What Causes Open Pores on Your Face and How Can You Reduce Them?

Lately, we’ve been getting loads of anxious questions from customers (like you) about reducing pore size. Sure, pores play an important role in the appearance of your skin. But the truth is that pores tend to expand with age; it’s a natural process that everyone goes through.

And here’s the thing, it is simply impossible for your skin to function healthily without pores. Embracing the fact that everyone has pores and they are here to stay can help you to get the most out of your remarkable skin.

What are open pores?

Pores are home to hair follicles and where sebum (the oil that your skin produces) is made by “sebaceous glands.” Looking close enough, you can see the hair follicle pores with your naked eye, unlike sweat pores that are too small to see. Pores are always open to allow for the oil and hair follicle to surface, no matter whether you have oily skin dry skin. Everyone has these pores all over their body except on the soles of their feet and on the palms of their hands. The nose is a key area where most people notice enlarged or clogged pores. Those who have experienced acne or pimples on the face probably feel more conscious of this.

When the pores on your skin are tight, it can cause more light to be reflected thus appearing more youthful and healthy. The oil that your skin produces can become trapped inside your pores, oxidising and turning the skin darker. Different skin types, genetics as well as your age can have an impact on pore size but they are as important to your skin's wellbeing as water, necessary for the health of each individual skin cell and your whole body.

What Happens to Pores As We Age?

Before we reach our 30s, our skin goes through a monthly process of shedding known as “desquamation.” All of the dead skin, debris and oil that are found on the surface become trapped inside the pores and your skin expands to fit all of this excess matter. During this period in your life, your pores stay relatively clear and clean due to the desquamation process.

While the process continues after your 30, it does slow down. This results in your pores taking on more excess material before clearing naturally. They can expand and appear much larger than they are.

What part does Collagen and Elastin play in this?

The elastin and collagen that support your pores diminish over time causing your pores to sag and stretch, making them seem larger. Collagen and elastin supplies can further be affected by excessive sun. This may be why many people first notice enlarged pores on their nose, which often takes the brunt of the sun's rays.

What are the common misconceptions about open pores?

A leading misconception about open pores is that you can shrink or close them. The truth is that no amount of wishing can close or shrink pores. They need to be opened to allow your skin areas where sebum and other materials to leave the skin, keeping it healthy. The only thing that you can do is to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores by cleansing the debris, such as daily dirt or makeup that has been trapped inside of the open pore, making them less visible to the naked eye.

Another common misconception about pores on the skin is that you can use steam to open them. All that steaming does is help to loosen the debris trapped inside making it easier to clear. That being said, it is advised to use professional products as improper cleansing can lead to skin irritation. Less is more in this situation as harsher products can have an adverse effect on delicate skin. Pore size, as we have discussed, is determined by age, skin type and genetics.

Most of us have tried a wide variety of products in our search to find the best 'pore minimiser,' particularly those of us who have experienced acne. When it comes to skin care, it's only natural to assume that the stronger a product is, the more likely it is to reduce the effect of large pores. There really is no need to go to the lengths of a harsh scrub or chemical peel. The wrong products won't help to clear a clogged skin pore, they're actually more likely to cause further issues, such as irritation and pimples.

Open pores and your beauty

Without open, functioning pores, your skin simply wouldn’t function as it should. Getting rid of the debris that blocks your pores is a key ingredient to healthy looking skin. By working with your pores instead of against them, discovering a radiant skin complexion is possible.

Whatever your skin ph, whether you have dry skin or oily skin, removing any makeup or dirt gently and carefully is a good start.

Which products would a skin therapist recommend for open pores?

Jersey Beauty Company can help you to gain control over your skin, allowing you to age gracefully and beautifully.

The company celebrates beauty at all ages with its range of skin care products designed to be suitable for all skin types including sensitive, dry, mature and combination skin. They can provide you with a range of Cleansers, Exfoliators Moisturisers and Treatments.

Cleansers: Guinot Lait Hydra Fraicheur - A gel-cream lotion that is suitable for all skin types.
Exfoliators: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - A rice-based powder that removes debris from pores and stimulates cell renewal.
Moisturiser: Guinot Crème Hydra Finish - A SPF15 cream with mallow extract that has emollient and hydrating properties.
Treatments: Decleor Aromessence Ylang Ylang Oil Serum - A blend of 100% natural oils ideal for oily and combination skin

The Jersey Beauty Company offers many more great products and treatments by all of the top brands including Dermalogica, Decleor, Mary Cohr, Guinot and more.

Daily Microfoliant Exfoliatorgentle, brightening polisherSkin74g: £65.00

DIY tips for unblocking open pores

Hot or warm water can help to loosen the debris in your pores making it easier to remove. Remember, hot or warm water does not open pores on your face and cold or cool water does not close them. Cold or cool water can help to reduce the excess natural oil that your pores produce.

Think about every delicate skin cell and skin pore when cleansing. It's important to use a circular motion and a gentle product, such as a cotton ball, when doing this.

Perfect Christmas Gifts

Why not treat yourself or someone you love to a gift that will not only pamper their skin but reduce the appearance of their open pores - who wouldn’t want that gift! Here is a selection of some of the fabulously festive Dermalogica gift sets that include Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

Perfect Christmas Gifts

Dermalogica Travel Bright

The perfect taster of Dermalogica’s #1 powder exfoliant

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Dermalogica Cleanse and Glow to go

All you need to feel ultra-clean on the fly with travel-size versions of our Double Cleanse technique and our #1 powder exfoliant. Set includes Precleanse, Special Cleansing Gel and Daily Microfoliant.

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Dermalogica Our Best and Brightest

All you need to brighten and hydrate the skin! Set includes 3 of the Dermalogica Heroes, Daily Microfoliant, Skin Smoothing Cream and Biolumin C Serum

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