I faced this issue a few months ago. I was looking in the mirror and realized that my pores looked huge! At first, I thought it was because I was using a magnifying mirror. Nope. They looked enormous in a standard mirror as well. This ultimately led to the question why are my pores big?
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What Are Pores
To understand why you have enlarged pores, you must understand precisely what they are. These are tiny openings in the skin. Often, they are connected to hair follicles.
Their primary job is to release sweat and oil. They are designed to cleanse themselves. However, when we cram makeup into them daily, they will need some help.
Typically, they come in various sizes.
Enlarged Pores Causes
Several factors contribute to the size of your pores. Taking a good look at your family, how long you have had enlarged pores, and the health of your skin can help you determine what is causing enlarged pores.
Genetics
Unfortunately, the size of our pores can be due to genetics. If you’ve noticed that most of the people in your family have larger pores, that’s more than likely the case. However, your skin type can also be genetic. This could be why you and most of your family have enlarged pores.
Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, that could be why. Pores are designed to secrete oil. They need to be enlarged to secrete the excess oil. This is because your body thinks you need that oil or have oily skin. (This can also be determined by genetics.)
Dry Skin
It’s common to mistake oily skin for dry skin. That’s because your skin gets dry. Then, it thinks it needs to make up for that by producing more oil. You believe you have oily skin, and your pores are enlarged because they are overproducing oil to combat the dryness.
Over Cleansing
This is a common reason that people wind up with enlarged pores. In a world where we’re constantly told to cleanse and double cleanse on days we wear a full face of makeup, it’s hard to believe you can over-cleanse. However, it is possible. Then, your skin will respond by increasing the oil production.
Aging
Sometimes, enlarged pores are simply a part of the aging process. As your skin loses collagen and elasticity, it begins to sag, which can make your pores appear larger.
Why Did My Pores Suddenly Get Bigger
Enlarged pores are slightly different than suddenly noticing that your pores are bigger. If you’re wondering why did my pores suddenly get bigger, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Several things can make your pores drastically increase in size.
New Products
Not every skincare product is suitable for everyone. Some products designed to work with every skin type and claim to be specially formulated for sensitive skin will still irritate your skin. Allergies or reactions to common ingredients, such as Vitamin E, are common.
Think back to any new products you’ve used recently. Discontinue use and see if the problem corrects itself. The new cleanser you picked up may have caused your skin to be mildly irritated or dry.
A Recent Illness
When we get sick, we can become dehydrated. This is particularly common if we have digestive symptoms or a fever. (Fevers can also dehydrate us.) Even mild dehydration can drastically impact our skin. Our skin will produce more oil to combat the dryness, resulting in larger pores.
Acne
They may appear larger if you have acne. This is particularly true if you’re going to have a breakout. Larger pores can be the first sign.
You Just Now Noticed
If they are due to genetics or another issue, you could have just now noticed them. While magnifying mirrors are great, they can bring specific skincare issues to light because you can see your skin up close. It’s like looking at your skin through a microscope. If you recently noticed the size, consider how you noticed them. There’s a chance that you did not suddenly develop enlarged ones.
The Seasons Changed
Your skin type is not set in stone. Environmental factors, such as the weather, also play a role. It’s common for people to get dry skin during the winter months. The excess sweat during heat waves can lead to oily skin. Both of these skin types are known for having enlarged pores.
How To Make Pores Smaller
You first need to understand why you have enlarged ones. Even if it’s due to genetics, there are certain things that you can do to minimize them. However, if it’s because of something other than genetics, you need to address the underlying issues to help make them look smaller.
Stay Hydrated
If you’ve had a recent illness or notice that your skin is dry, ensure you are properly hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Eat foods that are packed with water, like fruits and vegetables. This can help keep your skin balanced.
Combat Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, there are things you can do to help reduce the amount of sebum production. Make sure that you don’t over-cleanse. Once or twice a day is more than enough.
Do not use exfoliating products or face masks more than recommended. Decrease the amount of oil in your diet. Stay hydrated to ensure your skin isn’t dehydrated and minimize pores.
Pore Minimizing Products
Dr. Brandt is well known for the product line specifically designed to help minimize pores. Most of these are effective. Pick up a pore exfoliator or a pore-minimizing cleanser to reduce the size and appearance of them.
Our Recommended Products
Pore Minimizing Serum
Hello, Good Stuff! is packed with ingredients to help give you the refined complexion you’re after. It’s specially formulated with 95% natural ingredients to ensure you only get the good stuff. Niacinamide and pomegranate fruit juice water ensure your skin is soft and your pores are smaller. Essence Beauty is also known for providing affordable products.
Why You’ll Love It
- Affordable
- Effective
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Bare Minerals Prime Time Pore Minimizing Primer
Bare Minerals Pore Minimizing Primer pulls double-duty by minimizing pores and helping your makeup last up to 12 hours longer. It glides seamlessly across the skin for a blurring effect that makes your skin feel silky smooth. Easily wear it alone or under makeup. It’s available in a mini so you can try it without committing to a full-size bottle.
Why You’ll Love It
- Available in a mini
- Blurring
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Controls oil for up to 24 hours
Eliminate Acne
If you have acne, take care of it the best you can. Products like ProActive are known to make a dramatic difference. You can also make changes to your diet to reduce breakouts. The more you can get your acne to clear up, the smaller your pores will be.
Cold Closes Pores
We all know that hot showers and steam can open them, making them appear larger. You can see your pores more clearly after a steaming hot shower.
Cold has the opposite effect. Consider picking up a skincare fridge for your serums and facial roller to minimize their appearance.
Increase Collagen Production
Picking up a vibrating facial massager is a great way to increase the collagen in your face. Using this during your cleansing routine can prevent sagging and the sagging pores that come with it.
Why Are My Pores Big
They appear larger due to aging, genetics, dry skin, or oily skin. Enlarged ones are usually a normal reaction. However, there are things that you can do to minimize the appearance of your pores.
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