{"id":249935,"date":"2024-08-01T01:45:12","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T01:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/01\/why-are-my-pores-so-big-a-derm-explains\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:13:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:13:27","slug":"why-are-my-pores-so-big-a-derm-explains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/01\/why-are-my-pores-so-big-a-derm-explains\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are My Pores So Big? A Derm Explains"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Petition to make front-facing phone cameras just a little worse<\/em>. We\u2019ve all done it: accidentally opening the camera app just to come face-to-face (literally) with every single one of our pores. If you find yourself asking: \u201cWhy are my pores so big?\u201d you\u2019re not the only one. Don\u2019t worry, smoother skin<\/a> is possible.<\/p>\n

Pore size is determined by a mixture of genetics and lifestyle factors<\/a>. This means there\u2019s hope. Depending on your skin type, age, and just how big your pores are (not just how they look in a phone camera or magnifying makeup mirror), a combination of skincare and in-office treatments really can<\/em> shrink your pores. Still, there are more than a few myths to be aware of. <\/p>\n

Featured image from our interview with Iskra Lawrence<\/a> by Michelle Nash.<\/em><\/p>\n

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I looked to the experts for answers. Dr. Jennifer D. Holman<\/a>, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist based in East Texas and Mona Seresht<\/a>, MSPAS, PA-C is a certified physician assistant at Facile<\/a>. Ahead, the two separate fact from fiction, addressing pore myths and sharing skincare routines to achieve smoother skin.<\/p>\n

Why are my pores so big?<\/h2>\n

At some point in our skincare journeys, we learn to accept the things we can\u2019t change (like the fact that we have pores in the first place). You might wish you could shrink your pores until they disappear, but Seresht notes that understanding\u2014and working with\u2014your pores is key. From there, you can learn to manage various skin conditions, \u201cdeveloping effective skincare routines that promote healthy skin.\u201d<\/p>\n

She continues. \u201c[Pores] play essential roles in regulating body temperature by allowing sweat to surface and cool the body. Additionally, pores release sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes and protects the skin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finding out your skin type can provide clues as to how much of your pore size is genetic and how much is caused by external factors. \u201cJust like your skin color is genetic, your skin type, including your pore size, is genetic as well,\u201d says Dr. Holman. \u201cTypically, people with oilier skin who produce more sebum have larger pores. Hormonal factors can also cause you to produce more sebum, and in addition to acne, you can see enlarged pores.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another unavoidable factor? Age. While much of our lives get richer and more full as we age, our skin only ages as well as we treat it. \u201cAge gets all of us,\u201d says Dr. Holman. \u201cWe lose collagen and elastin as we age and pores become more visible.\u201d<\/p>\n

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What Causes Large Pores<\/h2>\n

You\u2019re not just stuck with the pores you\u2019re doled out at birth. How you spend your days also contributes to the appearance of your pores. Some, like your skincare routine, are changeable. Others, like sun exposure, are inevitable\u2014but that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doomed.<\/p>\n

Common causes of large pores are sun damage and excessive sebum. \u201cPores can enlarge when they become congested with debris like dirt, oils, and dead skin cells,\u201d says Seresht. \u201cExcessive sebum production can further stretch and accentuate their appearance.\u201d <\/p>\n

Her suggestion? Make sure your skincare routine targets excess sebum. \u201cMaintaining a consistent skincare regimen that includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and the use of noncomedogenic products is crucial for minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores and promoting clear, healthy skin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like aging, sun damage impacts pores by breaking down collagen and elastin. \u201cSun damage causes elastin and collagen breakdown, which can lead to larger pores,\u201d says Dr. Holman. If you need another sign to invest in a good sunscreen<\/a>, this is it.<\/p>\n

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Why You May Notice Large Pores on Your Nose<\/h2>\n

Often, we see large pores on our noses because the sebaceous glands there are bigger. Many of us\u2014guilty!\u2014also find ourselves picking and squeezing at this area when we see blackheads appear. And if you\u2019re trying to overcorrect with pore, you might just be making the problem worse.<\/p>\n

The viral hack for large, clogged pores on your nose? French pharmacy favorite<\/a>, La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5\u2014or any other hydrating, barrier-protecting moisturizer. By hydrating your skin, you prevent excess sebum creation. Cicaplast hydrates and locks in moisture. Even if it\u2019s too thick for you to use for slugging<\/a>, slather it on your nose to shrink the appearance of your pores.<\/p>\n

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4 Myths About Large Pores<\/h2>\n

Myth #1: Pores can \u201copen\u201d and \u201cclose\u201d<\/h3>\n

One of the most pervasive myths is that you need to open up your pores. \u201cThey do not have muscles or mechanisms for such movement,\u201d says Seresht.<\/p>\n

According to Dr. Holman, \u201cSteaming or certain masks may temporarily enlarge pores. These things increase the penetration of certain products in the skin, but pores don\u2019t actually open and close.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even these temporary solutions are not fixes, says Seresht. \u201cBeliefs about steam opening pores or pore strips effectively removing debris are widespread but often oversimplified.\u201d While these can temporarily enlarge pores to allow for decongesting your pores or more effective product use, they can also enlarge pores\u2014so be careful.<\/p>\n

