Why are there enlarged pores on the face?

The maximum program for those with enlarged pores is to make them invisible once and for all. And here questions arise: how to choose cosmetics suitable for such a purpose, and does it exist in principle? Let's try to figure it out right now.

1. Why are pores enlarged?
2. Steps to care for skin with large pores
3. How to narrow pores: cosmetic procedures
4. Useful tips for those with skin with enlarged pores
5. Prevention

Why are pores enlarged?

So, what could be the cause of enlarged pore size?

Skin type

Oily and combination skin is usually characterized by more pronounced pores, this is caused by the need to bring more products of the glands to the surface.

Heredity

It has been proven that pore size is determined genetically, and genetics, as we know, is a stubborn thing. So if heredity is to blame, prepare for careful skin care. If your skin is problematic or prone to oiliness, you need to act in two stages:

get rid of excess sebum that accumulates in the pores;

exfoliate dead cells in the “risk zone”.

Usually those with oily skin have wide pores © IMG

Hormones

Another reason for enlarged pores is hormonal imbalance. Garnier brand expert Marina Kamanina believes: “A healthy glow of the skin means that sex hormones are functioning normally. But an unnatural oily sheen may indicate that the sebaceous glands are sensitive to the male hormone testosterone, which stimulates sebum production.”

Steps to care for skin with large pores

If you want to reduce the size of your pores and maintain this effect, you will need to regularly use special cosmetics. But what the pores will definitely thank you for is delicate exfoliation and good cleansing.

Cleansing

In the morning, use a cleansing gel labeled “to tighten pores.” These products usually contain ingredients that get rid of dead skin cells and ingredients with known anti-inflammatory properties to prevent breakouts. Do not overuse scrubs, peelings and cleansing masks.

You can't reduce pore size forever, but you can correct it for a while © IMG

Hydration

Even if you have oily skin, don't ignore moisturizer. It restores the hydrolipid barrier and protects the skin throughout the day.

For dehydrated skin, stock up on products with glycolic and hyaluronic acids. This combination will provide both exfoliation and hydration.

Those with problem skin should pay attention to acne-fighting products. But first, discuss your treatment program with your dermatologist.

Regardless of your skin type, be sure to use mattifying wipes throughout the day to remove dirt and excess oil from the surface of the epidermis. Special sprays to tighten pores (for example, Serozinc by La Roche-Posay), which can be applied directly at the workplace.

Care cream

When choosing a cream, read its composition. Formulas with caffeine, for example, help tighten pores.

Cosmetic procedures will help temporarily narrow pores © IMG

How to narrow pores: cosmetic procedures

Do not squeeze out the contents of the pores yourself - this will only stretch and injure the skin. Contact a cosmetologist.

Most likely, the first procedure that a cosmetologist will recommend will be classic mechanical cleaning. It begins with cleansing and exfoliation using cosmetics, followed by steaming, and only after that the cosmetologist begins to clean the pores using special tools.

The effect of laser radiation is effective not only with wide pores. This type of polishing generally helps to even out the texture of the skin and get rid of post-acne scars. It is better to carry out such procedures in the autumn-winter period.

Cryomassage with liquid nitrogen

“Cold massage” is performed using a device that delivers liquid nitrogen to the skin under high pressure. As a result, blood flow improves and metabolic processes in the skin are activated. Along with enlarged pores, indications for cryomassage include acne, inflammation and loss of skin tone.

This physiotherapeutic method affects the pores with high-frequency electric current pulses. The procedure normalizes blood circulation, accelerates the process of cell regeneration, and also stimulates the production of its own hyaluronic acid.

Useful tips for those with skin with enlarged pores

Below is a list of products that will help keep your pores clean and also reduce their diameter for a while.

Products for narrowing pores

Cleanses and visibly tightens pores, eliminates oily shine.

The key word in the functionality of this tool is “reduction”. In addition to pore size, the concentrate reduces wrinkles, loss of tone and elasticity of the facial skin.

Healthy lifestyle

It's no secret that lifestyle affects the condition of facial skin in general and its pores in particular. Three important conditions that must be observed if you want to improve the situation: giving up bad habits (let’s break up with them, period), proper nutrition, and physical activity.

Proper nutrition

Dermatologists do not insist, but recommend that women with large pores reconsider their diet. Fatty and fried foods, as well as fast food, provoke excessive sebum production and, consequently, enlarged pores.

When planning your menu, try to include more fruits, vegetables, nuts and vegetable oils, as well as fish - it is rich in omega polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Once every two weeks, arrange fasting or detox days for yourself, but before that, consult a nutritionist.

Skin with large pores needs hydration © IMG

Physical activity

The more often you spend time outdoors, the more oxygen your skin will receive. This means that the sooner you will get rid of the dull gray tint and imperfections. In order not to waste time, go for a walk with Nordic walking poles - at the same time you will tone your figure, pump up your muscles, and lose a couple of extra pounds.

Prevention

Choose a day cream based on your skin type. For those with oily skin, water-based products are recommended.

Pay attention to the texture of the cosmetics you use. The denser it is, the higher the likelihood that the pores will not be happy with it.

When applying the cream, use moderation: if you have clogged or enlarged pores, use a little less product than usual.

© Morsa Images/DigitalVision/Getty Images

And is it possible to get rid of them forever? Let's look at the most popular myths.

Let's be honest, almost every second woman suffers from enlarged pores. Cosmetic brands take advantage of this and create products that can narrow them, but for good? Cosmetologists are sure that it is almost impossible to cope with the situation with the help of lotions and creams alone. We decided to debunk the most popular myths about pores.

Myth 1. You can get rid of enlarged pores forever

Alas, this is not true. No cosmetic product can permanently shrink pores. However, there are effective means that will temporarily make them less noticeable. Such beauty products most often contain retinoids or retinol (vitamin A in its pure form), and they should be applied exclusively in the evening. These ingredients can increase the volume of epidermal turnover, which will improve the overall thickness of the skin, and they also help more effectively flush out sebaceous plugs in the pores.

© Ada Summer/Taxi/Getty Images

Myth 2. Visiting a cosmetologist will help eliminate the problem.

Of course, in a cosmetologist’s chair it will be possible to solve the problem of enlarged pores faster, but you will not get rid of them forever. All cosmetologists say that laser techniques will help stimulate collagen production and literally “grow” the skin around the pores. The effect will be long-term, but not eternal. Therefore, even when visiting a specialist, it is necessary to understand that for the best result it is necessary to do supportive procedures that will remove all impurities from the skin of the face and pores.

Myth 3. You can “open” and “close” your pores whenever you want.

You've probably heard many times that pores expand in heat and narrow in cold. In fact, the steam really “softens” the pores for a few minutes, and just after this you can use peeling, which will exfoliate the skin and remove all impurities, after which it is best to wash your face with cold water and apply a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. Then the skin will be radiant and smooth.

Myth 4. Pores get larger with age.

It’s an amazing truth, but most people’s pores actually get bigger over the years. When we are young, collagen is produced well on its own, and therefore the pore size is small. However, as we age, the amount of collagen decreases, thereby allowing the pores to relax and open a little more.

Myth 5: Exfoliation can affect pore size.

This is absolutely not true. Some people are prone to enlarged pores due to their skin type, but others may experience enlarged pores due to rosacea or excessive sun damage. Cosmetologists have repeatedly reported that pores cannot expand due to poor exfoliation or, conversely, due to excessive exfoliation. However, if you exfoliate incorrectly, your skin's natural barriers can become damaged, leading to increased redness.

Myth 6. Blackheads are a clear sign that your pores are clogged.

This is probably the most misunderstood myth about pores. Many people believe that the presence of blackheads on the nose indicates clogged pores. In reality, they are mostly fine hairs or sebaceous filaments, which are a combination of sebum and skin cells. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to get rid of these spots, but you can control their visibility with the help of glycolic or salicylic acid, as well as gentle exfoliation.

Myth 7. Sunlight will tighten pores.

Not true. Sun exposure causes skin to become dehydrated, which causes your sebaceous glands to work even harder and produce double the amount of sebum to retain moisture. All this will only contribute to enlargement of pores, not reduction.

The type of facial skin determines the basic rules of care. There is one problem that women of all age groups have - enlarged pores on the face. This cosmetic defect is most often a sign of oily and combination skin types, and is located on the skin of the nose, forehead and chin. It is necessary to combat enlarged pores on the face, especially since in our time there are a huge number of special cosmetics, salon procedures and folk remedies for this.

Enlarged pores on the face not only have an unattractive appearance, but also promote the growth of bacteria, which, in turn, causes acne. If you ignore enlarged pores, then over time they increase in size, then blackheads and pimples appear, the skin becomes “greasy” and “blackheads” form. Therefore, it is necessary to combat such a deficiency at an early stage.

Most often, enlarged pores on the face are companions of girls during puberty and are accompanied by an inflammatory process. If there are problems in the gynecological area or in the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation may be more acute. Enlarged pores often disappear with age, but there are cases when they continue to spoil life for even a single year.

Causes of enlarged pores on the face.
In fact, there are plenty of reasons for the appearance of enlarged pores on the face. Their occurrence can be facilitated by genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, sunburn and dehydration, neglect or improper implementation of the procedure for cleansing the skin of impurities and dead cells, the use of low-quality decorative cosmetics, improper use and selection of decorative cosmetics, poor diet, bad habits, constant stress in conditions of modern life and many other factors. For example, due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the process of collagen production in the skin is disrupted, which leads to enlarged pores.

But, of course, a common cause of this cosmetic defect is the incorrect use of cosmetics or their irregular use.

Treatment of enlarged pores.
Enlarged pores on the face can be eliminated using a peeling procedure, thanks to which, as a result of cleaning the skin epithelium, all irregularities on its surface are leveled out, including fine wrinkles, and the facial skin looks renewed. During this procedure, the keratinized layer of cells is removed, which stimulates skin regeneration processes, resulting in increased elasticity.

Chemical peels, in particular using trichloroacetic acid - TCA, help tighten pores and improve skin condition. Thanks to modern technologies and qualified specialists, this type of peeling is easily tolerated even by people with sensitive skin types. During this procedure, dead cells are removed and substances actively penetrate into the deep layers of the skin.

Glycolic peeling is also effective in combating enlarged pores on the face. This procedure also tightens pores, exfoliates the surface of the skin, and is carried out using a solution of glycolic acid.

Enzyme peeling is also a type of superficial peel that also helps tighten pores and cleanse the skin. Enzyme peeling contains special enzymes (bromelain, trypsin and papain) that cleanse the contents of pores and help smooth out skin turgor.

The most effective procedure performed in salons is microdermabrasion, which tightens pores, eliminates fine wrinkles and cleanses the skin of the stratum corneum of dead cells. When performing microdermabrasion, a special scrub with the addition of solid microparticles is used. This procedure, provided it is performed in a salon by a professional cosmetologist, can stimulate collagen production. A course of two to three procedures is considered optimal.

Cryotherapy today is a fairly popular procedure in cosmetology. It helps activate metabolism, improves well-being and appearance in general, including the condition of pores: noticeable lightening of the skin occurs, sebum production decreases, acne disappears. Cryomassage using liquid nitrogen is considered a popular and most beneficial cryotherapy procedure.

Exposure of the skin to high-frequency currents carried out using ultrasound (darsonvalization) can solve many skin problems, in particular eliminate comedones and acne, and significantly improve the color and structure of the skin. Today, devices have appeared on the market that allow this procedure to be carried out at home.

Laser facial cleansing is also a popular procedure for treating enlarged pores in beauty salons. In addition, this procedure eliminates pigment spots, the effects of acne in the form of scars, wrinkles, visibly tightens and tones the skin, promotes the production of collagen and elastin.

Scrubs can be used to deeply cleanse the skin, since they contain tiny granules, which effectively cleanse the skin pores and improve blood supply. After this procedure, the face should be washed with cold water or wiped with ice cubes, which is one of the ways to narrow pores. However, this procedure is not suitable for everyone. For women who have visible capillary mesh on their face, this procedure is not suitable.

