Open Pores

Treatments, Home Remedies, Tips & Results

Open pores are a common skin concern, characterised by enlarged skin pores that can make the skin appear rough and uneven. They often occur on the face, particularly around the nose, cheeks, and forehead, and can be associated with oily or combination skin types.

What Are Open Pores?

The term ‘open pores’ refers to enlarged skin pores that become more noticeable over time. The pores on the skin allow it to ‘breathe’ by releasing the sebum or natural oil onto the surface. However, large skin pores often appear in areas that have a higher density of sebaceous glands, specifically in the ‘t-zone’ of the face. They adversely affect the skin texture and become an aesthetic concern for both men and women with oily or combination skin types.

The skin concern affects teenagers undergoing hormonal changes and adults with ageing skin or hormonal issues, too! After knowing the meaning of open pores, it’s time to find out its causes. Also, explore effective treatments and preventive tips for minimising them, right here!

Causes of Open Pores

Dark circles most commonly appear due to blood vessels becoming visible due to thinning skin under the eyes because of ageing or other lifestyle factors. It can also occur due to melanin deposits, changes in skin texture, or volume loss, leading to tear trough formation.

  • Excessive Sebum Production

    Excessive sebum secretion, especially in those with oily or combination skin, leads to the enlargement of hair follicle openings and the appearance of large open pores.

  • Increased Hair Follicle Volume

    Hair follicles are tubular in structure. Thicker hair follicles have a bigger follicular opening that forms skin pores. These dilate further to allow the flow of natural oil and appear enlarged.

  • Ageing And Sun Exposure

    Ageing and sun damage may adversely affect the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. Diminished strength and elasticity of the skin may make the pores appear crater-like in older adults.

  • Heredity Factor

    Genetic predisposition and ethnicity are significant internal factors that cause large open pores.

  • Hormonal fluctuations

    Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy also result in developing moles. Moles tend to become darker or bigger due to hormonal fluctuations in the body.

  • Chronic Acne

    Pores in acne-prone skin clog and cause blackheads and whiteheads. Moreover, inflammatory acne weakens sebum glands and follicular openings and enlarges the pores.

  • Hormonal Changes

    Hormonal fluctuations stimulate the hyperactivity of sebaceous glands and trigger excessive sebum production, resulting in large open pores.

  • Acute Skin Conditions And Nutritional Deficiency

    Chronic radiodermatitis and vitamin A deficiency are other uncommon causes of enlarged skin pores.

Diagnosis

Step
Visual examination of the skin.

Step
Assessment of medical history and skincare routine.

Step
DermaScan for a detailed view of the skin's surface.

Are you at Risk?

  • Risk of skin irritation from treatments.

  • Potential for temporary redness or swelling post-treatment.

  • Recurrence if underlying causes are not addressed.

  • Possible emotional distress due to cosmetic concerns.

