Advice - Large pores, prevention & treatment.

I have recently noticed a little pattern emerging on my Stats page for key words which have been used to find my blog. Recently, people have stumbled across my blog using searches for "large pores nose" and "advice on large pores".

So, I have decided to do some research and write a post on large pores in the hope that whoever is coming across my blog while trying to find info & advice will find what they are looking for. I hope you find the info & advice you need.

What are large pores?

Many women of all ages & skin types worry about enlarged pores, often those with oily and combination skin types.

Enlarged pores usually appear on the T-Zone - the forehead, chin and especially around the nose. They can also be a concern during puberty.

Large pores generally tend to be "little openings of the hair follicle onto the surface of the skin that provide a way for the oil glands underneath to lubricate and protect the surface of your skin".
Large pores tend to appear mainly around the nose area because this area has more oil glands that the other appears where pores can appear (forehead, chin etc.)

What causes enlarged pores?

The following list are reasons why you may develop/have enlarged pores:

• Sun damage
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes, for example, puberty or menopause
• Acne
• Blackheads
• Skin dehydration
• Trapped dirt, oil or dead skin cells
• Incorrect cleansing/skin care
• Excessive oil production
• Overuse of makeup
• Unbalanced/improper diet
• Smoking

Some of the reasons may be surprising, who may not think they can lead to enlarged pores. Sun damage for example. The Sun's harmful rays causes the skin to thicken, and skin cells can collect around pores which will make them look larger.

The Sun more commonly damages the skin's collagen & elastin which results in the skin losing its elasticity and pores become enlarged because there is no collagen to keep them small & tight. Once your skin's collagen & elastin is damaged, your pores will begin to enlarge.

Another reason is Incorrect cleansing/skin care. It has been found that in 78% of case studies of people with enlarged pores is because of incorrect cleansing/skin care. If you do not remove your makeup in the evening, do not cleanse you face twice a day (morning & night), do not use a moisturiser and do not exfoliate your skin regularly, then you are more likely to have enlarged pores.

It is important to exfoliate your face at least twice a week because it removes the dead skin cells, otherwise if you do not exfoliate regularly the dead skin cells and surface oil will collect around your pores and make them look larger.

Pimples & blackheads can also cause enlarged pores if they are not treated correctly, for example, squeezing a pimple or blackhead can stretch the pore.

Excessive oil production is another main cause of enlarged pores. This is because the oil glands produce large amounts of sebum, causing the pore to expand itself in order to release the oil. Excessive oil production usually appears on the T-Zone as these areas contain more oil glands than other areas.

Puberty can also be a cause for enlarged pores because during puberty, the skin starts to produce more oil, and the pores have to enlarge to be able to handle the increased output.

Quick Summary...

Pores appear enlarged when they are clogged, dilated or infected, and that's why it is best to ensure pores remain less visible and small by keeping your skin clean.

Often the pores get clogged with dead skin cells, dirt and oil which makes them more prominent. This is why regular exfoliation is important to remove the dead skin cells to prevent your pores from enlarging, and to allow your skin to produce healthy, new cells.

Treatments for large pores... At Home

Exfoliation

As mentioned above, exfoliation is vital for keeping your skin clean and to prevent your pores enlarging. Use a mild exfoliator, like some recommended below, twice a week to remove skin cells to help prevent enlarged pores, but make sure the exfoliator is appropriate for your skin type!

• Sanctuary Radiance Exfoliator - £2.99 from Boots
• St Ives Invigorating Apricot Facial Scrub - £4.29 from Boots
• Good Things Deep Clean Blackhead Exfoliator - £4.99 from Boots
• Soap & Glory The Greatest Scrub of All Facial Smoother - £9.00 from Boots

Reduce excess oil

Excess oil (sebum) production can also be a factor to developing enlarged pores. That's why it is important to control sebum production. There are products available out there that are designed with this aim. Some of these products I have found and recommended below.

These products work to reduce & control excess surface oil and prevent clogging of the pores. Look for products that contain Nordihydraguaiaretic Acid because it reduces the sebum production.

