Enlarged pores – why do they occur and what can you do about them?

‘Enlarged pores have made me feel insecure for years – I feel like no matter how much I take care of them, they always remain visible.’

This sentence came from one of my dear patients recently, and I believe many of us feel the same way. Enlarged pores are a very common skin concern that can affect your self-esteem even when everything else on your face is fine. Although they are a natural part of how our skin works, many people want them to be as unnoticeable as possible.

As a nurse in aesthetic medicine, I come into contact with clients every day whose wish is smoother and clearer skin. That’s why today I will talk about the causes of enlarged pores, evidence-based solutions and how we can help you at our clinic.

How are enlarged pores formed?

Although we often talk about enlarged pores as a ‘beauty’ problem, they are actually essential for the functioning of skin functionsEach pore is like a small channel through which sebaceous glands produce natural oil for the skin, keeping it moisturized and protecting it from external damage.

But why do they become more visible in some people than others?

Here are the main reasons I often see in my work:

1. Genetics
   If your mother or father has larger pores, there is a high chance that you will too. Skin type and pore density are often hereditary.

2. Production of excess sebum
   If the skin produces a lot of sebum – especially in the T-zone – it can start to accumulate in the pores, stretching their walls and making them visually larger. Research reference

3. Ageing and collagen loss
   Over the years, the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases. This means that the skin’s structure loses its elasticity, which in turn “loosens” the pores and makes them more noticeable.

4. UV radiation and sun damage
   Excessive sun exposure accelerates skin aging and damages the skin’s natural support structures, including collagen, making pores more visible.

5. Wrong or incomplete skin care
   Poor cleaning routine, unsuitable creams or makeup that is not removed properly can all lead to clogged pores and even inflammation. This in turn makes the pores larger and uneven.

So if you feel that your pores have suddenly become larger, this is rarely just a coincidence. More often than not, it is due to excessive sebum production, loss of collagen or clogswhich can be directed, prevented and even significantly improved with modern methods.

Breaking myths about enlarged pores!

Myth #1: “The pores open and close.” “

✅ Truth: Pores do not have muscles – they do not open or close like door hinges. What we perceive as „open pores“ is actually wall of oily or flaccid poreWhich makes it more visible to the eye.

Myth #2: Steam opens the pores, cold closes.

✅ Truth: Steam helps soften the skin and can make cleansing easier, but it does not „open“ pores physically. Similarly, an ice cube does not close pores – it only temporarily constricts blood vessels, which can make the skin visually smoother. The effect is short-lived.

Myth #3: “Only dirt causes enlarged pores.”

✅ Truth: The size of the pods, as we have already said, genetics, sebum, collagen loss and skin elasticity. Blackness can clog them, but no reasonwhy the pore itself expands.

❌ Myth #4: „If pores are enlarged, there is nothing that can be done about them.“

✅ Truth: There are many ways in which pores reduce appearance – from chemical peels to laser procedures. Although pores do not disappear completely, they can be improved noticeably less prominent.

Myth #5: “The more you wash, the smaller pores.”

✅ Truth: Overcleaning can lead to skin irritate and dry, therefore the skin begins to produce more sebum That’s it. increases the visibility of pores. Balance is key: gentle and consistent care yields the best results.

How to reduce enlarged pores? I will outline evidence-based and effective solutions:

When someone comes to me for a consultation and says, “I’ve tried everything but the pores don’t go away,” the first thing I emphasize is: The pores will not disappear, but they can be made less visible.

I have prepared for you an overview of the most effective procedures we offer in our clinic – along with an explanation of why they work specifically for enlarged pores.

1. Chemical peeling – call it a speedway for skin renewal

During chemical peels, we remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin that clog pores and cause unevenness. At the same time, we stimulate skin renewal and cell behavior in deeper layers through chemical exfoliation.

How does it work?
For example salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates deep into the pores and dissolves sebum and dirt there, while glycolic acid or almond acid Gently exfoliate the skin surface, making it smoother and more even.

? We use professional medical acid treatments in the clinic, tailored to your specific needs. skin type and sensitivity.

2. Microneedling – a collagen magic key

Microneedling is one of my personal favorites in the treatment of enlarged pores. It is based on creating microchannels in the skin, which trigger the skin’s healing process and thus stimulate the production of new collagen.

Why does it work?
Collagen helps strengthen and tighten the skin’s structure. When the skin’s ‘network’ becomes denser and stronger, the pore walls contract, making them appear significantly smaller.

? We typically recommend a 3-4-treatment course, the effects of which last a long time and even increase over time. The best result is achieved by combining microneedling with the iPRF procedure (You can read a little about iPRF more here)

3. Correct home skin care – the cornerstone of treatment results

No treatment can deliver maximum results if home care does not support it consistently. I often find during consultations that clients use too strong products or, conversely, avoid necessary active ingredients because “the skin seems sensitive”.

Some very valuable active ingredients that we can discuss and recommend during your consultation:

• Salicylic acid Helps keep pores clean

• Retinol and retinoids Accelerate cellular exchange and improve skin structure

• Niacinamide Reduces shaving and soothes

• Zinc Helps keep inflammations under control

? We help you create a skincare routine tailored to your skin – not just an expensive set of creams, but a thoughtful, effective, and simple home skincare regimen.

What can you do yourself? Daily habits that reduce enlarged pores.

Although professional treatments play a significant role in improving the appearance of pores, everything starts with daily skincare and conscious choices. Sometimes, only small changes are needed for the skin to become noticeably clearer.

Here are my recommendations, which I frequently emphasize to my patients:

Enlarged pores may seem like something you just have to accept, but the reality is different. Today’s aesthetic medicine and science-based skincare give us more options than ever before.
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Will the results come overnight? No.
But do they come with a consistent and personalized approach? Yes – and I’ve seen this repeatedly with my patients.

✨ Sometimes one well-chosen procedure and the right products are enough. Other times, a combined plan is needed. In any case You don’t have to go through this journey alone.