How to reduce enlarged pores: causes and treatment

Enlarged pores are skin pores that appear larger and more noticeable than usual. Pores are tiny openings on the skin’s surface that allow sweat and oil (sebum) to reach the skin. Some people may have larger pore openings that cause more oily skin. They are quite common and can be considered a normal skin condition. Various factors such as genetics, age, and skin type can impact the size of your pores. 

Whilst they are a normal part of skin physiology, many people seek ways to minimise their appearance for cosmetic reasons. If you are looking to find out more about the causes, types, and treatments for large pores, read more below:

Besides knowing the treatment for enlarged pores, it’s first important to understand the causes of enlarged pores to prevent certain behaviours that can make them larger. Here are several factors that can contribute to enlarged pores:

Our pores contain sebaceous glands that produce the skin’s natural oil (sebum), which moisturises and protects the skin against pollutants and bacteria. Some people have overactive sebaceous glands that generate excess oil, leading to enlarged pores and oily skin. 

Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control products contain sebum-regulating technology to effectively reduce sebum production, including a Scrub, Soothing Cream, Cleansing Gel, Oil Control Toner, Protective Fluid SPF30, and more. It also includes Licochalcone A, which soothes irritations and helps reduce redness, and Salicylic Acid, which reduces blemishes and prevents them from reappearing.

Genetics can also impact your skin type and pore size, affecting factors like oil production and elasticity, both of which can influence pore size. So, if your parents have large pores, you're likely to have them too.

When pores become clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, these tiny openings can stretch and appear larger. This can be made worse by improper skincare or infrequent cleansing. Therefore, make sure to keep your pores clean by following a proper skincare routine and cleansing them regularly every day. Learn more about how to unclog clogged pores.

Excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays damages your skin and breaks down collagen, elastin, and water essential for keeping the skin firm and taut. This reduces skin firmness and causes your pores to appear larger. Eucerin Sun Protection Products offer comprehensive protection against sun-induced skin damage suited to your skin type, with the Advanced Spectral Technology and antioxidant Licochalcone A for reliable UV protection and high-energy visible (HEVIS) light defence.

Ageing also contributes to the appearance of enlarged pores on your face. As you age, your skin experiences changes, including a loss of elasticity and collagen, which causes your skin to stretch and sag, making pores appear larger. Your skin may thicken, causing tiny cells to gather around your pores and making them look larger.
To reduce age spots and help maintain your skin elasticity, you can use anti-ageing skin care products in the Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity range.

Skin elasticity is your skin's ability to retain its shape and bounce back after stress. If your skin is less elastic, you may be more prone to enlarged pores. When your skin loses its ability to bounce back, then your pores may not be able to bounce back from blockages either. Even if your pores are clear, they may still look larger than normal. You can check your skin elasticity by pinching your skin on top of your hand and if it immediately flattens after releasing it, then you have more elastic skin.

Whether it is due to acne, irritation, or other skin conditions, skin inflammation can cause enlarged pores because it disrupts the normal function of the skin's sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes and protects the skin. When these glands are disrupted, they produce more sebum, leading to larger pores.

It may not be possible to completely get rid of enlarged pores. However, there are several ways you can do to reduce the appearance of large pores. Below are some effective ways to treat enlarged pores.

Clogged pores or an oily complexion can make your pores larger; therefore, cleansing your face twice daily (morning and night) is important to prevent clogged pores and reduce oiliness. When cleansing your face, it is recommended to:

• Use micellar water to remove your face make-up. 
• Use warm water. Do not use hot water because it can irritate your skin. 
• Gently wash your face with clean fingers. Do not scrub your face as it can irritate your skin, causing inflammation. 
• Find a gentle, non-abrasive and moisturising cleanser. 
• Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

If you have oily skin, you should exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove debris that can clog your pores, such as dirt, dead skin cells, or excess oil. Exfoliating skincare products can also reduce the appearance of large pores by removing dead skin cells and preventing pore blockages. Here are some types of exfoliating products that can help with large pores:

1. Chemical exfoliants

Products that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that dissolve dead skin cells and unclogged pores. AHAs, like glycolic acid and lactic acid, exfoliate the skin's surface, while BHAs, such as salicylic acid, penetrate deeper into the pores to remove impurities and excess oil.

2. Exfoliating toners

Exfoliating toners with ingredients like AHAs or BHAs can also help remove dead skin cells, refine pores, and balance the skin’s pH levels. It is recommended that you apply the exfoliating toner after cleansing, and then you can continue with moisturising.

3. Exfoliating scrubs or masks

Exfoliating scrubs containing small particles, such as sugar, salt, or microbeads, can help reduce the appearance of large pores by removing dead skin cells and excess oil that can contribute to pore blockages. Additionally, exfoliating masks containing ingredients like clay, enzymes, or AHAs/BHAs can exfoliate the skin and absorb excess oil and impurities, helping to deep-cleanse pores and improve skin texture. 

Pore-refining serum also helps to reduce the appearance of large pores. Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Skin Refining Serum contains a combination of hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid that can help hydrate your skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture, leading to a smoother, more refined complexion.

The formula with antioxidants also protects your skin against free radicals and damage from environmental aggressors. Overall, the Skin Refining Serum is suitable for skin showing the first signs of ageing such as fine lines, enlarged pores or rough or dull skin.

Moisturising your face is important for maintaining balanced hydration, which helps prevent the overproduction of oil that can clog pores and make them appear larger. It strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, protects against moisture loss and environmental irritants, and improves skin texture, making pores look smaller and less noticeable.

Sunscreen is important if you want to reduce the appearance of large pores. It protects the skin from UV damage, which breaks down collagen and elastin fibres essential for skin firmness and elasticity. Sunscreen also reduces skin inflammation and irritation caused by sun exposure, which can otherwise lead to enlarged pores. If you have large pores or oily skin, Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF 50+ offers an ultra-light and non-greasy texture to provide high UV protection. Sebum-regulating Oil Control technology with L-Carnitine and absorbing micro-particles give the skin an immediate dry touch finish and a long-lasting anti-shine effect for up to eight hours.