Large Pores: Causes, How To Prevent And How To Shrink Them

Your pores might more or less noticeable. That depends a lot on your skin, genetics, and other factors. Are you concerned about your pores? Do they appear large to you? Well, if that is the case, you can try a couple of pore minimizers to shrink your pores.

Before we get to large pores, causes of them, and how to treat and prevent large pores, let’s explain pores.

There are two types of pores in your body. The first group is the one that releases the body’s natural oil or sebum. And then there is the second group, responsible for releasing sweat. When your pores appear larger, those are generally the oil-releasing pores.

Now, truth be told, there is no way to completely get rid of large pores. What you can do, however, is reduce their appearance.

What causes large pores?

First of all, genetics is the main factor that determines whether you have large or small pores. But that is not the only factor. In addition to genetics, there are many environmental and lifestyle factors that can increase the size and appearance of your pores.

Those are:

Oily and unclean skin causing oils to settle around the pores and making them appear larger
Makeup can also cause pores to appear larger if not washed off. Makeup can settle in and around the pores if not washed, and put more emphasis on your pores
Cosmetics can also be a magnet for dirt and oils, clogging your pores and making them look larger
Blackheads are a result of pores, or more precisely, dirt settling into large pores and giving them the black color
Increased hair follicle volume can also cause large pores, especially when the pore at the end of the hair follicle is clogged
As your skin ages, the elastin and collagen production decreases, and with that, the appearance of visible pores increases

With that in mind, having large pores is not a health concern. It is more of a beauty concern. However, who here wants to have pores that appear larger and ruin your skin tone, texture, and complexion?

While it might be possible to completely get rid of pores, you can reduce their appearance.

How to minimize large pores

Here are eight ways you can try to reduce the appearance of your large pores. If one of these does not work, try another. You will definitely find a solution for your large pores among these tricks.

Use water-based products

For those of you with oily skin, it is crucial that you use water-based products. Your skin already produces excess oil, and you do not need any extra oils from your skin products.

Water-based products might not reduce sebum and oil production, but they will ensure there is no more extra oil on your skin.

Wash your face on a regular basis

You will be surprised, but one of the ways to shrink pores is to get back to basics. And washing your face is basic skin care. All you need is warm water and a cleanser.

Make a habit of washing your face once in the morning, and once in the evening. Do not wash it excessively, as you can cause dryness. Washing your face will help you get rid of excess oils and dirt clogging your pores.

Exfoliate on a regular basis

Speaking of washing away dirt, oils, and other debris, exfoliation is basic skin care as well. Exfoliating is recommended to remove any blockage from the pores. If you have oily skin, exfoliate once or twice per week. If you have normal skin, you can exfoliate once per two weeks.

Exfoliation will help you eliminate dirt, dead skin cells, excess oils, and any other clogging debris.

Products that are good for exfoliation contain salicylic acid, a natural acid that unclogs your pores. Do not exfoliate more often than two times per week. If you do it too frequently, you can dry your skin.

Moisturize on a daily basis

You might think moisturizing is counterintuitive. That might apply to those with oily skin. But moisturizing is an essential part of skin care. Even if you have oily skin, you can reduce pore enlargement by applying moisturizer.

With that in mind, use moisturizing lotions. Unlike cleansers, they do not clog the pores. Apply the moisturizing lotion after washing your skin and patting the skin dry. These lotions can hydrate and soften your skin, and allow sebum to penetrate deep into the skin, and not sit on the surface pores.

Use gel-based cleansers

By now, as you can notice, people with oily skin should extremely close attention to the products they use. If you have oily skin, gel-based cleansers work best for you.

These gel-based cleansers are moisturizing and clean oil from the pores. This results in a reduced appearance of your pores.

Apply clay masks

A clay mask can be used in place of exfoliating. Same as exfoliation, a clay mask can be used once or twice per week to remove any debris from the pores.

If you like, you can do both exfoliating and clay mask treatment. Just remember to do them on a different day. You do not want to over-treat your skin on the same day. That can cause irritation, and irritated skin results in enlarged pores.

Remove makeup

As mentioned previously, makeup can be one of the causes of enlarged pores. Always remember to remove makeup at night. Before going to bed, removing makeup should be your priority. Do not sleep with makeup, as it will clog your pores, and allow bacteria buildup in the pores.

All you need are some cleansing wipes to quickly remove makeup. Even if you are short on time, you can get it done.

Wear sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is more of a preventive measure than treatment for large pores. The damage done by the sun can dry your skin. Keep your skin protected from the sun by wearing sunscreen, wearing hats, and staying in the shade when the sun is at its peak.

Promote healthy skin

There are also some lifestyle habits you can include to promote healthy skin. In addition to the treatments above, promoting healthy skin is crucial for preventing and treating large pores.

Here are some ideas:

Consume foods high in healthy nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, protein, healthy fats, and carbs
Exercise on a regular basis to improve circulation and blood flow to all parts of your body
Drink plenty of water to hydrate and moisturize your body from within