Current:Home > Contact-usFeel like you have huge pores? Here's what experts say you can do about it.-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Feel like you have huge pores? Here's what experts say you can do about it.
View Date:2024-12-23 23:43:23
Two decades ago, the "Mean Girls" movie told us all that pore size was yet another beauty standard we weren't living up to.
"My pores are huge," Regina George (Rachel McAdams) complains, while looking in the mirror.
"Apparently, there's a lot that can be wrong with your body," Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) muses.
Pores are small openings in the skin that exist to release oil and sweat, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It's common for the ones on your face to get clogged due to to a buildup of dead skin cells, oil or dirt, which can lead to acne.
We're breaking down what exactly causes pores to appear larger, and what skin experts say you can do about it.
What causes open pores?
Having visibly larger pores isn't through any fault of your own, dermatologists stress.
It mostly has to do with genetics, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., tells USA TODAY. And "larger pores usually correlate with more oily skin types," she notes. As you age, the pores can also start to appear larger as the body begins to produce less collagen, the protein that gives your skin structure and support.
More:TikTokers are using blue light to cure acne. Dermatologists say it's actually a good idea.
How to minimize pores
The bad news, Dr. King says, is that the size "can't truly be changed." But there are things you can do to help a bit.
"Keeping the pores clear by cleansing and exfoliating regularly" is one key practice to minimize the size as much as possible," King says — particularly for those oily skin types. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends gently washing your face twice a day with warm water in order to keep the skin clean without irritating it.
When shopping for skincare products and makeup, the AAD recommends looking for products with one of the following descriptions: "non-comedogenic," "oil-free" or "won't clog pores." They all mean the same thing — they won't clog your pores, which can cause them to expand and look more noticeable.
As you age, King says protecting the skin from the sun and using topical retinoids, both of which "help maintain healthy collagen in the skin, can be helpful for minimizing the appearance of pores."
veryGood! (8493)
Related
- It's cozy gaming season! Video game updates you may have missed, including Stardew Valley
- Missouri handler charged in hot car death of of K-9 officer: Reports
- Labor costs remain high for small businesses, but a report shows wage growth is slowing for some
- Kentucky bourbon icon Jimmy Russell celebrates his 70th anniversary at Wild Turkey
- The View's Sara Haines Walks Off After Whoopi Goldberg's NSFW Confession
- