Even if you have fairly clear skin, you may be self-conscious about large pores. While you cannot change the
size
of your pores, you can make them less visible and make your skin brighter and smoother. Take a look at what causes large pores and how to deal with this skin issue.
What Causes Large Skin Pores?
Larger skin pores are mainly caused by genetics. So if you have family members with large pores, then you may just have inherited this type of skin. And as you age, your skin begins to lose its elasticity, which can make pores look bigger.
Men tend to have larger pores than women, but hormonal changes, like pregnancy, can certainly increase the appearance of large pores in women.
People with naturally oily skin can have larger pore sizes. In fact, people with oily skin may have larger pores because of sebaceous filaments (sebum plugs). Not to be confused with blackheads, sebaceous filaments are natural oils that lubricate the skin. However, when sebum, dead skin, and bacteria mix, they can create clogged pores that may look larger than normal.
Lastly, too much sun exposure can cause your pores to look larger. Sun damage can reduce your skin's water, collagen, and elastin levels and can stretch the edges of your pores.
How Can You Treat Large Pores?
Once you narrow down the cause of your large pores, you know what actually needs to be treated. Here are just a few treatments to try.
Treating Large Pores Caused by Sun Damage
If your large pores are caused by sun damage, start wearing sunscreen and a hat when you are outside. A great way to treat skin that has suffered from sun damage is with retinoids-forms of Vitamin A. Retinoid creams can reduce the appearance of large pores as well as reduce dark spots and fine lines from sun damage.
Besides retinoids, try finding skin creams that contain ingredients like coffeeberry extract, green tea, or Vitamin C. These antioxidants will protect your skin's elastin and collagen from sun damage, thus improving the appearance of your pores.
Treating Large Pores Caused by Oily Skin
You may be tempted to squeeze pores that have sebaceous filaments since they may appear larger; however, try not to squeeze your skin since this can lead to scarring.
Try to find topical medications with like retinoids, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. These chemicals are great at breaking down and dissolving sebum plugs.
Some people are tempted to dry out their skin too much, which can result in the skin overproducing oil in response, so talk with your dermatologist to develop a proper regimen.
Treating Large Pores Caused by Genetics, Age, and Other Factors
If your large pores aren't easily controlled by protecting your skin from sun damage or from excess oil, you may want to visit a dermatologist.
He or she may recommend in-office treatments, like a glycolic gel peel. Formulated skin peels penetrate deeper skin layers and remove dead skins, which minimizes the appearance of large pores.
Your dermatologist may also set you up with a specialized skincare regimen. For instance, your doctor could prescribe Glytone skincare products. Skincare products that are prescribed by your dermatologist can exfoliate your skin, neutralize surface oil, eliminate bacteria, and refine your skin texture.
Some of these products contain ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide so they can treat acne as well as minimize your pore size.