim. They reduce and control the excess surface oil and prevent clogging of the pores and pore plugging which usually contributes to pore visibility. Such products are: Clearasil Daily Control Cream Cleanser with green tea and peppermint ($8), Phytomer Oligopur Shine Control Moisturizing Fluid ($35), Biore Shine Control Moisturizer ($7), Lancome Pure Focus Shine Control Moisturizing Fluid ($35), Clinique Pore Minimizer T-Zone Shine Control ($17.50). Look for products containing Nordihydraguaiaretic Acid as it reduce the sebum production. - Use pore minimizing lotions and creams
Using a pore minimizing (refining) products should be an essential part of your skin care regimen to keep your facial pores under control. These products target the production of sebum deep in the pores, clear away debris and reduce the size of the large pores. One of the best pore minimizing products are: Lancome Pure Focus Matifying Purifying Lotion ($35), Clinique Pore Minimizer Refining Lotion ($18.50), Neutrogena Pore Refining Cream ($11.50), Yves Rocher Pore Refining Moisturizer ($15), DermaDoctor Picture Perfect Pore Minimizing Solution ($40).Look for moisturizers containing natural ingredients, vitamins, retinol to increase the collagen production. - Do a tightening face mask
Do a pore refining mask once or twice a week to keep your pores clean and under control. These masks deeply cleanse pores and draw out the impurities while refining the skin’s texture. Such pore refining masks are: Burt’ Bee Pore Refining Mask ($9), Neutrogena Pore Refining Mask ($11.50), Estee Lauder So Clean Deep Pore Mask ($19.50), Avon Pore Minimizer Mask ($9.50), Biore Pore Perfect Self-Heating Mask ($7). - Steam your face
Steam your face once a week to thoroughly deep clean your large pores, to loosen debris and to open the pores. The high temperature helps the pores to open and this way the skin will clear itself from the toxins. Apply a deep cleaning face mask after steaming your face.
Tips:
- A mild exfoliation will help keep your pores clear and less apparent.
- Treat enlarged pores at early stage to prevent future problems.
- If untreated properly they may lead to acne, skin infections and frequent breakouts.
- Remember: the best way to prevent enlarged facial pores is to keep your skin clean and well moisturizer.
- Daily usage of oil controlling products will prevent formation.
- Do a deep-pore cleansing once or twice a month to keep your pores clear and to prevent clogging.
- Use products containing alpha hydroxy acids.
- You can improve the appearance of your pores by regular exfoliation.
- Use pore minimizing products every day.
- Always cleanse your face twice a day to keep your skin clean and fresh.
- Never skip to remove your makeup in the evening to prevent clogging of the pores.
- Make sure all your makeup products are noncomedogenic.
- Remember: any irritation can cause the pores to overreact.
- Use lukewarm to rinse your face, hot water can enlarge facial pores.
- Never use harsh soaps and astringents to cleanse your face.
- Don’t squeeze blackheads or pimples cause your may stretch the pore.
- Use strips to remove blackheads on your nose, chin and forehead.
- Always wear sunscreen with SPF at least 15 because the sun may cause large pores.
- Eat many fruits and vegetables.
- Drink lots of water every day to keep yourself hydrated.
- Avoid applying any irritants to your skin because if your skin is irritated the pores will appear larger.
- Keep your makeup tools clean to avoid inflammation.
- Rub your skin with an ice cube as it closes your pores and keeps any dirt out.
Photos
How To Hide Them With Makeup
Follow these simple steps when applying makeup to hide large pores and to achieve a flawless look:
- Cleanse and tone your face
- Use an ice cube or cool water to “shrink” them
- Apply moisturizer
- Apply Oil-controlling product
- Apply pore minimizing product
- Apply makeup primer
- Apply foundation
- Apply loose powder
References
Discussion about big pores on nose
Ance
Rosacea & Acne
thanks….(^_^)
and I’m sure this article would help me a lot…
Don’t confuse beauty with skin health. Its good to have nice healthy skin but dont become obsessed.growing old and having wrinkles and large pore is a natural part of life. Try to maintain a life long habit of skin care.
hello…
im 16 years of age, im a boy..and i have a serios problem regarding with large pores. yes! i have it, and because of this my self-esteem is not that good.
so please will you help me on this problem.
thanks!