When using scrubs, special care should be taken, since skin with enlarged pores can be easily injured by large particles that may be contained in scrubs, which can have the opposite effect, and the pores will become even larger. Therefore, to avoid troubles, you should choose special scrubs that are designed to cleanse skin with enlarged pores. After cleansing the skin, use a toner.

Other cosmetics for enlarged pores.
The cosmetics market offers a huge selection of skin care products for enlarged pores: cleansing gels, milks containing essential oils and plant extracts (lemon, chamomile, basil, orange, cloves, aloe, iris, grapefruit).

Your daily facial moisturizer should also be something that helps reduce pores. This kind of cosmetics should contain antimicrobial and astringent components, such as algae, cinnamon, ginger, burnet. People with enlarged pores on their face simply need to use a toner or lotion every day. They help narrow pores after cleansing. It is best to give preference to high-quality cosmetics. Pore-tightening tonics contain astringent components: extracts of birch, calendula, lemon, hawthorn, rosemary. And if the lotion contains zinc oxide, then with its help you can not only narrow the pores of the skin, but also remove excess sebum. After toner, apply a daily moisturizing and protective cream to the skin, which nourishes and smoothes the skin.

It is best if the tonic that tightens the pores of the skin contains the following components: salicylic and glycolic acids, zinc, witch hazel, glycasil, copper. Excellent cosmetics that tighten skin pores, reduce sebaceous gland secretions and tone the skin are cosmetics with Dead Sea minerals and plant extracts. It contains vitamins A and E that are necessary for the skin. In addition, such cosmetics provide a lifting effect.

Folk remedies for enlarged pores on the face.
Masks with a narrowing effect can be prepared independently at home, according to traditional medicine recipes.

Almond mask with herbs to tighten pores.
Take a tablespoon of chopped almonds and pour hot herbal infusion (1/4 cup) over it, add a teaspoon of flour and half a teaspoon of honey. Stir well until a homogeneous consistency is formed. Apply the resulting mass to your face, and after thirty minutes, rinse off the mask with cool water. The herbal decoction is prepared as follows: take two tablespoons of herbal infusion (elderberry, linden, chamomile flowers, pine shoots) and pour a glass of boiling water.

An astringent mask to tighten pores.
Pour one tablespoon of linden flowers into half a glass of boiling water and put on fire. Once a thick mass has formed, remove from heat. The resulting mixture should be applied in a thick layer to the facial skin while warm for oily skin, and after cooling - to dry and normal skin. After 15-20 minutes, wipe your face with a dry cotton pad and rinse with cool water. In the case of dry and normal skin, after such a mask the skin should be lubricated with a rich cream.

Clay mask to tighten pores.
Cosmetic clay has long been famous for its properties, including its ability to tighten pores. It is effectively used in the form of masks. It absorbs sebum and impurities, and also tones the skin. In addition, clay has a bactericidal effect on the skin.

To tighten pores, you can use rose water; it helps normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Masking enlarged pores on the face.
Applying a thick layer of foundation will not hide skin imperfections, but will only make them more obvious. In this case, for enlarged pores, it is recommended to use makeup bases with silicone polymers, which have a mattifying effect and perfectly smooth out unevenness on the skin. Preference should be given to a light-based foundation with reflective particles. In areas where pores are pronounced, a concealer (concealer) should be used. You should not use powder frequently during the day to eliminate oily shine. An alternative would be to use matting wipes. In hot weather, it is effective to spray thermal water over your makeup to refresh your face.

How to prevent the appearance of enlarged pores?
Everyone knows that it is better to prevent a problem from occurring than to solve it. Therefore, in this case, in order to avoid enlarged pores, you should only carry out cleansing and moisturizing procedures on time, use mild scrubs and products to regulate the secretion of sebum. You should use cool water to wash your face, as hot water causes pores to expand. It is especially important to protect the skin from exposure to sunlight by using cosmetics specifically designed for this purpose. In addition, the decorative cosmetics used must be of high quality. And lastly, you need to monitor your diet, which should include more fresh fruits, vegetables, salads and plenty of liquid (water, green tea, fruit drinks, freshly squeezed juices).