5 Causes of Large Pores & 6 Effective Ways to Overcome

close up aesthetic beauty half face portrait

Large pores are one of the most common skin concerns faced by many people, both men and women. Although pores are a natural part of the skin’s structure, their enlarged appearance can make the face look less smooth and oilier. Various factors, ranging from genetics to lifestyle, can contribute to the appearance of larger pores.

But don’t worry! With the right care, you can manage and minimize the appearance of pores to achieve healthier and more glowing skin. In this article, we will discuss the five main causes of large pores and six effective ways to address them. Keep reading for a full explanation!

Causes of Large Pores

Pores are a natural part of the skin that serve as a passage for oil (sebum) and sweat. However, several factors can cause pores to appear larger and more visible. Here are the five main causes of large pores that you need to know:

1. Excess Sebum Production

Skin that produces excessive oil often has larger pores. Excess oil can mix with dirt and dead skin cells, leading to clogged and stretched pores. Over time, these stretched pores become more noticeable and difficult to return to their original size.

Many people believe that oily skin does not need a moisturizer, but a lack of hydration can actually trigger even more oil production as a protective mechanism. Therefore, maintaining skin hydration with the right products can help control sebum production and prevent enlarged pores.

Solution: Use a gentle facial cleanser and choose a water-based moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without increasing oil production.

2. Genetic Factors

Genetics play a significant role in determining the size of your pores. If your parents have large pores, it is likely that you will experience the same issue. This is due to inherited skin structure, including oil production and skin elasticity.

Although this condition cannot be changed, it can still be managed with proper skincare. Using skincare products that cleanse and care for the skin can help minimize the appearance of pores and prevent them from becoming more prominent.

Solution: Regularly cleanse your face thoroughly, use a toner that can shrink pores, and maintain skin moisture with a lightweight moisturizer.

Immortelle Precious Emulsion from loccitane

One of L’Occitane’s toners that can help hydrate the skin and minimize pores is Immortelle Precious Emulsion. This lightweight emulsion is enriched with antioxidants to hydrate and smooth the skin for up to 8 hours. Formulated for oily to combination skin, this emulsion helps reduce the appearance of pores, smooth skin texture, and enhance brightness and hydration.

3. Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure can damage collagen and elastin in the skin. Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that keep the skin firm and supple. When collagen is damaged, the skin loses its firmness, making pores appear larger and more visible.

Additionally, UV rays can accelerate aging and cause dark spots or uneven skin texture. Therefore, it is essential to always protect your skin with sunscreen to prevent further damage.

Solution: Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even when indoors. Choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen to avoid clogging pores.

4. Aging and Reduced Skin Elasticity

As you age, the production of collagen in your skin naturally decreases. Collagen serves as the “foundation” that maintains the skin’s structure and firmness. When collagen levels drop, the skin begins to sag, making pores appear larger.

Additionally, skin regeneration slows down with age. As a result, dead skin cells accumulate more easily on the skin’s surface, clogging pores and making them appear larger.

Solution: Use anti-aging products containing retinol, peptides, or vitamin C to help stimulate collagen production and maintain skin elasticity.

5. Poor Lifestyle Choices

Healthy skin is not only dependent on skincare products but also on daily lifestyle habits. Some bad habits that can enlarge pores include:

Lack of sleep: Sufficient sleep is crucial for skin regeneration. Lack of sleep can slow down skin repair, making your face look dull and pores more visible.
Excessive sugar consumption: High-sugar foods can damage collagen and elastin in the skin, causing a loss of firmness and making pores appear larger.
Not drinking enough water: Proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and control oil production.

Solution: Ensure you get enough sleep, reduce sugar and oily food intake, and drink plenty of water daily.

How to Effectively Minimize Pores

Although pore size cannot be completely eliminated, there are several ways to help reduce their appearance, making the skin look smoother and healthier. Here are six effective steps you can try:

1. Properly Cleansing Your Face

Cleansing your face is the first and most important step in pore care. Use a facial cleanser that suits your skin type to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup residue that can clog pores.

However, avoid scrubbing your face too harshly, as it can damage the skin barrier and cause irritation. Use warm water instead of hot water to maintain the skin’s natural moisture.

Reine Blanche Intense Foam from loccitane

One recommended gentle and natural facial cleanser from L’Occitane is Reine Blanche Intense Foam. This product not only cleanses the face but also helps enhance skin brightness, soften texture, and even out skin tone.

2. Regular Exfoliation to Remove Dead Skin Cells

Regular exfoliation helps clear out dead skin cells that can clog pores. Use exfoliating products containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to deeply cleanse pores and prevent breakouts.

However, exfoliation should be done only 1-2 times a week to avoid irritation or dehydration. You can use Reine Blanche Exfoliating Mask from L’Occitane.

Reine Blanche Exfoliating Mask from loccitane

This 2-in-1 exfoliating mask smooths, brightens, and minimizes the appearance of pores. It contains jojoba beads for gentle exfoliation and Meadowsweet Flower extract, which helps even out skin tone. Use it as a scrub or mask to remove dirt and dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smoother, fresher, and more radiant.

3. Using the Right Moisturizer

Many people with oily skin avoid using moisturizers, fearing they will make their skin even oilier. However, moisturizers actually help balance skin hydration, reducing excess oil production and preventing pores from enlarging.

Choose a light, water-based moisturizer if you have oily skin, or a ceramide and hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer for dry skin.

4. Protecting Skin from Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure can damage skin elasticity and make pores appear larger. Therefore, always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even when indoors.

Choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t clog pores and is comfortable for daily use, such as Reine Blanche Illuminating UV Shield SPF50 from L’Occitane. This sunscreen has a soft texture that protects the skin from UV rays while brightening and evening out skin tone.

Reine Blanche Illuminating UV Shield SPF50 from loccitane

Formulated with Meadowsweet extract, this sunscreen provides optimal protection while keeping the skin radiant. With a smooth and comfortable finish, it is ideal for daily use to maintain healthy and glowing skin.

5. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy skin starts from a healthy body. Some habits that naturally help minimize pores include:

Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night) to support skin regeneration.
Reducing sugar and oily foods that can damage collagen in the skin.
Consuming antioxidant-rich foods, such as green vegetables and fruits, to nourish the skin from within.

6. Starting an Anti-Aging Routine Early

Anti-aging treatments are not just for those over 30. Using face serums and essences with collagen, retinol, or hyaluronic acid early on can help maintain skin elasticity and reduce pore size.

One recommended anti-aging product from L’Occitane is Immortelle Divine Oil. This face oil is designed to reduce wrinkles, enhance skin firmness, and even out skin tone.

anti-aging product immortelle divine oil from loccitane

Enriched with a high concentration of Immortelle Essential Oil and Immortelle Super Extract, this oil serves as a natural alternative to retinol to combat signs of aging. With a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture, it delivers an instant glow and improves skin elasticity over time.

By consistently following these steps, you can reduce the appearance of large pores and achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin.

Large pores can be caused by various factors, including excess oil production and aging. However, with the right skincare routine, you can control and minimize their appearance.

Maintaining skin cleanliness, using the appropriate facial moisturizer, protecting the skin from UV exposure, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the key steps to achieving smoother and healthier skin.