Pores are tiny openings on the skin surface. Skin pores are what enable the skin to stay hydrated, soft and elastic. Sweat and oil secreted by the pores on our skin prevent the skin from going dry; at the same time the pores act as an effective cleansing system by discharging unwanted matter such as dead cells. They reduce the workload of the organs of the digestive system. When the pores on the skin are not healthy, it affects our overall health and vitality. We become more prone to diseases and conditions such as the common cold. Thus, healthy pores are essential for good health.

What are the causes of large skin pores?

When the pores on the skin become clogged with dirt or oil, they can appear larger than usual. The skin is constantly exposed to impure matter and when such matter is not removed from the surface of the skin, it can block the pores. Skin debris can include cosmetics, sweat, dirt, dust, and dead skin cells.

Age is another factor that leads to large pores. With age, our skin loses the protein collagen and the elasticity that collagen provides. The area around the edges of the pores gets clogged making the pores appear larger. Exposure to the sun leads to dry; inelastic skin and large pores appear.

The single biggest factor that causes large pores is heredity. People with overactive oil glands and thicker skins are more likely to have large pores. Although overactive glands can be inconvenience, this kind of skin actually retain skin elasticity for longer than small pored skin.

What are available treatments that minimize the appearance of large pores?

Large pores on the face can have a negative impact on a person’s appearance and confidence. Although there is no permanent cure for large skin pores, there are treatments available that can help minimize the appearant of pores:

• Exfoliation – A facial scrub helps to remove dead skin and impurities that can clog the pores. The scrubs can be prepared at home using easily available ingredients such as dry oatmeal, chickpea flour, rice flour, table salt, powdered sugar, and wheat bran. You can also purchase over-the-counter scrubs that are made from natural ingredients and that are free from chemicals.
• Professional Facials – Certified skin care professionals can safely provide your skin with a thorough, deep cleansing and pore tightening treatments.
• Microdermabrasion – Minimizes the appearance of pores by loosening and removing the dead skin that clogs pores. It also stimulates collagen growth which smoothes out the skin.
• Alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid – Regular application will exfoliate the skin to prevent dead skin cells from building up and clogging pores. Beta hydroxy acid (also known as salicylic acid) is oil soluble, so it can soften the sebum-clogged pore, and exfoliate the dead skin cells that have built up inside.
• Tretinoin – Widely known as Retin-A, helps unclog pores by loosening blackheads and speeding up cell turnover. Renova is a more gentler form of tretinoin, as it comes in a moisturizing base.
• Pore-Perfecting Creams – Over-the-counter cosmetic gels and tinted creams are formulated to smooth the appearance of pores. Apply the product directly on affected areas.