Why Are My Pores So Big?

Your skin is your largest organ, and it performs lots of important functions, including acting as a barrier against germs and other pathogens. Embedded in the surface of your skin are millions of pores, tiny openings that allow your skin to ventilate or “breathe.”

Pores contain oil glands and hair follicles, and usually, they’re almost impossible to see, giving your skin a smooth, consistent appearance. Sometimes, though, your pores may become enlarged and visible, making you feel more self-conscious about your complexion.

Lots of products claim to “shrink” enlarged pores. However, to find a treatment that really works, you need to understand what’s causing your pores to be so visible.

At Starkey Medical Esthetics, Michele Meinhart, FNP, lessens the appearance of large, visible pores in patients in Salem, Virginia, by treating the root cause. If you have enlarged facial pores, here’s how she can help you look and feel your best.

Why your pores look enlarged

To some degree, your pore visibility depends on your skin type and your genes. People with oily skin often have more visible pores thanks to their active oil glands. Likewise, if you have close family members with large pores, your pores also may be more visible.

But aside from those factors, there are other factors that can cause or contribute to enlarged pores, like:

• Thick hair and hair follicles
• Sun damage or overexposure to UV rays
• Hormonal changes
• Loss of skin tone
• Age-related changes in the skin

It’s possible to have more than one factor at play, resulting in a complex process that benefits most from professional treatment and a customized approach.

Underlying skin conditions, like rosacea and acne, can also cause your pores to become larger and more visible. Harsh facial products and some types of cosmetics can contribute to pore problems, including enlargement and breakouts.

“Shrinking” large pores

Patients at Starkey Medical esthetics have several options for treating large pores, including:

• Custom facials
• Chemical peels
• Microneedling
• Laser therapy

Though each option uses a different approach and different technology, the way they help minimize the appearance of pores is similar.

Typically, pore treatment focuses on a couple of key factors: increasing skin turnover to get rid of damaged skin and promoting collagen production. Skin turnover is the process your skin uses to rid itself of dead, damaged skin, so new, fresh, healthy skin is revealed. Your skin does this naturally, but enhancing that process can help your skin repair and replenish itself more quickly.

Some treatments, including facials, peels, and prescription products, clean out your pores, getting rid of dirt, dead skin cells, excess oil, and other debris that can widen your pores and make them more visible. If you’re prone to acne, these approaches can also help reduce the number and severity of your breakouts.

Proper at-home skin care is also essential. At Starkey Medical Esthetics, every treatment plan is based specifically on each patient’s concerns, skin type, and other factors, including in-office treatment recommendations and your own at-home skin care routine. 

Enjoy clearer, sexier skin

Enlarged pores aren’t necessarily “serious” in terms of your overall health, but they can absolutely take a big toll on your confidence — and they can take a toll on your complexion, too. To learn how we can help your skin look smooth, clear, and healthy, call 540-389-0909, or book an appointment online at Starkey Medical Esthetics today.