Large Open Pores: Causes, Treatments, Results & Prevention

What Are Open Pores?

The term ‘open pores’ refers to enlarged skin pores that have 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!

Below are some images of open pores:

What Causes Large Open Pores?

Check out the top reasons for the occurrence of open pores:

• Excessive Sebum Production: Excessive secretion of sebum, especially in the case of those who have 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.
• Heredity Factor: Genetic predisposition and ethnicity are significant internal factors that cause large open pores.
• 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.
• 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 the production of excessive sebum, which results in large open pores.
• Acute Skin Conditions And Nutritional Deficiency: Chronic radiodermatitis and vitamin A deficiency are other uncommon causes of enlarged skin pores.

Informative Resources:

• Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid Wornesing Your Acne Outbreak!
• How To Get Rid Of Acne Fast?

How To Diagnose Large Open Pores?

A dermatologist will first perform a physical examination of the affected area. He or she will determine the severity of the condition based on the following criteria:

• Size of the pores
• Location of the pores
• Severity of the condition
• Size of the affected area

Post-evaluation, the dermatologist will note your family and medical history, hormonal health and lifestyle habits to identify the underlying cause of the concern. Based on his assessment of your skin type, the severity of the condition and the underlying cause, he will recommend a customised treatment plan for reducing your open pores visibly.

Are You At Risk?

If along with large pores on your face, you experience skin infections or acne, you should consult a dermatologist immediately. Keep in mind that large skin pores are benign, cause no pigmentation, and do not cause other skin afflictions. They are not a serious medical concern.

However, seek medical help if you note a significant increase in pore size, distribution or density. Your dermatologist can treat the condition effectively to improve your skin texture.

Self-Care:

Though it is the first line of action for most people, open pores treatment at home is a bad idea. Avoid using any OTC products like creams, serums and toners for reducing open pores as they will give you temporary results at best. Unsupervised use of medicated ointments may cause a severe side-effect. Experimenting with home remedies for open pores that have unproven safety and efficacy may cause an allergic reaction and worsen your skin condition. It is best to consult a dermatologist for recommending any skin-care products or aesthetic procedures based on your skin type, cause and condition.

Advanced Treatments For Large Open Pores:

Enlarged pores are challenging to treat as they may be a result of various underlying factors. Leading dermatologists at Oliva combine medical treatments for open pores with advanced aesthetic procedures to give you visible results. They focus on treating primary triggers by controlling excessive sebum production and minimising skin damage due to ageing.

Your medical expert at Oliva may suggest the following modalities as standalone or combination treatment to give you the best results:

• Topical Therapies: Many qualified skin experts recommend the use of topical applications like Tretinoin, topical nicotinamide, Vitamin C, or AHAs to diminish open pores. They also advise the dosage and direction for use to ensure visible improvement in your skin texture.
• Oral Medications: The medical experts at Oliva have a holistic approach. They may prescribe oral medicines such as oral retinoids (Isotretinoin), antiandrogens (spironolactone) and oral contraceptives to treat any hormonal cause of enlarged pores. You must follow the instructions related to the drug intake strictly to get the best results without any side-effects.
• Laser Toning: Top doctors at Oliva specialise in performing advanced laser treatment for open pores using USFDA-approved technology. They use Q-Switched YAG and fractionated erbium YAG laser to boost the collagen production in the skin and minimise the appearance of open pores effectively. A 2011 study revealed that Q-switched lasers visibly reduce open pores when used along with photo-activated topical solutions.
• Fractional Micro-Needling Radiofrequency (MNRF): Experienced dermatologists at Oliva may use tiny micro-needles to release radiofrequency energy in the deeper layers of the skin. It stimulates collagen and elastin production and thereby results in the decreased visibility of enlarged pores.

Watch the video below to know more about the procedure, benefits and results of the MNRF treatment at Oliva.

• Chemical Peels: The medical team at Oliva recommends the application of salicylic acid peels and glycolic acid peels for the controlled exfoliation of the dead cells. It helps control excess sebum production and aids skin renewal. It is an effective treatment for reducing large skin pores.

Check out the video here to know all about the advanced chemical peel treatment at Oliva.

• Comedone Extraction: Our skin experts may use specialised tools to extricate open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads). The procedure helps prevent clogging and subsequent widening of pores.

Before And After Results

Now you know about all the available professional solutions for open pores. Are you aware that a simple skin-care routine can work wonders for decreasing the appearance of open pores? Read right ahead to know more!

How To Prevent The Appearance Of Large Open Pores?

If you are wondering how to close the open pores on your face; you can do your bit by keeping the skin clean and sun-safe. Here are some simple skin-care tips you can follow to prevent the open pores from becoming prominent:

• Clean: Use a gentle, gel-based, non-comedogenic cleanser twice daily to unclog pores.
• Protect: Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30+ every day to prevent premature skin ageing due to sun damage.
• Nourish: Use water-based moisturisers suitable for oily/combination skin. You may also ask your skin specialist to recommend any collagen-boosting products, such as retinol.

However, if you feel the above tips are not giving you the desired results, it’s advisable to explore advanced solutions.

Informative Resources:

• How To Prevent Pimples On Face?
• What Is The Best Skin Care Routine For Acne Prone Skin?

Prognosis:

Please remember, no treatment can remove pores from your face completely or permanently. However, advanced dermatological procedures can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and give you a smoother and more radiant skin texture than before.

If open pores are drawing all your attention of late, consult a dermatologist at Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic today to find a suitable treatment option that can restore your smooth and flawless skin!

Delivering World-class dermatology solutions is our mission! Redefining the quality of care is a passion!

How to get started? Book Appointment or 82978 82978 to enjoy the best results!

Common Questions

• What Is The Difference Between Acne Scars And Open Pores?
  Open pores occur due to excess sebum production that eventually leads to acne and scars.
• Is It Possible To Close Open Pores Permanently?
  No, it is not possible to permanently close open pores as they help us enjoy a healthy skin by releasing natural oils.
• Do Open Pores Cause Acne?
  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.
• Are open pores curable?
  Open pores are not curable. However, by opting for advanced medico-aesthetic treatment at Oliva, you can minimise them effectively.
• Can You Shrink Your Pores?
  Yes, medico-aesthetic treatment performed by experienced dermatologists can visibly reduce the size of your skin pores.
• Is It Bad To Squeeze Nose Pores?
  Yes, man-handling large pores on your nose can cause hyperpigmentation and scars.
• Are Open Pores Bad?
  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.
• Do Pores Get Bigger As You Age?
  Yes, with ageing skin pores may appear enlarged for some people. However, it varies from person to person.