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Enlarged pores are a familiar subject from teenagers to adults. It mainly happens on oily skin and results from several causes like aging, genetics, dead skin cells, and much more. If you suffer from this issue, it is important to know how to treat enlarged pores that look like a hole.
There are several ways to treat enlarged pores like professional treatment, homemade treatments, and changing skincare routine. Daily skincare routine and leading a healthy lifestyle can help you minimize enlarged pores.
To understand the perfect treatment of your enlarged pores that look like a hole, you should know what they are and their several causes. With more tips and tricks, let’s learn more about it below!
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What Are Enlarged Pores? Let’s talk about this…
Pores on the skin surface are important to release toxins from our body and keep our skin soft and smooth. There are two kinds of pores: oil pores & Sweat Pores.
The oil pores release sebum. The excess sebum or natural oil production enlarges the face’s pores. This kind of pore in the hair follicles can spread over the skin. It can enlarge and cause so much embarrassment.
The oil-release pores look enlarged and sometimes appear like a hole. Enlarged pores are gloominess in the skin of the face, which appears widened and are visible noticeably even in naked eyes.
Without excess oil production, the dead skin cells or dirt can trap in our skin which causes pores to increase in size.
Those pores with acne, combination and oily skin see enlarged pores on the skin surface. It can be caused for several reasons like sebum, bacteria, sunburn damage, too much makeup, blackheads, or incorrect skin care products.
Who Gets Enlarged Pores? It affect both males and females
Enlarged pores are more common, which makes our skin dull and unhealthy. It can affect both males and females of all ages. Enlarged pores can also be seen in ethnic groups.
Some particular ethnic groups of African and Indian origin may have larger pores. But it is real that in women, the pore size can fluctuate during the menstrual cycle time. With the larger size, pores can be seen even in women’s ovulation cycle.
How to Identify Large Pores? Doctors’ Thought
Large pores in the face normally can appear in naked eyes. The size range of the large pores is around 250 to 500 micrometers.
However, the size can vary based on skin tone or age.There is no exact agreement to consider the pore’s large size.
Dr. Downie says, “There is no specific measurement in the visual and subjective assessment.”
Some experienced dermatologists apply the particular technique to help us consider the pore size.
According to experts, a clinical study revealed that a dermatoscopy can be used to measure the pore size. This tool is used to magnify and polarize light to gain an accurate assessment of the pore size.
What Should Consider Before The Pore Hole Eradication Treatment? Top 6 things to consider
After knowing the large pores, it is essential to focus on some vital facts that guide you in which direction you have to go to get rid of enlarged pores:
· The size of large pores
· The areas where pores appearance
· Skin types
· The cause of enlarged pores
· Treatment
· Costing of treatment
Those facts are important to consider before making a good plan to start your enlarged pores treatment.
What Causes Enlarged Pores On Skin? Top 11 Common reasons
While most know that oily skin releases excess sebum that causes enlarged pores, it isn’t true.
A National Institute of Health study proved that enlarged pores are most caused by excess sebum, decreased skin elasticity, and increased hair follicle volume.
Aside from those reasons for enlarging pore, there are more that looks like a hole; some of them are listed below:
1. Excess Sebum Production
The excess sebum merges with the dead skin cells or dirt that clogs the pores that look large and a big hole on your skin.
2. Loss of Skin Elasticity
Growing older? None can avoid it, right? As we become growers, our skin’s elasticity starts to decrease gradually. And the loss of elasticity is another reason for enlarged pores that look bigger than usual.
In the aging process, the enlarged pore is a normal part that makes your skin look stretched and saggy.
3. Excess Sun Exposure
Collagen production is very important to keep your skin soft and healthy. Excessive sun exposure thickens your skin and reduces and damages the collagen with elasticity.
As a result, your skin faces many issues like crinkles, reduced water-level skin, and enlarged pores.
4. Genetic Issue
Yes, genetics plays a significant role also in determining the pore size and skin type. If your parents have enlarged pores, there is a higher chance that you will face this issue too.
Genes are also responsible for growing pore size and opening them around the necks, forehead, or nose. If you don’t take care of them properly, they will be worse at a time.
5. Oily Skin
Oily skin type has a higher chance of appearing with large pores like a hole. In oily skin, the pores usually keep wide open, pouring out huge amounts of oil. Reducing the oiliness of the skin this type of size can minimize.
6. Ageing Factor
Increasing with age, our skin starts losing collagen and elasticity; it is natural. Then the pores initiate getting exhausted, and they become enlarged.

7. Large Volume Hair Follicles
Every hair encloses a follicle located under the pores. The pores are opening the hair follicles. When the hair follicle volume enlarges, the pores will also be large.
8. Gender
Biologically men’s skin is thicker, which makes them large pores. But in the case of women, the large pores create due to hormonal changes. And it mainly occurs during pregnancy, teenage years, women’s ovulation cycle, and menstruation.
