What Causes Enlarged Pores and How to Minimize Their Appearance

A board-certified dermatologist shares expert advice on the best products and treatments to tighten pores and maintain a smoother, firmer complexion.

Trending terms like “glass skin” and “blurred skin” describe a complexion that appears radiant and smooth, without a pore in sight. And while it’s not possible to shrink (or eliminate) pores, keeping them free of debris will make them appear tighter and give the complexion a smoother, more even look while providing other key benefits. 

“While enlarged pores are primarily a cosmetic concern, they can also affect overall skin health,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr Roberta Del Campo, Skin Laundry’s Chief Medical Officer. “Enlarged pores may signify clogged pores, which increase the risk of breakouts, acne and inflammation.” 

Read on to learn more about the environmental and lifestyle factors that cause enlarged pores, plus tips on how to prevent and treat them.

What Are Pores?

First, it’s important to understand the function of pores. Pores are tiny openings on the skin that serve as pathways for sweat and sebum, the skin’s natural oil. There are two main types: oil pores, which are connected to hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and sweat pores, which lead directly from sweat glands to the surface of the skin. Together, they help regulate body temperature, keep the skin hydrated, and protect the skin's barrier—playing a vital role in maintaining a healthy complexion.

When pores become enlarged, the skin’s texture can appear rougher and less even.

What Causes Enlarged Pores? 

Pores can become enlarged for a number of reasons, starting with genetics. “Your skin type is genetic, as is pore size,” Del Campo points out.

Larger pores are also a byproduct of aging. “Over time, our skin loses collagen and elastin,” Del Campo says. “Since collagen and elastin provide structural support for the pores, the pores start to sag as these natural proteins decline.”

Read more about aging and collagen loss here.

Skin type also comes into play. Those with oily skin produce more sebum, which stretches the walls of the pores and makes them appear larger.

Other factors that contribute to enlarged pores include:

• Hormonal Events: Hormonal acne, for example, is linked to excess sebum production, which can clog the pores.

• Sun Damage: UV exposure can break down the collagen around the pores, which causes the pores to sag, stretch and become more visible.

• Picking or Squeezing the Skin: Picking at the skin can not only stretch the pore openings but can also cause inflammation and scarring.

• Improper Skincare: Without proper cleansing, exfoliation and treatments, pores can become clogged and appear enlarged.

While enlarged pores are primarily a cosmetic concern, they can also affect overall skin health.

The Best Skincare Regime for Enlarged Pores

Using the right topical products goes a significant way toward keeping the pores free of excess sebum and debris.

Every proper skincare regime starts with a good cleanse, and exfoliation is crucial to keeping the pores fresh and unclogged. An exfoliating cleanser, like our Clean Slate Exfoliating 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel Cleanser, will tackle both.

After cleansing, use a serum with active ingredients that will keep the pores clean. For instance, Hyaluronic Acid is a non-comedogenic, hydrating ingredient that can help regulate oil production. Vitamin A, or Retinol, can also regulate sebum production to prevent the pores from becoming clogged.

Moisturizing the skin will also prevent the formation of excess sebum since the skin responds to dryness by producing extra oil. Finally, the regular use of SPF will protect the skin from sun damage— another key cause of enlarged pores.

Boosting collagen production through professional treatments is one of the most effective ways to keep the pores tight, and the complexion even and firm.

The Best Skin Laundry Treatments for Enlarged Pores

While topical products can contribute to tighter pores, professional treatments can maximize results by penetrating the surface of the skin to clean the pores on a deeper level, while stimulating collagen production.

“Boosting collagen production is one of the most effective ways to keep the pores tight, and the complexion even and firm,” Del Campo says.

Skin Laundry’s Signature Laser Facial uses high-energy infrared light to target and vaporize dirt, bacteria and excess sebum within the pores. At the same time, it stimulates collagen production, helping to create firmer, more even-toned skin.

Our Resurfacing Facial uses nanofractional radiofrequency technology to create micro-channels that deliver controlled heat through the skin’s surface into its deeper layers. This activates the body’s natural healing response, prompting the production of fibroblasts to repair the micro-injuries. In turn, fibroblasts stimulate collagen production, which tightens the skin and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores.