Why Large Pores Appear and How to Get Rid of Them Without Undergoing Expensive Procedures

Where do large pores come from? In order to hide them, women go to great lengths. It’s all about finding the right makeup primer, foundation, powder, matte products, looking in the mirror every hour, washing the makeup off in the evenings and repeating this all again the next day! In addition to makeup, scrubs and masks are also used. However, in order to solve the problem of large pores on your skin, you need to choose an integrated approach. In this article, we’ll tell you all about how to do this.

Bright Side has found out why pores look large and what causes the oily shine on your skin. We’ve also collected recommendations on how to make pores appear smaller without wasting money on products and procedures that don’t actually work.

What causes large pores and what to do with them

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Skin pores produce an oil-like substance called sebum. It is needed to keep the skin moisturized and saturated with oxygen. It also helps to absorb healthy ingredients from cosmetics. But if the skin produces too much sebum and doesn’t get the right care, pores become dirty and enlarged which can lead to acne.

The main reasons for large pores:

1. Excess production of sebum. This may be caused by bad food, stress, sunlight exposure without sunscreen, the wrong type of skincare or comedogenic cosmetics.


2. A decrease in elasticity. With age, the production of collagen is slowed down, the skin becomes less elastic, and pores look bigger. Damage due to sunlight exposure also leads to the destruction of collagen.


3. Genes. Scientists found out that pores of Asian women don’t change a lot with age, but the pores of Indian women become bigger. You can’t change your genes, but if you change your approach to skincare and food, you can help your skin look better.

What can be done:

• Decrease the production of sebum. Reconsider your diet, your skincare procedures, and the ingredients of your cosmetics.


• Protect your skin from collagen destruction by using sunscreen every day.


• Stop the pores from becoming bigger by clearing them regularly, moisturizing them and using non-comedogenic cosmetics.

This approach won’t change your skin type but it will help to make your pores smaller and clearer.

Good food

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If your face becomes oily just 1 hour after morning care, maybe it’s because your skin produces too much sebum.

What you can do:

• Decrease the number of carbs you eat. Sugar, white bread, white rice and other foods with a high glycemic index make the skin produce more sebum, and pores get blocked which may lead to acne.


• Add herbs and spices to your food. Cinnamon, oregano, cloves, ginger, and garlic all prevent the processes that lead to aging of the skin and the decrease in elasticity.


• Drink green tea. It contains polyphenols that decrease the production of sebum and help reduce acne.


• Eat more fish and vegetables. They decrease the probability of acne.

Clearing and moisturizing

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Skin with large pores should be moisturized and cleaned twice a day. The remains of cosmetics, dead skin cells and dirt block the pores, which usually leads to a breakout.

After clearing the skin, you need to moisturize it with a product that can protect it from UV-light, dirt, loss of moisture and help save its elasticity.

What you should do:

• Use peels that contain salicylic acid (up to 1%) or glycolic or lactic acid (2-5%) because they stimulate the regeneration of cells and help to keep pores clear.


• Don’t use scrubs. Abrasive particles can damage the skin and cause inflammation which can lead to the enlargement of pores.


• Use gels to clear your face. Gels are much better for oily skin than lotions are.

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• Don’t wash your face with regular soap. The acidity of soap is 8 to 10 on the pH scale, so it can destroy the protective layer of skin which will lead to an increase in sebum production. You can use products with a pH no higher than 5.5.


• Wash your face sometime between 12 PM to 4 PM if you can. At this time of day, the skin produces sebum very actively which is why we often notice an oily shine in the middle of the day.


• Use sunscreen because if you don’t, UV-light will destroy the collagen in your skin and make less elastic.


• Use a water-based cream or gel since they moisturize the skin without blocking the pores.

Choose safe cosmetics.

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Cosmetics are comedogenic if they contain ingredients that can block pores like wax, oils, talcum, and other similar components. Skin with enlarged pores requires cosmetics that decrease the production of sebum.

Useful components in cosmetics:

• Nordihyroguaiaretic acid, NDGA, and sarcosine. They reduce the production of sebum.


• Niacinamide, zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, caffeine, biotin, and Enantia chlorantha bark extract. They all regulate the function of sweat glands.

It’s better not to buy cosmetics that contain:

1. Talcum blocks pores. You’re better off using mineral based products.


2. Alcohol dries out the skin and disrupts the natural process of removing dead skin cells.


3. Mineral oil since it’s a cheap, easy comedogenic component of many cosmetic products.

Do you have your own ways to get rid of large pores? Share your recommendations in the comment section below!