Major causes of enlarged pores and 5 easy ways to minimise them
| 3 minutes
Pores play a vital role in keeping your skin and body healthy.
But enlarged pores can make your skin look rough and uneven.
And if you are struggling to get rid of enlarged pores—here are several treatments that can help you reduce pore size and refine your skin texture.
What are the major causes of enlarged pores?
Genetics
Your genes are one important factor that determines your pore size. So, if your family members have large pores, you may also inherit the same skin type.
Excessive sebum production
The rise in the production of your skin’s natural oil (sebum) is yet another main reason behind the development of noticeable large pores. This usually leads to several changes in your skin like acne, large pores, etc.
Ageing
Collagen and elastin do more than just prevent wrinkles—they also help keep your pores tight and intact. As we age, the natural decline in these proteins leads to larger pores and looser skin.
UV radiations
UV radiations are yet another common culprit behind the development of large pores.
Numerous studies reveal that the harmful UVA and UVB radiation of the sun decreases the elasticity and firmness of your skin.
It further results in enlarged open pores along with signs of photoaging.
Top 5 ways to reduce enlarged pores
1. Use “non - comedogenic” products
Reading the product label is not enough. Some hidden ingredients tend to clog your pores due to which your skin has to bear skin concerns like acne, blackheads, pimples, blemishes etc.
That's why you should always opt for non-comedogenic products. Meaning such products do not cause pore blockages and keep skin breathable.
2. Apply a toner after face wash
Toners contain active ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin, providing a thorough cleanse that face washes sometimes miss.
For oily, acne-prone skin—which often leads to enlarged pores—choose a toner designed to balance oil and control acne.
3. Opt for serums that contain Niacinamide
Adding a niacinamide serum to your skincare routine is a great advantage.
Niacinamide helps balance sebum production and refines pores
It also addresses visible signs of ageing by boosting ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier function.
A study published in Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice highlights Niacinamide’s effectiveness in reducing pore size and enhancing skin texture, thanks to its ability to control sebum and balance oil levels.
4. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
Excessive sun exposure causes damage to elastin and collagen due to which pore openings begin to stretch.
Wearing sunscreen shall be a 365 days ritual to protect skin from sun damage—reducing the chance of enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and age spots.
5. Consider using a retinol cream
Retinol can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Secondly, Retinol being a Vitamin A derivative has the ability to work effectively on early signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet etc.
Topical application of Retinol boosts collagen production leaving skin youthful and refreshed.
Some of the major benefits of Retinol -
- Refines pores
- Exfoliates skin
- Boosts skin cell turnover
- Prevents clogging of pores
- Reverse sun damage and photoaging
For beginners, it is advised to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it.
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If you have oily skin, avoid these 5 skincare ingredients—use these 4 instead
From having to deal with undue shine on the face (that can be misunderstood for sweat) to having an orange-peel-like skin texture caused by the large pores, people with oily skin know the ordeal. On the quest to find the best ways out of this ‘clog’, you must have tried multiple skincare products, but nothing works. And you know why? Because our dear products have a few ingredients that do not set well on oily skin. To know the ingredients typically not meant for oily skin you don’t have to go through the jargon. We have curated a list of the top ingredients that should be kept away from your skin. Trust us, your skin will thank you! What causes oily skin? Whereas an appropriate amount of sebum (produced by sebaceous glands) keeps the skin hydrated and protected, its overproduction can cause the skin to look greasy and clog the pores. The reason for over-secretion could vary anywhere from genetics to hormones, climate, diet, and even stress. Coming to the point, let’s get into the details of the ingredients that are a curse spell for your skin: Ingredients to avoid if you have an oily skin 1. Comedogenic Oils The biggest no no! Quite commonly used household ingredients like coconut, avocado, and olive oil are high in oleic acid, a fatty acid infamously known for clogging skin pores. This in turn leads to breakouts and greasiness on the face. With a molecular structure that can easily get stuck in the pores, highly comedogenic products are not your best friend. 2. Alcohol-based products Alcohol as an ingredient is used in two major types of products, cleansers and moisturisers. Alcohol for the most part removes sebum (an oily content naturally produced by the skin to keep it hydrated) from your skin, but its overuse can leave the skin with no natural moisture. This can cause inflammation and irritation to the surface level, further leading to overcompensation of the lost oil. To retain the natural oils and avoid irritants, it is recommended to use alcohol-free products on sensitive skin. 3. Harsh Scrubs Exfoliation, when done right, can do wonders for oily skin, but harsh scrubs (some even containing nano-plastics) strip off the natural oils from the skin’s surface, leaving it vulnerable and causing inflammation, further resulting in breakouts and imbalance of the PH levels. Harsh scrubs can create small tears in the skin allowing bacteria to make your face their habitat, that too rent-free. These tiny tears make it easy for the bacteria to breed and affect your skin in more ways than you think. 4. Silicones Used to fill in the texture on the skin, silicone is an ingredient in products like primers and moisturisers. Even though it makes your skin look smoother and velvety, it creates a barrier coating on the surface. It doesn’t allow other skincare (water-based) products used on top of it to absorb into your skin and also traps in the excess oil and dirt. For oily-skinned people, it is one big red flag! 5. Occlusive Ingredients Petrolatum jelly, shea butter, beeswax, and jojoba oil are occlusive components used in many sunscreens, masks, and moisturisers. The barrier they create on the skin is supposed to protect your skin from external elements like UV rays or pollution (which it surely does), but for oily skin, it also traps the oil and water from getting out and released from your face. Which skincare ingredients are the most suitable for oily skin? 1. Salicylic Acid Salicylic Acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) known to be a good peeling agent. As it controls the excess sebum production in the skin, it is the best for exfoliation. It also reduces dilated pores and affects Cutibacterium acnes bacteria (a bacteria that lives deep in the follicles and pores). 2. Niacinamide A form of water-soluble Vitamin B3, Niacinamide demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects on acne, making it one of the best ingredients for oily (acne-prone) skin. Its topical application has a positive role to play in acne and hyperpigmentation. It also helps regulate sebum production in the skin and helps boost hydration. READ - Is Niacinamide Good for Oily Skin? 3. Hyaluronic Acid It is considerably good for water retention on the skin, as dehydration is also one of the causes of the over-production of oils. Besides the magic it does to hydrate your skin, Hyaluronic Acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. 4. Tea Tree Oil Also known as melaleuca oil, tea tree oil reduces lesions (damaged tissue due to injury or infection) and is well known for treating moderate acne. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties make it possible for Tea Tree Oil to positively affect acne-prone skin. Takeaway In addition to including or excluding these standalone ingredients from your regime, it is vital to check the ingredients on products like moisturisers, cleansers, scrubs, and toners. Neither do you want your skin to be dehydrated nor do you want over-moisturized. Keep it simple and utilise the ingredients mentioned for the best results.
Difference Between Large Pores And Acne Scars
The confusion lying between acne scars and enlarged pores is more common than one would expect. They might look similar but they aren't the same. Read the blog to know the difference between the two.
Can Niacinamide help in reducing the pore size?
As you grow older, your pores turn to appear bigger. With this scientifically formulated skin ingredient, you can shrink and tighten your enlarged pores easily.
Can Niacinamide help in reducing the pore size?
As you grow older, your pores turn to appear bigger. With this scientifically formulated skin ingredient, you can shrink and tighten your enlarged pores easily.
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