Dermatologists and cosmeticians often encounter questions from their patients and customers about what causes large facial pores or, if they previously had small pores, why their pores suddenly became enlarged. The simple answer is that there several factors that influence pore size. Unfortunately, none of them are under our control.
The three main reasons for large pores are your skin’s level of oiliness, your age, and your gender. Oil makes dirt collect much faster on your skin, expanding it and making your pores look larger. Your skin also loses elasticity as you age; coupled with accumulated damage over the years, it results into thickened skin cells that collect around your pores, causing them to stretch. This can be caused by poor hygiene that results in the very common whiteheads emerging. The comedones that everyone experiences in their daily lives are also a common cause of big pores. Due to the dirt collecting within, the skin is stretched and results in the look that many of us try to avoid. Meanwhile, men tend to have larger pores than women, but hormonal changes such as those that happen during menstruation and pregnancy can enlarge pores as well.
And so while you can’t change the actual size of your pores, there are many things you can do to minimize their appearance. Here are some good habits to practice.
Keep Your Face Clean
Large, visible pores are oftentimes clogged pores. Keep your face clean using a gentle foaming cleanser. You can do this twice a day to help remove everyday “cloggers” like dirt and sweat that make your pores look bigger. Remember not to scrub too much, since this will cause your skin to “think” that it’s too dry and produce more oil in response.
On the other hand, exfoliating at least once a week will help get rid of deep-seated dirt and dead skin cells. Removing these substances from your skin will make it appear fresher and smoother. After cleansing, you can also apply pore minimizing creams that help make the skin firmer, further minimizing the appearance of your pores.
And remember: never sleep with your makeup on! If you’re wearing waterproof makeup, there are cleansing oils that make these cosmetics easier to remove. Try to wipe off as much makeup as you can using gentle cleansing wipes before washing your face with the right product for your skin.
Choose the Right Products
With the thousands of products in the market, choosing the right one can be confusing indeed. However, you should keep an eye out for products that contain zinc and magnesium. These elements help clear pores and assist in balancing your skin’s oil production. Rosemary and lavender are soothing ingredients, which can help stop your skin from stretching too much. Meanwhile, salicylic acid and retinol can help unclog pores and prevent acne formation, which also affects the appearance of your pores.
You should also make a habit of choosing products labeled as non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. And, when in doubt, always consult with your dermatologist.
Wear Sunscreen
Sun damage is one of the primary culprits of large-looking pores. Make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF everyday, even when the weather is gloomy and the sun doesn’t appear much.
You should also avoid sun exposure from 10 am to 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are the harshest. Supplement your sun protection with a big umbrella or a broad-brimmed hat to shade your face when you go out during the day time. If you exercise outdoors or swim, make sure to reapply sunscreen afterward since it tends to get washed off by sweat and water.
Opt for Spot Treatment
There are parts of your face that are usually oilier, such as the forehead, nose, and cheeks. You can spot-treat these areas using a clay mask. Just apply a thin layer, leave it on for the recommended time (usually 10 to a maximum of 20 minutes), and then rinse it off with clean water.
If you’re on the go, blotting papers can work wonders by absorbing excess oil; top it off with your chosen powder or foundation to make your skin look smoother in an instant.
Watch Your Diet
Food and food products that are high in fat and unhealthy oils may cause your skin to produce more oil and become inflamed, leading to clogged, bigger-looking pores. Avoid sugary and salty snacks, and fatty meat as much as possible, and instead fill your diet with fiber, citrus fruits, and foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids to help manage oily skin. You should also drink more water to keep your skin hydrated and help flush out toxins from your body.
Our pores have an important role in our bodies and we can’t really get rid of them. But with these healthy habits, you can be well on your way to achieving that smooth, flawless complexion you’ve always wanted.