Geine,
You are young and time will help both skin and self-esteem. You need to wash your face with Cetaphyl Oily Skin cleanser, if you need a moisturizer, use Neutrogena, but do NOT put it on your nose. You then need a benzoil peroxide product, a 10% AQ from a Dermatologist, do NOT get anything else, you need to spot treat at night after you wash and dry your face, and go straight to bed. I have been semi-impressed by Proactive’s benzoil peroxide product although the strength may not be enough. I also think you MUST exfoliate your skin, there is a product you need to use 1 to 2 times per week (no more!) called Brasivol (over the counter- but you’ll have to call around to see who has it- I found it at a compound pharmacy) or Replenex – you get over the counter from a Dermatologist. You might even ‘spot wash’ large pore areas with Pan Oxyl soap, but it can be pretty strong. Keep the faith, you’ll grow out of both conditions…every 7 years all cells in your body regenerate…also you can do lazer w/ dermotologist if you can’t tolerate it…like a horrible sunburn and takes off a layer of skin, you can only do this twice in your life and you must protect your skin in the sun after – or you can scar….hope this helps!
I have tiny holes on my nose and some on my face that look like small volcanoes……what can I do about these to cover up or close these holes???
i am a 53 yr old male . my wife is the same age ,but she looks 20 yrs younger and does nothing besides showering to cleanse her skin . i do everything to cleanse my face but i had picked my pimples when i was a teenager and because of that i still get pimples. so please young men an ladies do not pick your pimples. it will haunt you the rest of your life
i am 53 yrs female i look 15yrs younger i scrub my face daily ,care about firming &cleanse it but the problems are pores and brown spots…. how can i minimize or get rid of them ?
dear Fay, first you must know that you shall not scrub your face every day – scubbing or exfoliating daily may seriously irritate your skin. To all my clients I recommend to exfoliate their face twice a week with a light product. Do a facial mask once or twice per week and it might be helpful if you chance your skin care products.
Regards,
Thanks for the great tips! 😀
Anyone know a good moisturizer?
I have large pores on my nose, but i wash my face, and exfoliate, and grown, so i my pores look smaller. Luck to those of you who can't get rid of them! may one day the god of pores help you! XD seriously
i really didn't have this problem from a couple of months i think it really wasn't my problem at all .. because my skin was soo healthy as everyone tolds me but i really stopped taking care of my skin because i really wasn't feeling well ..anyway i really want to ask u a question .. is it a certain cosmetics product cause this problem coz i started to use a pressed powder that make my face burn me .. but with my usual consuming .. it actually stop burning my face ? and how could i get my early healthy skin again because it's really get's me frustrated …:( please answer me and tell me a product that i can use .. but a commen one .. trademark as clean & clear and netrougena )
Guy's clean your face with apple cider vinegar at night, make sure you mix it 1/2 and 1/2 with destilled water and apply a moisturizer with a drop pf clearly sage essential oil, ohh boy!! you'll see how great your skin will look. Keep in mind that the ACV will burn your face if you have blemishes so i would suggest you to cure the blemishes first. For very very sensitive skin try to add more water than ACV.
Do not exfoliate daily, just use a warm wash cloth and give a good scrub. I use a dab of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball over my nose area once a week….do not do this more than that. Wash your face every night, no makeup and good night cream and that's it. I use to have perioral dermatitis and no longer…..good luck!
What makeup is best for large pores?
Someone said to not exfoliate daily – but that's bad advice for someone with large pores! Daily exfoliation helps remove gunk from the pores (the "gunk" stretches them to make them appear larger). So, it's very important to exfoliate daily and then use a good toner. I like Proactive's toner. Also, use a powder primer before applying foundation. I am in LOVE with one called Mattify! Loose Powder. It soaks up oil and bacteria from the pores to keep them clean, and prevents makeup from settling into pores. Then, when applied over the foundation, it gives you a pore-less look and helps makeup stay put and shine free for hours. It's great stuff, my skin is a disaster every time I get lazy and stop using it. My fave product of all time!
am22yrs old having large and large pores on chin which appear bad when i go out plz provide a good home based remedies n proper methods to hide it
An excellent guide, the best I have read, thank you for all the details including products and prices to choose from.
It is fanthastic!
Hi there, I suffered form enlarged pores for years since I was a teenager – now 29.
