According to a survey conducted by L’Oréal Paris, 45% of women would change the size of their pores if they could, and a third were more concerned about pores than they were wrinkles. This fixation with pore size has led to a new term - ‘porexia’, which dermatologists are using to describe people obsessed with their pores. 

Unfortunately, we can’t change the size of our pores, but there are things we can do to minimise their appearance. Read on to find out more…

Firstly, what are pores?

Our skin contains millions of pores – tiny little openings in the surface of the skin. We have two different types of pores. The first type are hair follicles that house sebaceous glands which produce sebum, a natural oil that lubricates our skin. We have this type of pore all over our body, except on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The second type is a sweat pore, which acts as a duct for sweat glands to help regulate body temperature. These pores are also found all over the body, but are more concentrated in the armpits, groin, hands, and feet.

It is the hair follicle / oil pore that is the main source of our cosmetic discontent!

What influences pores size?

Pore size is largely determined by genetics and skin type. People with fair skin tend to have smaller pores whereas people with olive or darker skin have larger pores. If your skin is dry the pores tend to be almost invisible, but if your skin is oily the pores are more pronounced. Men tend to have larger pores than women, however hormonal changes in women for e.g. during puberty, menstruation or pregnancy can increase the size of the pores.

Other factors that can influence pore size are dead skin cells and excess sebum that become trapped in the pores, forming blackheads and pimples that cause the pore to stretch. Picking at blemishes can also damage the skin and cause the pore to permanently enlarge.

Excessive sun exposure can increase the appearance of pores by reducing collagen which support the pores and keeps them tight. Similarly, the loss of collagen and elastin as we age causes the pores to lose shape and tone.

How to reduce the appearance of pores

• One of the main ways to stop pores from stretching is to keep them clean and unblocked. Thorough cleansing once or twice a day is essential as the more debris there is in the pores, the more they’ll expand. If you chose to cleanse once per day, make sure it’s at night to clear away the day’s build-up of dirt and makeup before going bed. Double cleansing can help as the first cleanse clears away surface dirt, allowing the second to cleanse deeper into the pores. Start off with an oil-based cleanser or our grime-busting Micellar Water to dissolve oil-based dirt then follow with a water-based cleanse to remove sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Use warm, not hot water to rinse your skin clean.
• Use a gentle exfoliator one to three times a week to remove dirt and dead skin cells that can clog the pores. Pay particular attention to the T-Zone area. Take care not to over-exfoliate as this can cause irritation and swelling that can make the pores look bigger.
• Treat your skin to a deep cleansing, detoxifying clay mask. Cosmetic clays such as our French Green Clay or Kaolin Clay can help draw out excess oil and gunk which can clog the pores and make them look up to five times bigger.
• A weekly facial steam before using an exfoliator or a face mask, can help to soften and loosen blockages in the pores, enabling the exfoliator or mask to work more effectively.
• Resist the temptation to squeeze blackheads and blemishes as this can cause further damage to the pores.
• Splash your face with cold water following cleansing, steaming or a face mask to encourage the pores to tighten.
• Use a gentle astringent skin toner such as our 100% pure and natural Witch Hazel Hydrolat to remove excess oil and tighten the pores.
• If your skin is oily – steer clear of fatty fried foods and eat a whole-food diet rich in fresh green vegetables and fresh fruit.
• Drink plenty of water to ensure the skin is properly hydrated - if the skin is dehydrated pores will look bigger. Water helps improve your complexion whatever your pre-disposition.
• Use light, natural moisturisers on the skin, and avoid heavy products containing petrolatum or mineral oil which can irritate and clog the pores and make them look bigger.
• Use very light natural mineral based make-up which allows the skin to breathe. Avoid heavy foundations and always remove your make up before going to bed.
• Wear daily sunscreen to protect against UV damage.

Aromatherapy recipes for enlarged pores

Essential oils can be wonderful for cleansing, balancing, tightening, and regenerating the skin! Here are few recipes to try at home.

Pore Cleansing Facial Steam

Pour 1 litre of hot water (boil kettle and allow to cool slightly) into a bowl or the sink and add 2 drops Rosemary, 2 Fennel, 2 Lemon and 4 Rosewood. Lean over the bowl/sink and drape a towel over your head to keep in the steam. Steam for approx 10 minutes, then splash your face with very cold water when you've finished. DO NOT use facial steaming if you suffer from broken veins.

Exfoliating Face Mask

Mashed Papaya is said to have enzymes that have a naturally astringent effect on the skin when used as a natural face mask.

Or you can try the following: Combine 2 tablespoons of Ultra Fine French Green Clay and 1 teaspoon clear honey and mix to a paste with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Then add 1 teaspoon of finely ground Dead Sea Salt, 1 teaspoon fine pinhead oatmeal, 2 drops Benzoin essential oil, 1 drop Eucalyptus, 2 drops Juniper and 2 drops Geranium.

Massage into the face using small circular motions. Leave on for 10 minutes then wipe off using warm water and a flannel. Splash the face with cold water then cover areas of enlarged pores with an ice-cube to further tonify the skin.

Safety note: If the skin smarts when using the mask remove immediately. Always do a skin patch test before use.

Pore Tightening Skin Toner / Tonic

75ml Rose Hydrolat
25ml Witch Hazel Hydrolat
2 drops Rose essential oil
2 drops Neroli essential oil
8 drops Cypress essential oil
6 drops Cedarwood essential oil

This can be used as a skin toner after cleansing and as a skin spritz - spritzing the face throughout the day can help to keep the pores closed.

Moisturising Lotion

150ml Moisturising Lotion
10 drops Lavender essential oil
8 drops Geranium essential oil
8 drops Cypress essential oil
6 drops Juniper essential oil
2 drops Yarrow essential oil

We hope you've found this article helpful. Please do feel free to contact us if you'd like any further advice on skincare or any other health matter.