How Large Pores Occur: Genetics and Age
Pores on the skin are essential to the skin’s health, as they provide sebum and oils that help to maintain skin structure and keep the skin moisturized and supple. However, when pores become overly enlarged, their appearance is bothersome for many people. Large pores occur for many reasons. The two main contributors are genetics and aging.
In general, people who have inherited naturally oily and thicker skin are more likely to have larger pores, since their oil glands tend to be more active and require a bigger opening for releasing oil. As people age, collagen and elastin in the skin begins to break down, and the skin loses its elasticity, which leads to dilation of pores.
Environmental Factors That Cause Enlargement of Facial Pores
Various external factors can also contribute to enlarged pores. The sun's harmful rays cause inflammation, thickening, and the flaring up of skin cells around the pores, making the pore appear bigger. The sun also damages collagen and elastin which results in the skin losing its elasticity and therefore contributing to enlarged pores.
Another major cause of large pores is incorrect or insufficient cleansing and skin care. In case studies, it has been found that 78% of people with enlarged pores have them due to incorrect or insufficient cleansing and skin care regimen.
Solutions Available for Minimizing Pores
Fortunately, there are many advanced skin care products that effectively target and treat the pores, making them appear less noticeable. First, start with a solid, consistent skin care regimen. Cleanse the skin thoroughly morning and night. By cleaning the pores of the debris and oil settling on the face, the pores will appear tight, well kept and less noticeable. Makeup should always be properly removed at the end of each day before sleep, and skin should be kept well hydrated with a good quality moisturizer and protected with sunscreen during the daytime. Invest in skincare products that specifically function to reduce the appearance of large pores. Two effective types of products that are especially useful to reduce the appearance of pores are – exfoliators and clay masques.
Pore Minimizing Solution #1: Skin Exfoliators
There are two main types of skin exfoliators, those that provide physical skin exfoliation and those that provide chemical skin exfoliation. Physical skin exfoliators like face scrubs use natural grains or specially designed beads to physically exfoliate the skin and deeply cleanse the pores, to minimize their appearance.
A great choice for physical skin exfoliation is HydroPeptide Exfoliating Cleanser which contains massaging jojoba beads to help remove old and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, hence renewing and rejuvenating the skin. An additional benefit are the advanced collagen supporting peptides in the formula, which works to smooth and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Another recommended physical exfoliator is CosMedix Purity Detox Scrub, which contains Poppy, Jojoba and Date Seeds to remove dead skin cells and impurities – visibly minimizing the appearance of clogged or enlarged pores.
Chemical skin exfoliators are formulated with specific chemicals that provide safe yet effective skin exfoliation. Perhaps the most commonly known chemical skin exfoliator is the alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs). Glycolic acid is one of the best AHAs for exfoliation and provides instant skin renewing and rejuvenating results to minimize the appearance of pores. Some recommended chemical exfoliators that contain glycolic acid include: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, designed to provide gentle yet deep cleansing to the skin. The powerful cleanser also contains salicylic acid and lactic acid to exfoliate the skin and leave the skin clean, fresh and even-toned. Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish contains 10% glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin to reveal the newer, smoother skin underneath. Added glycerin provides long lasting hydration while a combination of other active ingredients smooths skin texture and reduces the appearance of large pores.
Beta hydroxy acid or salicylic acid is another chemical that provide effective skin exfoliation and pore cleansing effects. A highly effective chemical exfoliator is Obagi Clenziderm M.D. #2 Pore Therapy, which contains 2% salicylic acid that gently exfoliates and keeps pores from getting clogged. Additional benefits include the addition of glycerin, which boosts the skin's natural protection, and menthol which instantly calms and soothes the skin.
Pore Minimizing Solution #2: Clay Masque
Another type of product that effectively reduces the appearance of pores is a clay masque. Clay draws out water and oil from the skin and pores, giving the skin a nice, tightening sensation and refined texture, leaving the pores looking smaller. The key active ingredients in clay masques are usually a combination of bentonite and kaolin clay. Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque is designed to decongest the skin and remove impurities. Containing a blend of kaolin and bentonite with added sulfur, the clay masque removes dirt and other impurities from deep within the pores and help combat the appearance of acne breakouts. AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask is a purifying masque that contains Dead Sea mud to deep cleanse the pores, remove impurities and excess oil. Pores are instantly tightened and the skin is left looking clean and clear with improved texture and tone.