Open Pores on Face? Here’s What Causes Them & How to Fix It

Large, visible pores can be frustrating, making skin look uneven and aged. But what causes them? Excess oil, clogged dirt, sun damage, and loss of skin elasticity are common culprits. Genetics and aging also play a role. The good news? You can minimize their appearance! Proper cleansing, exfoliation, and oil control help, while treatments like retinoids, niacinamide, and professional facials offer long-term results. Want smoother, refined skin? Discover the best ways to tackle open pores and achieve a flawless complexion.

What Are Open Pores?

Open pores are enlarged hair follicle openings on the skin that appear more visible, especially on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. While pores are essential for releasing oil and sweat, factors like excess sebum, clogged debris, sun damage, and aging can stretch them, making them look larger.

Some people naturally have more noticeable pores due to genetics, but oily or acne-prone skin tends to be more prone to them. The good news? With the right skincare and treatments, you can minimize their appearance for smoother, refined skin.

Read more: Understanding Open Pores: Ways to Treat Them

What Causes Open Pores?

Open pores get enlarged in appearance primarily because of several underlying causes.

• The size of your skin pores depends largely on genetics since bigger pores among your parents could indicate hereditary enlargement risks.
• Pores become excessively large due to the clogging effect of oil production in the T-zone area.
• Wearing us down as we grow older are both collagen and elastin which create skin sagging as well as stretched pores.
• Exposure to damaging sun rays makes skin lose its elasticity thereby causing pores to expand.

The natural hormonal transformations of ovulation and pregnancy boost oil secretion which eventually blocks pores.

Dirt together with oil and dead skin trapped in pores will make open pores seem worse.

The Disadvantages of Open Pores

While open pores are natural, they can create challenges for those concerned about their appearance.

• Open pores produce irregularities in facial skin that become visible after individuals apply makeup.
• The pores in individuals with enlarged pores face increased risks of clogging with oil, dirt, and dead skin that causes blackheads and acne breakouts.
• The buildup of debris along with open pores constitutes a serious skin irritation which makes the condition worse.
• Open pores tend to become more visible when the skin loses elasticity during aging periods. As a result, the skin displays a sagging appearance with reduced firmness.

This combined with the breakdown of collagen and elastin can contribute to an overall uneven skin texture.

How to Minimize the Appearance of Open Pores

The complete pore closure remains out of reach but various approaches exist to minimize their visibility while retaining skin smoothness. Healthy balanced skin requires committing yourself to specific skincare practices alongside life habits to achieve the goal.

Follow a Good Skincare Routine

• You should cleanse your face with a non-comedogenic gentle cleanser two times each day to remove oil as well as dirt and impurities. Avoid excessive cleansing since it will remove essential skin oil which results in irritation.
• Apply oil-free moisturizer to maintain proper hydration while avoiding oil secretion from your skin surface. The use of this approach allows the skin to stay balanced while stopping pores from getting clogged.
• Exfoliating effectively removes dead skin cells thus preventing them from building up in your pores. Utilize skin exfoliating products containing glycolic acid and salicylic acid since they split up dead skin cells and aid in new skin layers development.

Sun Protection is Essential

Sun protection stands as the essential measure to reduce open pores in skin. UV radiation breaks down elastin and collagen fibres which results in enlarging pore sizes on skin. You should use sunscreen with broad spectrum protection of at least SPF 30 (non comedogenic sunscreen) every day before leaving your house including bright and cloudy weather conditions.

Use Retinoids

The skin benefits from retinoids including retinol for pores because these compounds increase collagen production while speeding up skin cell turnover to minimize pore visibility. Using retinoid treatments helps pores clear up through cell growth stimulation and thus makes enlarged pores become less noticeable in the long run.

Apply Clay Masks

Clay masks effectively soak up skin surface oil along with dirt to improve skin appearance. Execution of such products produces changes to skin structure and diminishes tissue swelling which creates smaller-looking pores. Regular use of clay masks during the week will help enhance your skin texture dramatically.

Chemical Peels

Each application of chemical peels containing AHAs or BHAs provides dual benefits that include exfoliation and enhanced collagen production. Recurring peel treatments help pores stay clear by removing blocked pores and make pores smaller while enhancing skin surface quality. Read More: How To Minimize Open Pores?

What to Avoid

To keep your skincare routine from making your pores look worse stay away from these things:

• Too Much Scrubbing: Scrubbing your skin too often can make it sore and make your pores stand out more. Try to scrub once or twice a week to protect your skin's natural shield.
• Too Much Sun: You need to avoid the sun. If you fail to avoid the sun then apply a good layer of sunscreen.
• Pore Cleaning Tools: Employing tools to clear out your pores or squeezing areas may cause marks, which could make your pores appear even more prominent.

Effective Skincare Routine to Minimize Pores

Cleansing

• Morning: Apply a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to strip off excess oil that accumulates overnight.
• Night: Double cleanse to make sure makeup, dirt, and pollutants are removed completely.

Exfoliate

Use a very gentle chemical exfoliant to unclog the pores and refine the texture of the skin. The recommended frequency for this is reserved to two times a week.

Tone

Witch hazel or salicylic acid toner can be used to balance oil production and enhance pore cleansing.

