How Did My Pores Get So Big?

Pores, pores, and more pores — your skin is literally covered in these teeny tiny holes. The best estimates say an adult has an average of 5 million pores across their entire skin surface, with about 20,000 pores on facial skin alone. 

We love pores because they allow the skin to breathe, and because they allow sweat, gasses, liquids, and hair to move through the surface of your skin. But we’d prefer it if they did their work while remaining as inconspicuous as possible. 

Most pores are almost invisible, but sometimes they can get so big they create divots in your skin’s texture. What’s worse, those more noticeable pores tend to crop up on your nose and cheeks, so they’re on display for everyone to see. 

Our expert team of skincare and aesthetic specialists at CANJ Aesthetics in Oakland, New Jersey, know how frustrating it can be when large pores are standing in the way of clear, beautiful skin. 

That’s why we’re starting with the basics and helping you understand where large pores come from: So you can take the next steps to improve — and feel more confident in — your skin. Here are a few reasons why your pores may be more noticeable than you’d like.

Your demographics

Large pores can happen to virtually anyone, but some people are more prone than others. Genetics and ethnicity often play a role, as well as gender. For instance, women tend to notice skin changes like enlarged pores around their menstrual cycles. Teens in the throes of puberty are also more susceptible to enlarged pores. 

Your skin type

There are four main skin types: normal, dry, oily, and combination skin. Each skin type carries some risk for enlarged pores, but oily skin is the most vulnerable. 

That’s why enlarged pores show up on your face most often. Your face has some of the highest concentration of oil glands, and when your skin produces lots of oil, your pores are bound to clog and appear larger than usual. 

On that note, you should know that anything that gets into your pores can force them open, including excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. Sometimes, these clogged pores look like red bumps (pimples); other times, they appear as blackheads or whiteheads. 

Your skin’s elasticity

When you’re younger, your skin has all the essential proteins (collagen and elastin) it needs to retain its structure. Over time, your skin loses and stops producing those proteins, which pave the way for wrinkles, sagging skin, and, you guessed it, enlarged pores. 

Clogged pores get forced open by gunk, debris, and oil, and older skin may not snap back into place once they become unclogged. 

Time isn’t the only threat to your skin’s elasticity. If you’ve let your skin get fried by the sun one too many times, you can lose collagen and elastin even faster. 

My pores are huge — now what?

Whatever combination of factors has led to your enlarged pores, there’s still hope for your skin. A few simple strategies and our lineup of advanced treatments can clear up your skin in no time. If you have large pores, we recommend:

• Cleansing your skin at least twice daily
• Applying non-comedogenic moisturizer as needed 
• Protecting your skin with sunscreen every day
• Gently exfoliating your skin regularly
• Treating acne and breakouts as soon as they happen
• Considering treatment for noticeably saggy skin
• Staying hydrated and eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Always removing your makeup before you sleep 
• Avoiding rubbing, scrubbing, and irritating your skin
• Avoiding harsh chemicals in skincare products

We also encourage everyone with pore problems to get help from one of our experts. Depending on your unique skin type, we may recommend ClearLift and/or IPL treatments to give your skin a boost from the inside out. 

Don’t spend another day hoping for smaller pores. Take charge of your skin’s health and call or click online to schedule your consultation with our knowledgeable skincare specialists at CANJ Aesthetics in Oakland, New Jersey, today.