Pores can appear to grow in size as we age, due to depletion of collagen and elastin in the skin making it a little less tight.” So while you can't get rid of pores permanently, or shrink them past their natural size, you can do a lot to prevent any texture from becoming overly pronounced.
The bad news is that pore size is genetically determined, so you can't actually shrink pores. However, some products and treatments can minimize the appearance of pores, but none of them are permanent solutions. Pore-minimizing products work by stimulating and plumping the collagen that surrounds pores.
The main cause of enlarged pores is excessive sebum production. Each pore contains a sebaceous (oil) gland that secretes sebum. And when sebaceous glands produce excess oil, it leads to oily skin. Although sebum acts as a natural moisturiser for the skin; excess production is a big problem.
“Since cold water tightens your pores, bacteria and debris can get trapped and won't clear out as easily as using warm water,” explains Knapp. She recommends washing your face with lukewarm water first as a way to remove any makeup and pollutants from the day.
Apply a facial pore cleanser with salicylic acid nightly. "It's a beta hydroxy acid that has increased solubility in oil and can travel deep within pores," Dr. Feely says. You can also talk to your dermatologist about a stronger in-office chemical peel to further clear out pores.
Starting your shave with hot water is good because it opens the pores and softens your hair—but you need to close those pores after you shave or else dirt and crud will get in your pores and cause acne. Do you want acne?
By cleansing with water only, you're less likely to over-strip the skin's natural oil and therefore reduce the risk of damaging your skin barrier. Cleansing your face with water only not only reduces the oil-stripping action but also the physical rubbing action, which would reduce irritation to the skin.
“In terms of whether we should stop washing our faces altogether, the answer will most likely always be no,” says David Lortscher, MD, a San Diego dermatologist. “But washing your face with a cleanser can be skipped every once in awhile. Some people prefer to simply rinse their face with water and no cleanser.
Pore size is primarily genetic, but other factors may also come into play. The most common causes of large pores are high sebum secretion and decreased skin elasticity. Other factors include chronic acne, hormonal differences, sun damage, smoking, radiodermatitis and vitamin A deficiency.
The Skin-Compromising Consequences
“Squeezing, picking, pulling, prodding—all of that can stretch the elastic around the pores, which makes them wider and larger, and they won't bounce back into shape. Ultimately, your pores will look larger and become increasingly more visible.