Pores are the small openings or ports in the surface of the skin that surround each shaft of hair growing from deep within the skin's layers. Oils created by glands within the skin also work their way to the skin's surface via pores. Pores are usually inconspicuous on facial skin, but pore size and appearance can vary between different people, and can change over time. Enlarged pores can be unsightly, but can be minimized.
Oily Skin
Oily skin can cause pores to appear larger because the skin thickens with oiliness, according to Drs. John and Pamela Snook, the husband and wife team of dermatologists who founded the Renaissance Medical Spa of Seymour, Indiana, to present skin-care patients with traditional and alternative treatments for cosmetic and health-threatening skin issues. Overactive sebaceous glands results in enlarged pores. Excessive oil production can also clog pores, and the oil produced can harden into a waxy sedum, expanding the pore opening. While oily skin may be caused by genetics and thus not subject to change, the results of excessive skin oil can be treated to minimize the appearance of facial pore size. Frequent washing and daily use of skin toners---the website Women Fitness recommends those with rose water and witch hazel---helps remove excess oil that can lead to enlarged pores.
Sun Damage
Sun exposure over time causes the outermost layer of skin to thicken, and sun exposure causes loss of collagen, elastin and water from the skin, causing the underlying layers of skin to shrink, leading to larger-looking pores, according to the Snooks at Renaissance Medical Spa. The most important protection against this sun damage is regular use of sunblocks. Renaissance Medical Spa doctors recommend daily use of a full-spectrum sunblock of SPF 20 or higher. Laser skin resurfacing can also help reverse pore enlargement due to sun damage, according to the doctors at Elan MediSpa and Dermatology Center in New Jersey, directed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport.
Dead Skin Cells
The remnants of dead surface skin cells can clog pores, preventing oil from draining and creating an atmosphere where bacteria can thrive and expand the pore, according to the Elan MediSpa and Dermatology Center. Daily thorough cleaning can help slough away excess dead skin cells. The Renaissance Medical Spa staff also advises avoiding tobacco and alcohol, which can cause more dead skin cells, and staying well-hydrated to keep skin cells functioning at their best. Daily use of antioxidants and exfoliating creams to remove dead skin cells are also important, according to the Renaissance Spa doctors.
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