KOR
ENG
CHNAcne & pores
Why do my pores look enlarged?
In photos, the pores on your cheeks and beside your nose stand out. Makeup lifts and your skin texture looks rough, which bothers you, and it is frustrating that care does not seem to change things much.
There is not just one reason pores look enlarged. Knowing which factors are involved shows what to check first.
Why do pores look enlarged?
Pores are the channels through which oil and sweat come out, and on the skin surface they look like small holes. In areas with active oil secretion (the nose, inner cheeks, forehead), pores are often relatively easy to notice.
In addition, if oil and dead skin build up and block the pore opening, the pores may look larger, and as skin elasticity decreases with age, pores may sag and look stretched into an oval shape. Inborn factors also affect pore size.
| Factor | How pores come to look enlarged | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Oil secretion | With a lot of oil, the pore opening stands out | Shine in the T-zone, face-washing habits |
| Dead skin and oil buildup | Pores are blocked and look swollen | Makeup residue, cleansing method |
| Reduced elasticity | Pores sag and look oval | Age, history of sun exposure |
| Changes after inflammation | Changes after acne make them look irregular | History of acne |
What care can I do at home?
The basics are gentle face washing and moisturizing. Washing too much or rubbing can dry the skin and may make it feel as if even more oil is produced, and squeezing pores or scraping them with tools can cause irritation and marks.
Sun protection is basic care that helps keep elasticity from declining earlier. For exfoliating products, it is good to decide whether to use them, and how often, according to your skin condition.
What do we check at the clinic?
At the visit, we check whether the main factor behind the enlarged look is oil secretion, blockage, reduced elasticity, or a history of acne. The approach differs by cause, so even with the same pore concern, the plan may differ.
Several factors often overlap, so rather than expecting one method to solve it, it is good to check step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can I use pore packs or nose strips?
A. They may irritate and dry the skin, so it is good to decide carefully whether to use them. It depends on your skin condition, so please check at a consultation.
Q. Will washing my face several times a day shrink my pores?
A. Washing more often or rubbing hard can weaken the skin barrier and instead cause irritation. The general guideline is to wash gently with a mild cleanser about twice a day.
Q. Do pores get larger with age?
A. As elasticity decreases, pores may look stretched. However, it differs from person to person, and lifestyle habits and sun protection can also have an effect.