Myth #2: Pores are filled with dirt<\/h3>\n

\u201cA common myth about pores is that they are filled with dirt,\u201d says Dr. Holman. \u201cThe black material you see inside pores (\u2018blackheads\u2019 or open comedones) is sometimes oxidized skin proteins. Seeing pores or material inside pores is not because you are dirty or have poor hygiene.\u201d<\/p>\n

Myth #3: Sunshine will shrink your pores<\/h3>\n

\u201cAnother myth is that a good dose of sunshine will improve the appearance of your pores,\u201d says Dr. Holman. \u201cSun damage actually breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to the appearance of larger pores.\u201d<\/p>\n

Myth #4: You can permanently change pore size<\/h3>\n

As much as certain buzzy beauty products want you to believe this, it\u2019s a marketing misconception at best. \u201cThese myths highlight the importance of understanding pore function and adopting evidence-based skincare practices to maintain skin health effectively,\u201d says Seresht.<\/p>\n

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Best In-Office Treatments for Minimizing Large Pores<\/h2>\n

While you can\u2019t alter pore size permanently, in-office treatments can give you impressive results, fast. Seresht recommends consulting a dermatologist or esthetician to find the right treatment for your skin goals. \u201cThe best way to decide what fits your lifestyle, budget, and expectations is to consult with an experienced aesthetic provider.\u201d<\/p>\n

How do you know what to look for in a treatment or a practitioner? \u201cAsk for before and after photos and what their experience is treating pore appearance,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd don\u2019t go for substitutes\u2014I tell patients not to waste their money on things that don\u2019t work trying to save money.\u00a0It\u2019s better to save or finance the treatments that will actually give you results than throw money away.\u201d<\/p>\n

This all goes hand-in-hand with proper skin maintenance and at-home solutions. Your provider can give you tips for maintenance tailored to your skin. \u201cLet the provider build you a plan for what to do in-office and what products to use at home to enhance your results.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasers\/Pulsed Light Devices<\/h3>\n

Lasers and other pulsed-light technology are among the most innovative technologies for non-invasive treatments<\/a>. They\u2019re often gentler on the skin, more effective than other treatments, and require minimal downtime.<\/p>\n

For enlarged pores, Dr. Holman is a fan of the celeb-approved BBL HEROic<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0HALO<\/a>\u00a0laser. \u201cThe BBL improves the overall appearance of the skin with a focus on correction of reds and browns, and then the HALO steps in to\u00a0reduce the appearance of pores,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s a novel technology that delivers both fractionated ablative and non-ablative wavelengths at the same time to synergistically improve pore appearance. There is minimal downtime with the real results my patients are looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seresht is a fan of the CoolPeel CO2 laser. \u201cThe CoolPeel CO2 laser targets the skin to refine texture and minimize pore size,\u201d she says. \u201cThese treatments are performed by skincare professionals and can be tailored to your skin type\u00a0and specific concerns for optimal results.\u201d<\/p>\n

Microneedling and Chemical Peels<\/h3>\n

Microneedling gives your skin an instant boost while allowing serums (topical exosomes<\/a> are the hot add-on right now) to penetrate deeper into the skin. \u201cMicroneedling stimulates collagen\u00a0production, improving skin texture,\u201d says Seresht.<\/p>\n

While you may experience post-procedure redness for a few days, you\u2019ll also be left with smoother skin and smaller-looking pores. Some people also add chemical peels for greater results. \u201cChemical peels help clear pores and enhance overall skin clarity.\u201d Chemical peels can range from intense (requiring about a week of downtime) to \u201cno-peel\u201d peels like PRX treatments. These address complexion as well as texture and fine lines.<\/p>\n

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The Best Skincare Routine to Address Large Pores<\/h2>\n

Like everything, making a change starts with changing your habits. Your skincare routine is the most powerful tool in your arsenal to reduce the appearance of pores. Dr. Holman is a fan of keeping it simple: \u201cThe classic regimen is a morning antioxidant and sunscreen and an evening retinoid.\u201d <\/p>\n

Seresht recommends consistency. \u201cTo diminish pore visibility and enhance skin health, maintain a routine of regular cleansing, weekly exfoliation with\u00a0chemical exfoliants, and use of retinoids.\u201d<\/p>\n

Balancing hydration and exfoliation is key, while also taking preventative measures to protect your collagen\u2014because once it\u2019s gone, it\u2019s gone. \u201cConsistent skincare, hydration, and sun protection\u00a0help maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of pores,\u201d says Seresht. \u201cAvoiding smoking, managing stress, and using the correct products for your skin type is essential for promoting healthy skin and achieving a smoother, clearer complexion.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Best Products to Address Enlarged Pores<\/h2>\n

Our experts recommend prioritizing the following ingredients in your routine to address enlarged pores and experience smoother skin.<\/p>\n