Everyone told me that I would never get rid of them…. I have started using a fantastic skincare range that is all natural, botanically based, not tested on animals, no mineral oils or paraffins, no artificial colours or fragrances and a 45 day money back guarantee! I have had AMAZING results, my pores are almost invisible!! I have a good PH balance on my skin – which out of balance PH contributes to acne and build up! ie.. large pores. If anyone would like to know more about the products… I would love to share them with you! Please email me for more info! Email – kit1@iprimus.com.au
hi, I am a 17 year old girl and have very large pores and blackheads all over my nose. I have a few blackheads on my chin and forehead, too. I don't really have a problem with acne, except for the occasional blemish on my T-zone and sometimes on my cheeks. My problem is that I'm not really sure what my skin type is. Is it combination? My T-zone is more on the oily side, and my cheeks are more on the dry side, but what throws me off is that my nose peels. It's not the flaky sort of peel that you get after a sunburn. It happens about once a month, even though I've been drinking a lot of water every day, and I don't eat junk food. Does anyone have any insight or recommendations as to what I can do or what products I should use for my skin? I've been trying to find a good organic line, but it doesn't have to be organic as long as it will help my skin.
Hi, i am Monique and i am 16, and i have very large pores and blackheads mostly on my cheeks and nose. It has gotten worse within the years and i dont know what else to do. i drink a lot of water. ive tried clean and clear, neutrogena, murad, proactiv, and all sorts of other products. i have sensitive skin so im allergic to benzoil peroxide i am currently using the pore cleanser from clean and clear but that doesnt seem to be doing anything. i tried steaming my face and it didnt work either. CAN SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASE.
Im 21yrs old but i feel i look like 25 yrs ……….as i have pimples,holes ,blackheads,on my face…n whenever i got out in sun my skin quickly burns n become black how 2 get rid plz help meeee
I think using a scrub/exfoliation is important for skin turnover. But using lotion is probably I think even more important, because without using a lotion/moisturizer, our skin will just keep producing our natural facial oil to protect the internal moisturize inside our skin. Therefore the glands will be large to produce the oil. Using lotion/moisturizer I believe would replace the glands/large pores' job to produce natural moisturizer(facial oil). Besides, I think sensitive skin is acne skin. Acnes are caused by whiteheads which are due to internal dryness. Therefore, never forget the lotion/moisturizer 🙂
thank you very much for the article, i was doing everything wrong, making wrost everyday. gosh
is using salt with buttermilk on large pores of the face advisable?
I have tiny holes on my nose and some on my face[cheeks] ……what can I do about these to cover up or close these holes pls?i never had any problem with my face n now that i am 50 n im on menopause–its noticeable.i used pore minimizer estee lauder once.i wear make up everyday to go to work.i do clean my face thoroughly using cleansing milk etc.Who can advise me pls as the pores seem to be constantly there now. thks for kind advise.
I have big pores as well. Is white egg's really effective for this?
Thank you!:-)
im 12 year old girl and i have really big pores only at apples of my cheeks. My mom haves all so big pores, so i think this is something to do with genes. i have normal skin and its in really good condition (no pimples, its not dull etc). i cleanse, tone and moisturize my skin twice every day and i use a scrub and a mask ones a week. i have tryed only The Body Shop Seaweed Pore Minimizer for oily/combination skin, but i didnt see any results. could you reccomend me some good not super expensive products what would really work?
use accutane for serious problems cystic problems, retin-A for anything else. most of this advice is crap. Trust me, by the time you are 40 you will wish you had that attrocious greasey skin you did when you were 16; all of your friends will look like hand-bags and you will bearly be complaining about a wrinkle. Oily skin is a trait that Darwin made for people who live long attractive lives (albiet terrible teen years).
I agree with Glory, apple cider vinegar is great for cleaning your face. I do a face mask to help reduce the pores on my face.I mix Aztec secret clay(found at the health food store, apple cider vinegar,you can even add honey or tea tree oil to the mixture. Leave it on for 10-20mins then wash off with warm water. It's great for acne and it makes your skin feel wonderful!
Makeup makes my pores look larger! It settles into the pores and looks very ugly!
Iam 26years Female.I have a serious problem regarding open pores on my cheeks.my skin type is oily .I want to know which product is good.Please help me on this problem .
i am 23 and look like im 15. Pimples, oilly skin and really large pore. you can even see it under my makeup. i have tried evry brand of scrub lotion, spot treatment, creams, masks and even been to every beauticians in my area. you name it i have prob tried it. Nothing works. i see everyone my age and even yound have the best skin i have ever seen. i am married and i do not show anyone my wedding photos because my skin is so bad. any tips out there that i can try to at least minimise the pimple oil and pore?