9. Constant Blackheads
The blocked pores, dead skin cells, and sebum are the reasons for blackheads. Constant blackheads can produce large pores.
The blackheads not only make the facial pores look large but also increase the size of the pores permanently.
10. Clogged Pores
Excessive oil production and dead skin cells can trap the pores, which look large, just like a hole. Regular washing can prevent blackheads and traps, which help you to free from large volume pores.
11. Comedogenic Products
Skincare products containing mineral oils can trap or clog the pores, resulting in blackheads. They can add more excess oil to your skin and enhance the size of pores.
How To Minimize Enlarged Pores? 12 Ways That Works
By changing your skincare routine, you can minimize the enlarged pores that look like a hole. Below are some performances that will help you get a nice look without large pores.
1. Use Cleanser Daily
Soil, excess oil, dust, and other unwanted debris regularly lead to clogged pores. So, it is best to wash your face daily when needed.
The AAD (American Academy of Dermatology Association) recommends washing your face daily twice or thrice using the right cleanser.
The cleanser should match your skin type like acne skin, oily, combination, dry, or normal skin.

For example, oily skin requires salicylic acid to remove excess oil and minimize large pores. But for dry skin, alpha hydroxy acid is the best cleanser that moisturizes the skin and reduces the pores.
Experts suggest always using gel-based cleanser instead of oil-based or alcohol-based.
2. Use Mask Weekly
Oily skin needs clay masks to absorb excess oil and restore the natural glow in the skin. The clay is kaolin, natural clay which can mix with skin formulation.
It performs better to draw out the excess sebum from your skin deeply. This process can minimize the large pores and make them look smaller instantly.
A clay mask fits with your skin best, mixing with other elements. For example, sulfur is a natural antibacterial that fights against acne, and the charcoal powder draws up the additional oil.

Then, the Vitamin E replenishes your skin and moisturizes, and the pumpkin enzyme regenerates your skin and refines the pore size.
The best way to apply the mask is once or twice a week. It helps you to avoid skin irritation or any harm to your skin. You should choose the mask based on your skin type so that your large pores minimize easily.
3. Use Moisturizer Daily
Moisturizing your oily skin daily can decrease the excess producing oil or make your skin dry, which can be responsible for acne and large pores. The oil-free moisturizer can reduce the enlargement of the pores.
Wash and pat your skin and apply the moisturizer to hydrate and soften your skin. It lets the oil penetrate your skin from the sebaceous glands instead of staying on the pores.
In this process, moisturizer removes pores from trapping with oil decreasing their appearance.
4. Use Collagen Produce products.
Add some collagen produced skincare items to your skincare routine. For example:
· Retinol: Vitamin A minimizes the large pores by improving the cell turnover and unclogging pores.
· Antioxidant: It means Vitamin C, which boosts collagen production besides saving for photodamage that also causes enlarged pores.
· Alpha Hydroxy Acid: It is also known as glycolic acid, and it helps regenerate collagen and exfoliates your dead skin.
5. Use Sunscreen
Too much sunlight makes the skin less supple and makes the pores look bigger, dermatologist Chasin says.
Wear a broadband sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or over daily. Also, you should use a broad-brimmed hat to avoid excess sunlight from 11 am to 3 pm.
6. Remove Makeup At Night
Never get on your bed to sleep with makeup. Leaving makeup on the surface for a full night traps or clogs your skin pores and builds up bacteria that cause large pores.
Use a face pack to remove the makeup clearly from deeply! So your skin can take a breath and don’t get any chance of enlarged pores.
7. Dermatologist Treatments
When the above treatments aren’t performed and are effective for enlarged pores, you could take advantage by contacting a dermatologist to discuss some additional options.
8. Chemical Peels
A chemical Peel is a safety solution to remove the outer surface of your face and encourage the growth of new. It offers a healthy-looking skin and performs deeper exfoliation than face scrubbers and cleaners.
Dr. Downie says, “This exfoliation fights to get out the sebum from the pores, which reduces the volume and looks small in size.”
Chemical peels perform better to appear less aging, unclog pores, moisturize the dry skin, treat blackheads, and diminish the sun damage.
9. Retinoids
Most dermatologists prescribe potent retinoids, especially when you have acne.
“Retinoids increase the speed of cellular return and force additional sebum out of the pores.”
One study proved that retinoids are more effective in decreasing the appearance of large pores.
So you can use a pea-sized amount of retinoid on the skin after cleansing your face at night.
10. Microdermabrasion
This non-invasive process also performs like a chemical peel to remove the top layer of the skin and renew a layer firmer, more elastic, and smooth in form.
It reduces excess oil production and regenerates healthy skin, minimizing the large pores.
11. Laser
Laser technology is the most effective and highly developed treatment for enlarged pores that look like a hole. It performs better by producing collagen, tightening the pores, and looks nice on your skin.

