What Causes Open Pores
The skin has millions of pores and most of them are invisible to the human eye. Every pore is open as a way to allow the skin to breathe and they contain hair follicles. Pores also contain the sebaceous gland which produces oil called sebum (1).
The pores on areas on your face like your cheek, forehead, and nose may appear larger because they produce more sebum due to hormones. This affects any skin type and makes the pores appear larger as well as gives your skin a dull appearance especially when they are clogged. This is why it is good to have a good skincare routine to get rid of impurities, dirt, dead skin cells, bacteria, and more to get rid of clogged pores.
There are a few causes of open pores which you will find out as you read further. Some of these causes are ageing, hormones, etc. But before we dive deep and find out what causes open pores, let’s discuss what open pores are. This will give you a better understanding as well as educate you on some facts about open pores that you may or may not know about.
What are Open Pores?
Open Pores are enlarged pores on the skin that grow more noticeable as time passes. It appears mostly on the T-zone of the face. Although it is not a medical condition, it can be a problem for a lot of people which may even lead to a lack of confidence.
Adults and adolescents prone to acne may have open pores that get clogged and turn into white or blackheads. It also changes the texture of the skin and can be a problem for people with oily or combination skin types. Another reason for open pores may be due to low collagen production as you age.
A fact about pores is that they cannot be opened or closed. They also cannot be made smaller. But there are ways to reduce the appearance of your pores.
8 Causes of Open Pores
Here are the causes of open pores, and one or a few of these points might be why you have open pores.
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Sebum Production:
High level or excessive amount of sebum production on the skin especially for those with combination or oily skin types. This can lead to the enlargement of the openings of hair follicles which in turn increases the appearance of pores.
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Hair Follicle:
Thick or increased volume of hair follicles is also what causes open pores. The structure of a hair follicle is tabular and the follicle gets bigger with thick follicles. This forms skin pores as well as makes them appear larger.
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Hereditary/Genetics:
Some internal factors like genetics, and ethnicity, are some internal factors that can be a reason or a contributing factor to having large pores.
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Chronic Acne:
Acne-prone skin can have clogged pores which can turn into white or blackheads. Weakening of follicular openings and sebum glands can be caused by inflammatory acne which can also enlarge your pores.
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Hormones:
Fluctuation of hormones leads to stimulation of sebaceous glands’ hyperactivity. This can trigger sebum production in excess resulting in open and large pores.
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Ageing:
Ageing results in low production of collagen which keeps the skin plump, preventing it from sagging. And increased elasticity of the skin can increase the appearance of pores making them appear larger.
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Sun Exposure:
Sun damage is another contributing factor to ageing which affects elastin fibres and collagen in the skin. This diminishes the elasticity and strength of the skin and makes the pores appear larger.
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Skin Conditions:
Having nutritional deficiencies, Vitamin A deficiency, and skin conditions like chronic radiodermatitis are some of the uncommon causes of enlarged and open pores.
With the information provided above, Now you know what open pores are and what causes them. Below, we’ve discussed different ways to reduce the appearance of pores.
Ways To Reduce The Appearance of Pores
There are temporary and quick fixes to reduce the appearance of pores by using makeup. But there are also some skincare routines to follow that will deeply cleanse your pores and get rid of impurities which will reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. There are also more advanced treatments to treat open pores. We’ve discussed these points below.
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Using Makeup Products:
Makeup products are quick and temporary ways to hide your pores. The step is to use a face primer before applying your face foundation followed by the rest of your makeup. Ensure you get a full-coverage foundation to get the best out of the product to conceal your pores. Also, ensure you go for an oil-free foundation to prevent more oil production on your face. Our range of foundations offers you different coverage with an oil-free foundation available for you. Use a setting spray afterwards to set your makeup. This method is fast and pretty easy to get that temporary solution.
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Skincare Routines:
Some skincare routines to follow to help you cleanse your pores deeply will help get rid of impurities, dirt, bacteria, and more. This will leave your pores clean and reduce sebum which in turn would reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. These skincare routines include exfoliating, using face masks, regular steaming, etc. With these routines, ensure you have a good and the right skincare routine for your skin type. Find products that are specifically for your skin type from the face cleanser and toner you use, to the face scrub and moisturiser you use.
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Advanced Treatments:
The advanced treatment of pores can be more challenging due to various factors. There are numerous procedures involved that address the main concern like the production of excess sebum. Some of these treatments are laser toning, chemical peels, Micro-Needling Radiofrequency (MNRF), etc.
With the knowledge provided above, we hope you now have a better understanding of open pores, what causes open pores and different ways to help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. There are no skincare products that can reduce your pores, but they can help with reducing the appearance of your pores; there is a difference.
Adopt these makeup and skincare means of reducing your pores and getting your confidence back in folds!
Also read skin care one-on-one: skincare routine do’s & don’ts.
FAQs
Q. How can I get rid of open pores?
A: There are no ways to get rid of pores because they are normal. But a lot of people have enlarged and open pores and the only difference is that they are more visible than people who look like they have no pores. There are ways to reduce the appearance of your pores with makeup, skincare routines, and even some advanced treatments which are all mentioned above.
Q. Can ice close open pores?
A: Ice works wonders at tightening the skin and can even reduce the appearance of pores as well as stimulate the circulation of blood. Be sure you cleanse your face before applying ice cubes on your face wrapped in a clean cloth. Place on areas on your face you need tightening for a few seconds at a time.
