Is There a Connection Between Acne and Larger Skin Pores?

Acne is among the biggest beauty woes. All the theories and concepts that explain the causes of acne tell us that clogged skin-pores harbor bacteria and lead to inflammation. Does the pore size matter? Probably yes, because the larger the pores, the higher the oil secretion and greater the susceptibility to acne. Read on to learn how to deal with large pores and the resultant acne-prone oily skin.

Large facial pores can be attributed to several reasons, including genetics, aging, gender, nutrition, stress, health conditions and improper skin-care regimen. Those who are genetically inclined to large or open pores must turn to precautionary skin care measures instead of searching for corrective measures after the pores enlarge. When it comes to aging, your skin produces lesser quantities of collagen and elastin as you age so as to lose its tightened appearance. Hence, loss of skin elasticity, along with sun exposure can distend the pores and make them look bigger. Women go through different stages of hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, so their skin pores are more prone to enlargement.

If you have overactive oil glands on your skin, and you don't maintain a proper skincare regimen, continual oozing of oil and clogging of skin pores will eventually cause your pores to lose their elasticity. This leads to open pores, which render a pale look. When compared to oily and combination skin types, normal and dry skin complexions have smaller pores. However, overly dry skin is prone to clogged pores.

And now for the remedy, if you have enlarged pores and are suffering from acne, the best approach to solve both the problems is to follow the right skincare routine. Twice-a-day cleansing is widely recommended, but make sure to use warm water and avoid scrubbing. Pat-dry after washing. For milder cleansing, opt for products containing benzoyl peroxide rather than salicylic acid because the former controls oil and bacteria, while the latter mildly exfoliates the skin surface to unclog pores, check acne and improve the skin tone.

The most common side-effect of topical acne products is excessive dryness of the skin. So, the best way to nourish your skin is to use an oil-free moisturizer. Women who can't do without cosmetics must opt for non-comedogenic products, i.e. formulations that will not clog the pores. When it comes to prescription treatments, topical retinoids are considered effective in minimizing pores. However, they may trigger allergic reactions and require constant medical supervision. Additionally, it is important to stick to instructions because over-enthusiasm may prompt you to over-use the formulations, inviting conspicuous side-effects and discouragement. Acne home remedies are usually free from side effects. Also, it is advisable to avoid using too many applications simultaneously.

Given that oily skin is more prone to acne, we may infer that controlling the pore-size can control the acne problem and vice versa. Smaller pores render tighter skin, which gives you a youthful and lively look. Regardless of the size, clean and healthy pores are the key to natural clear skin.