Dr. Gallacher suggests two types of laser for enlarged pores: The Vbeam Laser and CO2 Laser. He says both lasers are more effective and take less time to recover the large pores than traditional resurfacing processes.
Some expert skin clinics suggest using laser technology approved by USFDA, which is safe and proficient for the skin.
12. Antiandrogens
Antiandrogens help control excess sebum production and significantly reduce the pore size. But before going to take this treatment, you should consult with a doctor or dermatologist, obviously.
6 Best Home Remedies to treat enlarged pores that looks like a hole
Unpleasant or unwanted large pores can be shrunk and treated with home remedies. Below have some effective home remedies to minimize enlarged pores:
1. Rubbing Ice Cubes
Ice cubes are the most effective and fruitful way to shrink large pores instantly. The ice has the power to tighten and minimize the enlarged pores. It even boosts healthy skin increasing the blood circulation in the face.
2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
It is one type of natural skin toner. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, which are the best treatment for acne breakouts.
It re-establishes the pH balance of your skin, which tightens your skin and reduces the large pores.
3. White Portion of Egg
For getting rid of excess oil production, tightening the skin of the face, and improving the skin tone, using the white portion of the egg is a wonderful and amazing remedy. To get a better result, you can apply this thing twice a week.
4. Scrubbing Sugar
For exfoliating your skin, scrubbing sugar is the most effective home remedy. Scrubbing sugar on the face twice or thrice a week is a great way to reduce the large pores by flinging out the gunk.
Tip: You can use a few drops of olive oil with sugar to make this scrub.
5. Baking Soda
As the best home remedies, baking soda is also known to us. It helps your skin tighten and shrink the large pores balancing pH level. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties reduce pimples and acne.
6. Multani Mitti
For oily skin, Multani mitti is the best home remedy worldwide. It exfoliates your skin and easily absorbs the excess oil, which helps fix the enlarged pores.
Tips: Do’s & Don’ts for treat enlarge pores
Do’s
· Stop using wrong products that block pores and produce excess oil
· Use a mild and water-based facial cleanser to reduce block pores.
· Use liquid form or exfoliant with BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) to avoid irritating and excess sebum.
· Use oil-absorbing products with wearing your makeup
· Choose the skin care products that contain antioxidants that help your skin to protect from any harmful facts.
· Pick vitamin B3, including products that are perfect and concern any skin. It helps minimize enlarged pores, soften skin, and fight fine lines and wrinkles.
· Save your skin from sunlight using UV rays products. It distorts the pores, and it is tough to discharge the sebum and enlarged pores.
· Maintain a balanced diet and lead a healthy lifestyle
· Drink water sufficiently that you need it for a whole day
Don’ts
· Don’t use bar soap to wash your skin that clogs the pores
· Avoid thick or greasy creams when your skin is oily
· Skip water-soluble cleansers that contain harsh ingredients. It makes your oiliness worse.
· Don’t use harsh scrubs, and cleanse with stiff bristles.
· Never go to bed without washing off the makeup.
· Don’t pick the wrong makeup items or kits that do not suit your skin type
FAQs: Enlarged pore that looks like a hole
Question 1: Can You Actually Shrink Your Pores?
Unfortunately, some skin care products and treatments can shrink your enlarged pores, but it isn’t permanent.
Luckily the pores haven’t come genetically; some advanced treatments are determined to minimize the pores. The pores minimize products, only plumping the collagen surrounding the pores.
Question 2. What Can Dermatologists Do For Large Pores?
Experts and a professional dermatologist can examine and test your skin. Then they will suggest what to do to tighten your skin and shrink enlarged pores that look like a hole. There are a lot of advanced procedures that the dermatologist has done officially.
Question 3. What Foods Reduce Enlarged Pores On Face?
Cucumber, tomato, oats & milk, turmeric, and lemon are the best way to say goodbye to the enlarged pores on your face. Even the white portion of eggs performs better in minimizing open pores or large ugly pores.
Question 4. Does Botox Reduce Pore Size?
Micro-Botox treatment has more advantages in effectively reducing large pores, for example, shrinking large pores, prominent facial pores, and reversing signs of aging. It is a non-surgical treatment that has a lower risk without downtime.
Question 5. Does Retinol Reduce Pore Size?
A study proved that retinol cream reduces pore size, fights against black and whiteheads, and improves skin tone.
Takeaway!
Though large pores are a genetic issue, there are a lot of causes like overproduction of sebum, decreased skin elasticity, and aging.
The above-advanced treatment with some effective home remedies is the best procedure to shrink enlarged pores that look like a hole.
If you seek the best way for your enlarged pores, you can choose any treatment from above. I hope you can get any treatment that you require.
Minimize your enlarged pores and enjoy your healthy skin!
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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