Pores provide an opening for the skin’s oil glands and a follicle for hair growth. Some people want to reduce the size of the pores on their face for aesthetic reasons, but pore size is mainly predetermined by genetics. If a person is born with large pores, he or she will have a difficult time trying to change this fact. Other factors that affect pore size include skin type, blocked pores, and collagen production. Environmental factors can also play a role in determining pore size.
Skin type, which is also generally determined by genetics, is one factor that can influence the size of a person’s pores. People with oily skin tend to have larger pores while people with dry skin generally have smaller pores. This is also why many pores tend to be larger around the nose where skin is often oilier. When oils collect on the skin, they can clog pores and cause pores to appear larger.
Pore size can increase due to environmental debris and dirt. Cleansing skin thoroughly twice a day may help to keep dirt from building up in pores. Cosmetic products, particularly foundation products, can also sometimes clog pores. People who are prone to large pores may want to be careful about which cosmetic products they choose and be sure that they thoroughly remove the products before going to sleep.
Acne, or blackheads, is another thing that can block and stretch pores. In this case, acne treatments, such as a face wash containing salicylic acid, can help reduce the size of pores. Regular exfoliating can help prevent acne and other types of pore blockages that cause an increase in pore size.
Collagen helps skin maintain elasticity and people with less collagen will appear to have larger pores than those with healthy collagen production. The aging process can reduce the amount of collagen in the skin. Sun exposure can also reduce collagen and cause skin to age prematurely. Smoking cigarettes also reduces the amount of collagen in the skin.
Some studies have shown that maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can sometimes help keep skin healthy and help pores appear smaller. Microdermabrasion is another technique for reducing pore size. In this procedure, a dermatologist uses a machine that removes the outer layer of skin and suctions dirt and blackheads out of the pores. For some people, it might also stimulate increased collagen production.