Treat

Use a treatment serum for open pores with retinol or niacinamide to encourage skin texture enhancement and minimize pore size.

Moisturize

The application of light oil-free moisturizer helps to nourish your skin without blocking pores.

Sunscreen

Using sunscreen every morning can help you protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Advanced Treatments for Open Pores

• Microneedling: Employing the use of the finest needles, this technique allows for the maintenance of the pores and assists in tightening them alongside skin with collagen.
• Laser Treatments: Assisting in the shrinking of the pores and ensuring added collagen production through refining the skin via laser, allowing for enhanced quality and the radiance of the skin.
• Retinol Stand: Notable retinol products like Tretinol, are helpful in maintaining the smoothness of the skin and reducing pore sizes alongside enhancing the skin structure.

Suggested Products for Minimizing Open Pores

1. Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Key Benefits:
Shrinks enlarged pores over time
Deeply hydrates & smoothes skin
Evens out texture for a radiant glow

Star Ingredients:

• 20% Niacinamide – Reduces oiliness, fades acne scars, and tightens pores.
• Glucosamine (2.5%) – Fights free radicals and soothes inflammation.
• Phytic Acid (0.5%) – Gently exfoliates to unclog pores.
• Hyaluronic Acid – Plumps skin and reduces fine lines.

Best For: Oily, acne-prone, or uneven skin.

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2. Shadow Pore Minimizing Gel SPF 50

Key Benefits:
Reduces pore visibility while protecting from UV rays
Lightweight, non-greasy, and oil-controlling
No white cast—ideal for daily wear

Star Ingredients:

• p-Refinyl – Boosts collagen and controls sebum.
• Seboclear MP – Minimizes acne and refines pores.
• Niacinamide – Strengthens the skin barrier.

Best For: Oily, acne-prone skin needing sun protection.

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3. Dewrav Barrier Repair Pore Minimizing Face Wash

Key Benefits:
Gently cleanses without stripping moisture
Strengthens skin barrier & soothes irritation
Reduces pore size with regular use

Star Ingredients:

• Niacinamide – Balances oil and calms redness.
• Ceramides – Restores moisture and repairs skin.
• Cica Extract – Heals and reduces inflammation.

Best For: All skin types, especially sensitive or dry skin.

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4. Moisturizer for Dry Skin - 21 Cream

Key Benefits:
Hydrates intensely without greasiness
Brightens dull skin, evens tone
Reduces fine lines & wrinkles

Star Ingredients:

• Glutathione – Powerful antioxidant, brightens skin
• Alpha Arbutin – Fades dark spots, evens pigmentation
• Shea Butter – Deeply nourishes dry skin

Best For: Dry, dull, or aging skin

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5. Salyzap Salicylic Acid Face Wash

Key Benefits:
Deep-cleans pores, prevents breakouts
Controls excess oil & blackheads
Non-drying, soap-free formula

Star Ingredients:

• 2% Salicylic Acid – Exfoliates inside pores
• Aloe Vera & Green Tea – Soothes, reduces redness
• Cinnamon Bark Extract – Anti-inflammatory

Best For: Oily, acne-prone skin

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6. Face Wash for Uneven Skin Tone

Key Benefits:
Triple action: Cleanses + Exfoliates + Hydrates
Improves skin texture & tone
Anti-aging benefits

Star Ingredients:

• RetiSTAR (Retinol) – Boosts collagen, refines pores
• Proteol APL – Gentle foaming cleanser
• Sodium Hyaluronate – Hydrates, plumps skin

Best For: Uneven texture, aging concerns

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7. Anti-Aging Kit

Key Benefits:
Tightens pores & boosts collagen
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Deeply purifies and hydrates

Star Ingredients:

• RetiSTA R (Retinol) – Stimulates cell renewal.
• Proteol APL – Gently exfoliates and hydrates.
• Jojoba Oil – Balances sebum production.

Best For: Aging skin with enlarged pores.

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Conclusion

Enlarge pores are something so many people are faced with. But prevent them from showing up by taking proper care of your skin, and stay with a good skin care regimen. With Fixderma, you can effectively reduce your pore sizes and get acne free skin. Fixderma’s products for enlarged pores mentioned above will give you smooth and clear skin over time.

FAQs

1. Does makeup worsen open pores?
   Makeup can make open pores look more noticeable if you don't remove them before bed.
2. Do people with oily skin have more open pores?
   Yes, oily skin often leads to more open pores. You can use pore minimizing serum to effectively reduce pore size and get a clearer skin.
3. Can your diet affect the size of open pores?
   Your diet doesn't make pores smaller. However, eating foods rich in antioxidants (like fruits and veggies) and good fats can boost skin health. This may reduce inflammation and oil production.
4. Should I use sunscreen if I have open pores?
   Yes, you should always apply sunscreen if you have open-pores. Use a gel-based sunscreen with SPF 30+ to protect your skin.
5. Can essential oils help reduce open pores?
   Some essential oils such as tea tree oil, have germ-fighting properties. These might help to prevent clogged pores on face and breakouts.

For a complete solution tailored to your needs, visit our collection of products for open pores at Fixderma. Explore our Open Pores Products