Prevention and Management

Choose non-comedogenic makeup and skin products
Look for products labelled oil-free, non-comedogenic, or “won’t clog your pores”. Heavy makeup or products can get into your pores, make them more visible, and even cause breakouts.Read More
Clean your face
Use a mild cleanser twice daily to wash your face and remove makeup,dirt, and oil. This will prevent your pores from clogging and appearing bigger. You can occasionally use facewashes with salicylic acid if you have oily or acne-prone skin.Read More
Moisturise your skin
Even if you have oily skin, you must use a moisturiser. Otherwise, it will dehydrate your skin, making the pores appear larger. Choose water-based, lightweight products if you have oily skin. Apply moisturiser after cleaning your face and wiping it gently with a towel.Read More
Try retinol-based products
Retinol is a product with many benefits.If you have oily, acne-prone or ageing skin with fine lines, you can use a retinol-based product to reduce oiliness and acne and improve your skin firmness, tone and texture. Use retinol carefully and only with a proper skincare regimen to prevent skin irritation. If your skin is very sensitive, use 2-3 times a week, or consult a dermatologist for a suitable formulation.Read More
Use sunscreen regularly
UV rays in the sun can cause our skin to tan and age,decreasing collagen. This can lead to increased visibility of pores over time. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 daily over your face and exposed body parts, whether you are indoors or outdoors.Read More
Exfoliate Gently to remove dead skin
Exfoliating once or twice a week with chemical exfoliators like salicylic acid may help remove dead skin cells, sebum and debris from your skin and unclog your pores. Avoid exfoliating too frequently or scrubbing too hard, as it can irritate your skin.Read More
Treat your skin gently
Avoid poking at, picking or scratching pores or acne lesions. Do not scrub or rub your face too hard. This can cause irritation, inflammation and breakouts on your skin, leading to enlarged pores or acne.Read More
Address your active acne
Acne is very commonly associated with open pores because both have excessive sebum production. To reduce your acne, you can use products like salicylic acid or take antibiotics or retinoids prescribed by your dermatologist. These will clear and shrink your pores.Read More
Use a clay mask
Clay absorbs sebum and soothes irritated skin. Using a clay mask 1-2 times a week can help keep excess oiliness at bay and reduce pore size.Read More
Don’t sleep with makeup
Sleeping with makeup on the face is a very common cause of clogged pores and acne breakouts, hindering the skin’s natural rejuvenation process. Prioritise a thorough double cleansing routine before bedtime to remove makeup residue and impurities followed applying a night cream.Read More
Follow a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet
Unhealthy foods like processed and fatty foods and a sedentary lifestyle can alter hormonal balances and cause metabolic disturbances in the body. This may result in excess oil secretion and rapid skin ageing, leading to enlarged pores.Read More
Hydrate well
Drink adequate water daily to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins. This will also keep your pores healthy.Read More

Topical & Oral Medications To Treat Open Pores

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

AHAs are a group of very popular skincare ingredients consisting of glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid. They help exfoliate dead skin and remove debris to rejuvenate the skin and clear up clogged pores.

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)

BHAs include the popular anti-acne agent salicylic acid and are available in different formulations and concentrations. They are oil-soluble and hence can penetrate the sebaceous glands to reduce oil secretion, regulate skin exfoliation (similar to AHAs), and unclog pores to make them appear smaller.

Retinoids

Topical retinoids like retinol and its stronger counterpart, tretinoin, are good for reducing enlarged pores. They regulate cell turnover, unclog pores, and promote collagen fibre synthesis, which can shrink the pores. However, these products are stronger and best used after a dermatologist consultation.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is gentle but multi-functional for the skin. It can reduce oil secretion and inflammation, soothe irritated skin, improve collagen synthesis and regulate cell turnover, thus working in many ways to reduce open pores. However, regular and consistent usage helps maintain results.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is another non-comedogenic gentle product popular in skincare. It helps hydrate, moisturise and heal the skin, increasing collagen production, which can reduce the size of pores. The combination works great on the skin when used with other ingredients like retinoids or niacinamide.

Oral retinoids

Dermatologists prescribe oral retinoids like isotretinoin for severe acne. These medicines shrink the sebaceous glands from the inside and can also reduce pore size. However, as they are strong medicines, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using them for open pores.

Antibiotics

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline as oral medications for acne. They may also add topical antibiotics like clindamycin to anti-acne regimens. However, they do not work directly on open pores. They can reduce inflammation related to sebaceous glands and remove excess bacteria from the lesion. This ultimately minimises the size of oil glands and shrinks pores.

Oral anti-androgens

Oral anti-androgens are best suitable for women with hormonal issues, resulting in excess oil production and acne and are unresponsive to conventional treatments. They include combined oral contraceptives, spironolactone, and flutamide, which can reduce the level of androgenic hormones like testosterone in females. Testosterone can cause excess oil secretion from the glands, leading to enlarged pores. These medications reduce the hormonal imbalance and prevent excess sebum and acne.

Advanced Open Pores Treatment

Laser Resurfacing

The dermatologists use Fractionated erbium YAG laser to create micro-injuries to the top layer of the skin and induce a healing response by stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin. This further removes lines and pores. This treatment has 5-7 days downtime and requires the application of topical anaesthesia before performing the procedure. It gives long-lasting results.

