Although it is common to think of teenagers when referring to large skin pores, this is not always the case. Large pores can be a problem, no matter your age. As DermaDoctor.com notes, heredity can produce oily skin, prone to developing large pores. Hormones can stimulate oil glands to overproduce sebum, causing pores to enlarge to accommodate excess oil. Sun damage can cause rings of cells to develop around skin pores, making them more noticeable. Poor hygiene can lead to a build-up of oil and dead skin cells in pores, facilitating the development of blackheads. Effectively treating large pores requires attention to their cause, along with a combination of treatments.
Step 1
Remove surface dirt and oil from your skin at least twice each day. Look for alcohol-free cleansers and toners that clean without drying and contain oil-cutting ingredients, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Step 2
Exfoliate dead skin cells twice per week, using an exfoliating lotion or scrub designed for your skin type. Apply exfoliants using a gentle massaging motion, rather than a scrubbing motion, to avoid irritating your skin.
Step 3
Draw out dead skin cells and impurities that lie beneath the surface of your skin, and tighten pores on a weekly basis, using a pore-refining or clay-based skin mask.
Step 4
Cover your skin with a sunscreen to prevent sun damage that can lead to large pores.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about prescription medications, such as topical retinol, and procedures such as microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing or chemical peels that work to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate the development of new, smoother skin.
Tips and Warnings
- According to Dr. Joshua L. Fox, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, keeping your skin clean and oil-free is the one of the best ways to treat large pores, as well as prevent blackheads that make large pores appear more noticeable.
Things You'll Need
- Skin cleansers, alcohol-free
- Exfoliating lotion/scrub
- Facial mask
- Sunscreen
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