Do you have open pores on your face? Know how to get rid of them

There are millions of pores on your skin, but some are larger and don’t disappear. Learn all about it and how to get rid of large pores.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body with thousands of pores that are invisible to the naked eye. Depending on the skin type, a person’s pores will be visible. There are two types of pores: those that secrete body oil (called sebum) and those that secrete sweat. Both of these acids can affect the appearance of your pores. Large pores are a skin problem that affects people of all ages. These are small openings in the skin where hair follicles are located, and although they are part of the skin’s structure, large pores can be a problem. Despite many beauty products claiming to help you get rid of pores, this is not the case. However, there are many ways to reduce the pores on your skin.

What are open pores?

There are billions of pores on your skin, but some are more visible for a variety of reasons. They’re usually found on the face, but you can also see them around your nose, chin, and forehead. According to research published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery, some of the main causes of large pores include excess sebum production, dead skin cells and debris, and loss of skin elasticity. Open pores often appear uneven and textured, which can be exacerbated by environmental factors and lifestyle choices. Making some changes to your skin care routine will help reduce pore clogging and improve skin texture.

What causes open pores?

According to dermatologist Dr. Atula Gupta, a number of things can cause open pores:

• Genetics – If your family has large pores, you’ll likely have large pores too.
• Excess sebum secretion – Overactive sebaceous glands can overproduce oil, causing pores to enlarge. This often happens to people with oily skin.
• Aging – As we age, skin loses elasticity and collagen, which can lead to larger pores.
• Sun damage – Long-term exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the skin, causing thickening of the skin and loss of collagen, which can lead to more open pores.
• Clogged pores – Pores are easily clogged with dirt, oil and dead cells. This will cause the pores to enlarge and widen.
• Bad Skin Care – It is important to take care of your skin, especially after the age of 25.

Are there any skin care ingredients that can help with open pores?

While there are many ways to tackle large pores, doctors recommends the following skincare ingredients to help you deal with open pores:

1. Retinoids

Retinoids are the term for a group of vitamin A derivatives. Retinoids help reduce the appearance of pores by helping to stimulate collagen production and stimulate cell turnover. Vitamin A supplements (like tretinoin) are especially helpful, but over-the-counter products (like retinol) can also treat enlarged pores.

2. Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid. It penetrates the skin and targets dead skin that clogs pores. It also helps exfoliate and remove excess oil, both of which contribute to large pores. Using salicylic acid can help reduce pores by preventing clogging. A study published in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Dermatological Research found that unclogging pores disrupts the relationship between dead skin cells and oils like sebum, contributing to enlarged pores and acne.

3. Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)

AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid, which exfoliate the skin. They also improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of large pores by promoting cell turnover. It may also help reduce the appearance of acne.

4. Nicotinamide

Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps regulate oil production, increase skin elasticity, improve immune function, and reduce pore size.

5. Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is considered an effective acne treatment; it helps reduce oil production and eliminate pimples. This will also help prevent your pores from becoming clogged and enlarged. A study published in Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that benzoyl peroxide can act as an exfoliant to help clear pores.

Treatment of open pores

You can reduce the appearance of large pores with a number of treatment, including:

1. Fractional laser resurfacing

This treatment uses laser light to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and skin rejuvenation. Fractional carbon dioxide and fractional erbium lasers stimulate collagen production, visibly reducing pores and improving skin texture.

2. Non-ablative laser therapy

The non-ablative laser effectively stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping to tighten skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Pulsed dye laser reduces redness and improves texture.

3. Microneedles

Microneedling involves the use of thin needles to create micro-injuries to the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Derma rollers and radiofrequency microneedling are effective tools for shrinking pores and tightening the skin.

4. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use chemicals on the skin to cause it to peel and shed, encouraging the growth of new skin. Glycolic acid peels remove dead skin cells and help reduce the size of pores by promoting collagen production. Salicylic acid peels are especially good for oily skin and clogged pores.

5. Combined treatments

You can combine cosmetics with laser treatment for the best results. Here’s how to improve the quality of treatment for yourself:

• Start with creams – Add retinoids, salicylic acid, or AHAs to your daily skincare routine. These will help clear pores and reduce the appearance of larger pores over time.
• Consult a dermatologist – A professional evaluation is essential before starting laser treatment. A dermatologist can recommend the most appropriate laser treatment based on your skin type and condition.
• Follow-up maintenance – It is important to manage the effects of laser treatment by taking good care of your skin. Continue to use the recommended medications to manage the effects of your laser treatment and practice good sun protection.

While these treatments may help, talk to your doctor to determine the cause of your enlarged pores and choose the most appropriate treatment for your skin type and condition.