Im 16 and I have acne scars and large pores on my nose, can someone tell me what to do?
i am a 27 years old female and complain of large pores on my cheeks and i have acombination skin type how to solve this problem i need name of products and procedures please help me
I have found that the tiniest drop of honey added to my moisturizer is the best thing for minimizing my pores throughout the day. It also gives my skin a nice glow. Any more than that drop and your face becomes dull and sticky. As a side benefit, honey has antibacterial properties that assists with preventing skin eruptions.
I wish I had found out about Shielo's scrub sooner! I called the company and asked about it and then decided to give it a shot!!! Its called Shielo Complexion Scrub.
This product works very well unclogging pores, getting rid of of dead skin and making the skin smoother, no new pimples to leave MORE dark spots. All of which make the skin look and feel much better/fresher. Remember only the skin in contact with the product is helped. Heaping it on wastes your money and this hard to find product!
A few cautions… 1-keep drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, it's natural repair function working well and your skin fresh, 2-This product dries the skin out, use a good moisturizer/moisturizing sunscreen.
For me it is essential to use the Shielo Scrub at night to kickstart the natural repair cycle. It's a little tingly, nothing really harsh though. Skip TWO nights and REPEAT which helps you get 2-3 treatments in a week as recommended.
I m 18 yrs old girl from nepal and i have pimples and many blackdots on my face.its everywhere.i have an oily skin and its sensative too.i consulted with many doctors of different places but my skin is same as it is now.i went to different palours and i used the products as they said but the result was same.there is no more development on my face.so how could i solve this problem and have clear and white skin?
hey im 17 and i been suffering from acne scar fo so long since i was 14. i hate it so much because it makes my face look spotty and full of dark marks and i have large pores on my cheeks. what do i do 🙁
i am 14 years old and i thank you alot because i know now wt 2 do because my mother has larg pores and i am starting 2 get them sooo i thank you ! ALOT! ^^
How to minimize pore appearance… Thanks all!
Hi Kethy,
I am 44, I have taken excellent care of my skin, eat well, exercise, use sun screen, etc… People have always comment that I look about 34 do to my skin. Over the last 3 months the pours in my T zone have expanded greatly (just out of nowhere and now the pours are creating major lines because the pours are connecting together with wrinkles. Every day they the more and more pours seam to spread across my face. I really could use some good advice.
Thank you for any help 🙂
Nate
I am 27 yrs old guy who had pimples at younger stage now am left with these shameful pores on my face what should i recomment to use?pls help.
I have too much oil large pores n don’t know which product to use please help
Wel, i have tiny holes on my cheeck with hair coming out frm it, i donno f its right or its a skin disease…
hi im nidhi form delhi
iv got this acne problem from class 6 (age12) and im still gettng harmonal acne im 21 now. my face has got worse since then . large pores, acne spots, some holes on my cheeks , ive tried almost every treatment, have been consulting dermatologist since 4-5 years but this hasnt helped me. please help!
I use ‘Rice powder’. Draws out oil and brightens skin complexion. Take a tablespoon of powder, add water to make a paste thin or thick, apply over face or Tzone, wait till dry, rinse. Natural, cheap and can be used daily. I use daily, my skins much healthier looking and tzone pores are less visible. Adapt what suits you. Good luck.
im a 62 year old black women with very bad facial skin large pores with oil and dirt in them i use clinique the three step daily but still have a problem what can i do
41 a lot of stress smoke large pores blackheads! Need help please any help available I can’t stand it anymore I don’t have a lot of money
I m from India .I m not sure but everyone says to me that large pores can not be minimize..is it true
.I have also a large pores and now I have beautiful daughter and I don’t want c also suffered from same problem so pls suggest me how can I minimize my pores and how to prevent in my daughter
Heyy I’m ash , I’m 17 yes old ,I have lots of open pores on my face , I don’t know what to do , I have tried almost every home remedy but nothing works on it , I’m really worried for my open pores it’s making me so ugly , I am losing my self confidence because of that , Can anyone tell me will they will recover naturally with age or not , If not ,then what should I do ?