The Ultimate Guide To Why You Get Large Pores And How To Get Rid Of Them

Dec 25, 2018

Women go to extreme lengths to hide large pores. It requires primer, liquid foundation, concealer and a matte finish to camouflage the offending pores. Then you have to remove all of that makeup at the end of the day, or you'll make the problem worse.

If only there was a way to shrink your pores instead of covering them up. What if we told you it was possible to reduce the size of your pores without spending a fortune on surgical procedures and high-end beauty products?

Before we talk about how to minimize your pores, we have to understand why large pores appear in the first place. The leading cause of enlarged pores is sebum. Sebum is the oily substance produced by your skin glands. It has a waxy appearance and is made up of cholesterol, fatty acids, triglycerides and waxes. Everyone needs sebum to protect their skin, but too much sebum will wreak havoc on your complexion.

• An Excess Of Sebum: Excessive sebum production can be caused by a number of factors including a poor diet, sun damage, stress, the wrong skin care routine and overuse of comedogenic products like coconut oil.
• Acne Prone Skin: Skin that is prone to Acne is more likely to have larger pores appear too. But don't you fret - there are definitely methods that deal with these issues!
• Sun Damage: As we age, our skin produces less collagen. Collagen gives our skin its elasticity. As elasticity decreases, pores appear larger. Sun damage speeds up the aging process, so be sure to apply sunscreen regularly.
• Your Skin Care Routine is doing more harm than good: Most of us have what we call Comedogenic skin care products, or in other words, skin care products that are oil based. These products are especially not good for individuals with oily skin. Try using Non-Comedogenic products, which are water-based, instead. 

A study conducted at the Dartmouth medical school in 2010 showed that carbohydrates increase sebum production. White bread, white rice and sugar all raise your blood sugar, leading to excess sebum, clogged pores, and acne. If you can't stand the thought of drinking your morning coffee without sugar, try a Stevia-based sweetener. Stevia is all natural and won't raise your blood sugar.

Adding ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cloves and oregano to your diet can slow the aging process.

Green tea is loaded with polyphenols. Polyphenols prevent acne by decreasing sebum production.

A balanced diet reduces acne. Less acne means you'll have smaller pores.

If you suffer from enlarged pores, you should be washing your skin thoroughly twice a day. Regular cleansing removes the dead skin cells, makeup and dirt that clog pores.

Many people with problem skin make a huge mistake and skip the moisturizer. Moisturizer actually loosens any sebum trapped in your pores, preventing further breakouts.

Salicylic acid peels encourage cell turnover while removing dirt and dead skin cells from your pores. Lactic acid and glycolic acid peels are a stronger alternative for anyone suffering from acne scars.

Exfoliating scrubs do more harm than good. These abrasive scrubs can damage sensitive skin. Damaged skin becomes inflamed, leading to enlarged pores.

Regular soap is highly acidic. Never wash your face with the same soap you use on the rest of your body. Look for a foam soap formulated for your face with a pH less than 5.5.

Gels are a great alternative to lotions if you have oily or acne prone skin.

Have you ever noticed your skin seems oiliest between noon and 4:00 pm? Skin produces the most sebum during this time. Make it a habit to wash your face during the afternoon to prevent clogged pores.

Water-based products are less likely to clog pores.

Prevent skin damage and premature aging by wearing sunscreen every single day. It's not just about your appearance. Skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of their age or race.

Having problem skin doesn't mean you can't wear makeup, you just need to make smart choices, and be sure to always wash it off before you go to bed!

Look for makeup that contains sarcosine, NGA or nordihyroguaiaretic acid. These ingredients reduce how much sebum is produced

Biotin, caffeine, zinc, Enantia chlorantha bark extract and Niacinamide all have a positive effect on your sweat glands.

Talcum and mineral oil are both comedogenic. Comedogenic products clog pores and cause breakouts. Cosmetics containing alcohol should also be avoided because they have a drying effect.

Tell us about your skin care routine! How do you minimize your pores? What products work best with your skin type? Don't forget to invite your friends to the conversation!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!