Using products with retinoids Derivatives of vitamin A called retinoids may reduce sebum production and pore size.
Washing your face twice daily eliminates excess sebum and grime from the skin. A non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the face nourished without blocking pores. Using blotting papers might help you eliminate extra sebum all day. Clay masks can assist in drawing out extra oil and sebum from the skin.
How do Pores Get Clogged with Sebum? Clogged pores usually result from glands producing too much oil, and excess sebum leads to skin irritation. Some people experience enlarged pores, acne, blackheads, or inflammation, but everyone is different. A lack of exfoliation is another reason sebum may clog your pores.
Can you reduce pore size? As your pore size is mostly a result of your genetics, you can't permanently shrink them. However, you can minimize their appearance by keeping them clear of oil and debris and boosting your skin's collagen and elastin.
Pore size is genetically determined, so you can't actually shrink pores. You can use pore-minimizing products, cooling treatments and products containing vitamin B3, niacinamide, picolinamide, zinc oxide and collagen to attempt to minimize the appearance of pores.
Regular use of a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliant for sebaceous filaments can really help, because BHA is oil-soluble and can dissolve sebum and other substances crowding the pore lining. Use of a well-formulated clay face mask for sebaceous filaments might also help due to the clay's oil-absorbing properties.
If a person squeezes or 'extracts' a sebaceous filament, a white or yellow worm-like structure may ooze out. Or, the filament may not produce anything. Trying to extract sebaceous filaments can injure the skin and cause scarring. It can also damage and stretch the pore, making it appear bigger.
Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum.
You've probably heard that squeezing or picking at a pimple is not a great idea, and the same goes for sebum plugs. By squeezing, you can push the contents deeper into the skin or break the pimple open, which allows the bacteria inside the pimple to spread and any bacteria on your hands to enter the pore.
There are many different types of B vitamins that protect the skin, but B6 and B12 vitamins are good for oily skin and excessive sebum production.
Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are like a vitamin C power-up for your skin. Vitamin C is a superhero here, boosting collagen production and making your pores less noticeable. Plus, these fruits have natural acids that gently exfoliate, keeping your pores clear and happy.
Isotretinoin has the potential to decrease the size and secretion activity of sebaceous glands, reducing sebum production levels by up to 90%. In the majority of patients results are long-lasting as most patients report significant suppression of sebum production one year after treatment.
You should avoid squeezing your sebaceous filaments. Sebaceous filaments are natural, and if you manage to squeeze out sebum, your pores will fill up again within 30 days. Your skin is sensitive, and your nails are much stronger than your skin.
Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.
Use Salicylic Acid
“Salicylic acid is your go-to ingredient if you have sebaceous filaments. It's a beta-hydroxy acid that helps remove excess oil and exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin to keep the pores clear,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Apple cider vinegar can be used to treat acne and blemishes. Thanks to its antimicrobial power—due to the presence of malic acid—it regulates the production of sebum, helping to fight pimples and blackheads.
Topical treatments can help to address excess sebum production at the source. These include over-the-counter green tea emulsions, and salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide products. But your options don't stop there. Prescription options: Sebaceous glands connect to your hair follicles.
Vitamin A deficiency is a common cause of open pores on the skin. Vitamin A plays an important role in promoting cell turnover, which helps keep your pores clear and free from debris. When you don't get enough vitamin A, it can lead to clogged and enlarged pores that are difficult to treat.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Toner
ACV is a natural astringent that helps tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Mix equal parts of ACV and water, and apply it to your face using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
A serum with salicylic acid is the best face serum for open pores as it gently exfoliates dead skin cells, reduces excess oil, and removes blackheads and whiteheads. It helps to unclog pores and prevent them from enlarging.