Enlarged skin pores

Enlarged skin pores, especially on the nose, chin or forehead, are an aesthetic problem for many people. Even with consistent care, they can become visible, which often leads to frustration. If you want to avoid dermatological treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion or microneedling, there are a number of cosmetic ingredients and methods that can help reduce pore size and refine the skin's appearance.

What are skin pores and what function do they have?

Skin pores are tiny openings in the skin's surface, each containing a hair follicle and a sebaceous gland. Their main function is to supply the skin with sebum, an oily substance that keeps the skin soft and supple. Sebum protects the skin from drying out, harmful environmental influences and contributes to the stability of the skin's own microbiome. This protective layer is made up of lipids such as triglycerides, wax esters, free fatty acids and cholesterol.

Causes of enlarged skin pores

The size of the skin pores depends largely on genetic and external factors. The following causes can play a role:

• Genetic predisposition and skin type: Oily skin often tends to have enlarged pores because they are stretched by excessive sebum production.
• Excess sebum production and clogged pores: When the skin produces too much sebum and this combines with dead skin cells and dirt, blockages occur, which makes the pores appear larger.
• UV radiation: Excessive exposure to sunlight can reduce collagen production in the skin. This causes the skin to lose firmness and elasticity, which leads to enlargement of the pores.
• Smoking: Nicotine promotes skin aging, reduces blood circulation and the oxygen supply to the skin cells. This leads to loss of elasticity and thus to enlarged pores.
• Incorrect skin care: Cleaning products that are too aggressive weaken the skin barrier, dry out the skin and promote the penetration of dirt and bacteria, which can lead to blemishes and inflamed, enlarged pores.
• Skin aging: As we age, our skin loses elasticity, which makes our pores appear larger.

Effective ingredients for pore refinement

To reduce enlarged pores and improve skin structure, the following active ingredients can be helpful:

• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): Niacinamide has an anti-inflammatory effect, soothes redness and regulates sebum production. It also strengthens the skin barrier, which can refine the skin's appearance and minimize enlarged pores.
• Bakuchiol (plant-based retinol): Bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient with similar effects to retinol, stimulates collagen production and promotes cell renewal. This tightens the skin and makes pores appear smaller.
• Willow Bark Extract: This natural ingredient contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into pores and cleanses them. Willow bark helps remove dead skin cells and refines the skin's texture.
• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid provides intensive moisture, plumps the skin and smoothes the appearance of enlarged pores.
• Lactic acid (AHA): Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently removes dead skin cells and smoothes the skin's appearance. The improved skin structure makes the pores appear finer.

Practical tips for preventing enlarged pores

Regular and targeted care can help to minimize pore size in the long term:

• Consistent skin cleansing: Cleanse your face thoroughly in the morning and evening to remove sebum, dead skin cells and dirt. This prevents blockages and inflammation.
• Use non-comedogenic products: Non-comedogenic skin care products are specially formulated not to clog pores. They are particularly suitable for skin types that are prone to blemishes and acne.
• Strengthen the skin barrier: An intact skin barrier is essential for a healthy moisture balance. Products with moisturizing ingredients such as myrto DMS day creams or night creams support the natural skin barrier.
• Sun protection: UV radiation can enlarge pores, so daily sun protection is essential. The myrto Sunshine Day Oil protects the skin from UV rays without hindering vitamin D production. A mineral sunscreen without nanoparticles can also be applied to protect the skin from light-induced skin aging.
• Regular exfoliation: For oily skin, exfoliators containing alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) can help remove dead skin cells and cleanse pores. These chemical exfoliators promote a smooth skin surface and a refined complexion.
• Diet and behavior: A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and adequate water intake supports skin health. Also, avoid touching your face often to minimize the transmission of bacteria.

Enlarged pores are often genetic, but can be minimized with the right care and conscious behavior. By using products with targeted pore-refining ingredients and establishing a gentle care routine, you can sustainably improve the appearance of your skin and reduce the appearance of your pores.