Dr Bollmann, Skin Care Specialist, Anti-Aging Expert

Pores are basically small openings on the skin where hair follicles grow that keep our skin hydrated by producing sebum. We all have pores and we need them. But we don’t want them to be so large that it’s the only thing we see when we look in the mirror!

Pores may be more prominent on the nose, cheeks and chin where you have most of your oil glands. Usually, pores are barely visible. But when you don’t wash your face for long periods of time dead skin cells, sebum and dirt can build-up on the skin, giving pores a larger appearance than they really are.

Large facial pores are usually due to genetics or highly active oil glands, and tend to be more of an issue for women than men. People with dry, thin skin are less prone to having enlarged pores than those with more oily, thicker skin.

Blackheads: facial pores that have become clogged with dirt, oil and dead skin that gather into a ball, are usually the result of having large pores. If the blackhead is very large in size, it will expand the pore’s diameter.

Pores are more severe in adults than in teens. The sun and natural aging are the two biggest culprits of large pores in adults. Exposing the skin to sun’s harmful UV radiation can over time damage elastin and collagen fibers [two key compounds that give your skin elasticity. This can lead to premature aging. This causes the same effects on pores as natural aging does, but at an accelerated rate. When the elasticity in your skin begins to decrease, it can make the pores dilate and increase in size.

If you need more than an exfoliator for pore size, I would personally recommend a 30% Salicylic acid peel. This is a mild peel with no down time. However, usually it must be done by a doctor who does the procedure.

Our Bare Skin Care Program for Wrinkles is excellent in reducing pore size.