Having large pores can be a nightmare, and if you suffer from it we’ve got some good and bad news for you. Bad news is that no matter what you’ve heard, pore size cannot be changed, but the good news is you can diminish their appearance as there are treatments for open pores and that’s exactly what we are going to discuss in this blog. 

What are open pores?

The skin consists of tiny pores containing sebaceous glands and hair follicles. These pores are essential for healthy skin as they’re required for the skin to breathe properly and regulate temperature. Since pores contain sebaceous glands, pores are basically how the skin produces sebum, which is essential for the natural moisturisation of the skin. Pores can never be technically ‘open’ or ‘closed’ and everyone’s skin has pores. Open pores, on the other hand, is a condition where various reasons may cause a pore to seem larger than usual giving the appearance of the pore to be ‘open’. 

Diagnosis of open pores 

Open pores can be diagnosed based on symptoms such as

• Whiteheads
• Larger looking pores
• Tired or dull skin
• Clogged pores

Causes of open pores on face 

Again, let’s go over the fact every person’s skin has pores and they are essential for healthy skin. While having pores is completely normal and essential, certain factors may cause the pores to become more visible or appear larger. These factors may be

Sebum:

Excessive sebum on the skin can cause the pores to get clogged causing them to appear enlarged or more visible. 

Genetics:

If your parents have large pores, bad news, you’re likely to have them too. Genetics seems to have an impact on pores and you’re more susceptible to having larger pores if it’s something that runs in your family.

Age: 

As you age, collagen production is reduced leading to a decrease in skin’s elasticity. This can cause the pores to appear larger.

Sun damage:

Sun damage affects collagen production and reduces skin’s elasticity and affects the skin in a similar way as aging.

Thick hair follicles:

Thicker hair follicles may cause the pores to be more visible.

Hormonal imbalance:

A change in hormonal levels can lead to excessive sebum production which may cause clogged pores 

Types of treatment for open pores on the face

At-home treatments:

Certain at-home treatments like steaming and exfoliation may be effective in minimising the appearance of pores. At-home treatments are an easy way to tackle factors that may cause open pores on the face.

Laser:

Laser removes excess oil and helps boost collagen production in the skin which can increase the skin’s elasticity and helps decrease the size and appearance of open pores.

Medication:

Certain birth control pills and acne medication can prevent pores from clogging Most of these medications work by either regulating the hormones, reducing acne-causing bacteria, or shrinking oil glands which can prevent acne and clogged pores.

Extraction:

Extraction is a cosmetic procedure that involves the manual removal of plugs clogging the pores using a tool.

Fractional Micro-needling:

Micro-needling helps promote collagen production which can cause the skin to become tighter and reduce the appearance of pores.

How to clean open pores?

Steam:

Steam can help loosen the plugs clogging the pores. Steaming the face allows easy removal of any dirt, sebum, or bacteria that may be blocking the pores. Steaming your face for even 5-10 minutes is enough to clear your skin deeply.

Exfoliation:

Exfoliation causes removal of dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, this prevents clogging of the pores which can cause the pores to become more visible. Therefore, you should incorporate exfoliating serum in your skincare routine.

Face Masks & serums:

Face masks absorb excess oil on the skin and help clear out the pores.Face masks are generally meant to be applied on clean skin and left undisturbed for about 30 minutes. Ingredients like charcoal, clay in masks and niacinamide and salicylic acid serum can be effective in treating open pores.

Preventative skincare for open pores 

While skincare cannot really ‘close’ open pores, it may help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Here’s some things you could do to prevent having large pores on the skin-

• Always look for non-comedogenic skincare and makeup. As skincare and makeup tends to be in contact with our skin for a considerable amount of time, it’s important to ensure that these products do not contain any ingredient that may clog the pores.
• Keep your skin clean to avoid the build-up of dirt and sebum which could also potentially lead to clogged pores.
• Regularly exfoliate the skin to get rid of dead skin cells and allow new cells to resurface efficiently.
• Keep your skin hydrated by using oil free non-comedogenic moisturiser to prevent your skin from increasing oil production to overcompensate for the lack of moisture. Excessive sebum may clog the pores leading to the appearance of large pores, blackheads, or acne.
• Use moisturising and repairing ingredients to avoid tightness and loss of elasticity in the skin.
• Always use sunscreen to prevent sun damage which may be a cause for open pores.

Skincare ingredients to use for open pores

Clay:

Clay helps remove excess sebum and clear out the pores, causing them to appear smaller.

Niacinamide:

Using Niacinamide Serum for open pores is a good choice as it helps minimize the appearance of pores by controlling sebum production and providing an overall smoother appearance.

AHAs and BHAs:

AHAs and BHAs exfoliate the skin and help remove dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria from the skin.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C helps minimise the appearance of pores by increasing collagen production and reducing skin tightness.

Retinol

Retinol increases skin cell turnover, bringing forth fresh skin and hence making the pores less visible. 

Common misconceptions about open pores

Myth:You can open or close pores

Fact: Pores are always open regardless of what you do, so you cannot ‘open’ or ‘close’ pores. Their appearance can be minimised by clearing out any dirt, sebum, or dead skin cells clogging them.

Myth:You can change your pore size

Fact:Regardless of what you’ve heard, the size of the pores cannot be reduced.

Myth:Blackheads are dirt clogging the pores

Fact:Blackheads are a form of non-inflammatory acne caused by sebum, dead skin, or bacteria clogging the pores. These create a plug, which when exposed to air turns dark in colour, giving it a black appearance and hence the name. So no, blackheads are not ‘dirt’ stuck in your pores.

Myth:Cold water closes open pores

Fact:As mentioned before, pore size is not something that can be changed. Pores are not surrounded by muscles which can contract and expand causing a change in size. Cold water may cause a reduction in inflammation and a calmer appearance of the skin.

Conclusion 

Visible pores are generally not a cause for worry but they affect the overall appearance of the skin. While pore size cannot be controlled, you can get rid of visible pores through a wide range of treatments. 

FAQs

1.How to close open pores on the face permanently?

Unfortunately, pores cannot be closed permanently. Pores are required for healthy skin and their size cannot be changed. You can try remedies to keep your pores clean to minimise their appearance but pores will always remain technically ‘open’.

2.What causes large open pores on the face?

Large pores can be a result of excessive sebum and build-up of dead skin cells which could cause clogged pores. Other causes such as age, genetics, and hormonal imbalance could also factor in on the size of the pores.

3.Are open pore removal creams effective?

Pore removal creams which work by removing dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria are effective as they prevent clogging of the pores. They may also work by exfoliating the skin and increasing the cell turnover rate.