• Clean & Clear Morning Enery Shine Control Daily Face Lotion - £2.65 from Superdrug 
• Simple Spotless Skin Triple Action Face Wash - £3.99 from Superdrug
• Witch Oil Controlling Foam Face Wash - £3.99 from Superdrug
• Garnier Pure Anti-Blemish Moisturiser - £4.79 from Superdrug

Pore minimising creams & lotions

Using a pore minimising cream or lotion can help keep facial pores under control. These products target the production of sebum deep in the pores, clear away debris and reduce the size of the large pores. The following products can be used:

• Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector - £20.00 from Boots
• Soap & Glory The Fab Pore Daily Micro Smoothing Moisture Lotion - £8.00 from Boots
• Nivea Daily Essentials Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Pore Refining Day Cream for Normal to Combination skin SPF15 - £6.99 from Boots
• sk:n Pore Refining Lotion - £20.00 from Boots

Tightening Face Mask

Using a pore refining mask once or twice a week can help keep your pores clean and under control. These masks deeply cleanse pores and draw out impurities while refining the skin's texture. The following products can be used:

• Soap & Glory Fab Pore 2-in-1 Facial Pore Purifying Mask & Peel - £6.67 from Boots
• Superfacialist Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask - £8.99 from Boots
• Sanctuary 5min Thermal Detox Mask - £10.50 from Boots 
• Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores - £22.00 from Boots

Steam your face

Steaming your face once a week to thoroughly deep clean large pores, to loosen debris and open the pores. The high temperature from the steam helps open the pores and this way the skin can clear itself from the toxins. Apply a deep cleaning face mask after steaming your face. See my post here on steam cleaning your face.

Tips 

• Use a mild exfoliator to help keep pores clear and less noticable
• Treat large pores during the early stages to help prevent any further problems
• If untreated properly, large pores can also lead to acne, skin infections and regular breakouts
• Keeping the skin clean & well moisturised is the best way to prevent enlarged pores
• Daily use of oil controlling products help prevent enlarged pores
• Do a deep pore cleansing treatment once or twice a month to help keep pores clear and prevent clogging
• Use products which contain alpha hydroxy acids
• Regular exfoliation is important to reducing and preventing enlarged pores
• Use pore minimising products every day
• Always cleanse your face twice a day - morning and night
• Always remove your makeup in the evening - Do not skip!!
• Use lukewarm water to rinse your face - hot water can enlarge the pores
• Do not squeeze pimples or blackheads
• Use strips on the T-Zone area - forehead, nose and chin
• Always wear sun cream with a factor of at least SPF15
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep skin hydrated
• Keep makeup tools clean to avoid inflamation
• Rub your skin with an ice cube as this closes the pores and keeps dirt out

Treatments for large pores...Professional

As well as there being a large number of products that we can buy and use ourselves to prevent enlarged pores, there are also a number of "high end" treatments delivered by beauty therapists/beauticians or dermatologists.

• Microdermabrasion: a non-chemical treatment delivered by a professional. The treatment is designed to exfoliate & rejuvenate the skin using a tool that sprays microcrystal particles on the skin. It is an ideal procedure for shrinking enlarged pores by roughening up the skin, loosening the dead skin cells that clog pores. It can also stimulate collagen production which is important for healthy looking skin. The treatment removes the top layer of skin & not only reduces the size of pores but also wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, acne scars and blemishes.
• Chemical peels: with Trichloreacetic acid (TCA) it is the most appropriate peel for enlarged pores. The acid penetrates more deeply into the skin and removes the damaged layers of the skin, allowing new cells to form.
• Deep pore cleansing treatments: the facial includes exfoliation, toning, cleansing, moisturising and extractions. It's the best treatment for enlarged pores caused by puberty because it balances oil (sebum) production, removes congestion and encourages healthy new cells to form.

I hope you found this post helpful, and found the advice/information you were looking for. I am also researching ideas for a post on Make Up for Large Pores if anyone is interested. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.

Please note: this post is for advice and information only. None of the products mentioned have been sent or recommended to me by the brands or outlets selling them. They were chosen by me during my own research for this post as a means for you to understand the type of products available. It is important to gain advice from a professional for your own situation.