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Chemical Peels

The medical team at Oliva recommends the application of salicylic acid peels and glycolic acid peels for the controlled exfoliation of dead cells. It helps control excess sebum production and aids skin renewal. It further removes pore clogging and controls inflammation. It is an effective treatment for reducing large skin pores. Individuals may require a few sessions at a 2-4 week gap, with regular maintenance for best results.

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Microneedling Radiofrequency (MNRF)

At Oliva, you can also undergo microneedling radiofrequency treatment for open pores. This involves inserting tiny microneedles into the upper layer of the skin and releasing radiofrequency energy. It triggers the healing response of the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production, resulting in decreased visibility of enlarged pores. Doctors recommend 6-8 sessions with a few weeks between sessions. The procedure has no downtime, and the results are long-lasting.

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Laser Toning

Top doctors at Oliva specialise in performing advanced laser toning treatment for open pores using USFDA-approved technology. They use the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser to exfoliate the skin, stimulate collagen production, reduce oiliness, and thus minimise the appearance of pores. Dermatologists recommend 6-8 sessions with an interval of 3-4 weeks between sessions for optimal results. Clients may need maintenance sessions to sustain the results for a longer time. This procedure has no downtime.

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Treatments Explained

Laser Toning

Laser skin resurfacing

Micro-Needling Radiofrequency (MNRF)

Chemical Peels

Prognosis

Please remember, no treatment can remove pores from your face completely or permanently.

  • Effective treatments can significantly reduce the appearance of open pores.
  • Consistent skincare routine and sun protection are crucial to maintaining results.
  • Regular follow-up treatments may be necessary for long-term improvement.
  • Results can vary based on individual skin type and severity of open pores.

Frequently Asked Questions On Open Pores

Q1. What Is The Difference Between Acne Scars And Open Pores?

A1. Open pores occur due to excess sebum production that eventually leads to acne and scars.

Q2. Is It Possible To Close Open Pores Permanently?

A2. No, it is not possible to permanently close open pores as they help us enjoy a healthy skin by releasing natural oils.

Q3. Do Open Pores Cause Acne?

A3. Open pores do not directly cause acne. They are a sign of excess sebum production, which may lead to clogging of pores and acne if left untreated.

Q4. Are open pores curable?

A4. Open pores are not curable. However, by opting for advanced medico-aesthetic treatment at Oliva, you can minimise them effectively.

Q5. Can You Shrink Your Pores?

A5. Yes, medico-aesthetic treatment performed by experienced dermatologists can visibly reduce the size of your skin pores.

Q6. Is It Bad To Squeeze Nose Pores?

A6. Yes, man-handling large pores on your nose can cause hyperpigmentation and scars.

Q7. Are Open Pores Bad?

A7. Large open pores adversely affect the texture and appearance of your skin and maybe a visible sign of premature ageing. However, there are many effective treatments available to decrease their appearance.

Q8. Do Pores Get Bigger As You Age?

A8. Yes, with ageing skin pores may appear enlarged for some people. However, it varies from person to person.

Q9. What deficiency causes open pores?

A9. Pores do not result from nutritional deficiency, though vitamin A deficiency may occasionally cause enlarged pores.

Q10. Can vitamin C reduce open pores?

A10. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. It can also reduce skin inflammation and shrink open pores.

Q11. Which Food Causes Open Pores?

A11. Processed foods and foods rich in carbohydrates and sugar, and dairy products, can increase hormone levels, and stimulate excess oil production and enlarged pores.

Q12. Do Hot Showers Open Pores?

A12. Hot showers have no direct effect on the size of pores, but they can loosen dirt and debris from the pores and help unclog them. However, very frequent hot showers are not advisable.

Q13. Can Cold Water Close Pores?

A13. Cold water can reduce inflammation and sebum secretion and soothe inflamed skin. Ice cubes can also temporarily improve the appearance of pores.

Reviewed by Dr. Debatri Datta
MBBS, MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy
Written by : Dr. Debatri Datta
Updated on: August 24, 2024
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