Enlarged pores

In fact, absolutely everyone has pores on their skin. Pores are necessary for the secretion of sweat and sebum onto the skin’s surface – the secretion produced by the sebaceous glands helps support skin respiration and thermoregulation. While narrow pores are practically unnoticeable on the skin, large, “clogged” pores on the face can become an aesthetic concern.

Enlarged pores are a skin condition in which the sebaceous gland follicles thicken and widen, while sebum production simultaneously increases. This clogs the pores and, on contact with oxygen, the sebum oxidises, making the pores appear as blackheads on the skin’s surface.

The formation of closed comedones is also encouraged by a thickened stratum corneum, which is not exfoliated during skincare. As a result, a sebum blockage forms, creating an oxygen-free environment in which pathogenic bacteria become active and cause inflammation.

Of course, it is impossible to get rid of pores once and for all, as their number and size are genetically determined. However, you can minimise their appearance by preventing sebum build-up and clogged pores.

Enlarged pores – main causes

Skin type

Enlarged pores on the face are more common in those with oily or combination skin. This is associated with intense sebaceous gland activity and, consequently, increased sebum production. Sebum mixes with cosmetic residues, SPF cream and other impurities, forming an oil plug and thereby stretching the pores.
Enlarged pores most commonly occur in the so-called T-zone – on the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin, as these areas contain the greatest number of sebaceous glands.

Hormonal imbalance

Enlarged pores on the face can appear due to hormonal changes, for example during adolescence or pregnancy. Even during menstruation, girls may temporarily develop oily skin and, consequently, slightly enlarged pores.

Improper skincare

Improper skincare at home can also cause enlarged pores. First and foremost, attention should be paid to cleansing – inadequate cleansing leads to clogged pores and the formation of oil plugs, causing the skin to become uneven and potentially resulting in comedones and even inflammatory lesions.

Lifestyle

The intensity of sebum production is affected by stress, lack of sleep, an unhealthy diet and bad habits. These factors affect sebaceous gland function and contribute to enlarged and clogged pores.

How can enlarged pores be minimised?

Among professional treatments for enlarged pores, chemical peels are highly effective. The action of the peel is aimed at exfoliating the stratum corneum. As a result, the skin tone and texture become more even, while enlarged and deep pores on the face become less noticeable.

For home care of enlarged pores, we recommend using an active cleanser containing AHA acids – glycolic acid, salicylic acid or mandelic acid.

It is also worth considering toner in the form of pre-soaked pads containing various acids. The pads can be used both in the morning and evening after cleansing, thereby intensively removing sebum from the skin and evening out its texture and tone.

Products with Retinol are known for their ability to renew the stratum corneum, including exfoliating dead skin cells together with residual impurities and excess sebum.

It is also necessary to use abrasive products – scrubs that help remove the surface layer of the stratum corneum.

For home care in the morning, we recommend paying attention to products with Niacinamide. Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3 with the ability to prevent sebum production, improve the appearance of post-acne marks and reduce inflammation.

Creams containing AHA or BHA acids are also recommended. Fruit acids (AHA acids) can exfoliate the surface layer of the stratum corneum, allowing the sebaceous glands to release sebum freely onto the skin's surface, while BHA acids have the ability to break down excess sebum.