Enlarged pores : Causes, care, best creams and skincare

Cause: what are they due to?

Pore size varies and depends on many factors, such as:

• gender: in general, males tend to have larger pores than females due to differences in sebum production and the density of pilosebaceous follicles.
• genetic predisposition: pore size can be inherited. If your parents have enlarged pores, it is likely that you do too.
• skin aging: over time, the skin loses elasticity. This reduction in collagen and elastin around the pores makes them less firm and more visible.
• chronic exposure to ultraviolet light: prolonged exposure to sun damages the collagen in the skin, leading to a loss of elasticity and further pore enlargement.
• conditions such as acne: acne can enlarge pores due to inflammation and mechanical stretching of the follicles when they are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells.

What are the remedies? here are the scientifically proven ingredients

Topical Retinoids are first-line ingredients for treating enlarged pores: retinol promotes collagen synthesis and counteracts its breakdown, stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and elastin, and promotes keratinocyte proliferation and thickening of the epidermal layer.

It is also useful to use products that contain Niacinamide: this ingredient helps minimize pores, reduce inflammation, and improve the skin barrier function, giving the skin a healthier, more even appearance.

Also Salicylic Acid (BHA) with its exfoliating action is very effective at removing dead skin cells that build up in pores and can contribute to their enlargement.

And again, astringent actives should be considered, as they play a key role in reducing enlarged pores and improving skin texture. Ingredients such as Witch Hazel, Burdock Extract, Cucumber, and Fomes Officinalis are particularly effective thanks to their properties. Adding these actives to your skincare routine leads to a significant refinement of skin texture, making the skin visibly more even.

Also very useful is Vitamin C, a powerful stimulator of new collagen production, essential for improving skin elasticity and reducing the visibility of enlarged pores.

Skincare routine for enlarged pores

Start your skincare routine with a gentle cleanse: double cleansing can be especially beneficial, as it helps remove impurities and excess sebum from the skin more effectively.

Exfoliation, preferably with products containing Salicylic Acid, can help clear clogged pores. BHAs penetrate the pores and dissolve sebum and dead skin cells, improving the appearance of the skin.

For hydration, choose lightweight creams or serums that moisturize without clogging pores.

Protect your skin from the sun every day: UV rays damage the skin's collagen and elastin, compromising the structure of the pores and encouraging them to enlarge.

Finally, use a clay mask a couple of times a week: it can help temporarily minimize the appearance of enlarged pores thanks to its sebum-absorbing properties.

And remember that enlarged pores are common and a normal skin feature. So don't obsess over achieving levels that can only be reached with Photoshop!

How to prevent enlarged pores

To prevent pore enlargement, it helps to start by addressing the contributing factors, such as increased sebum production and skin aging.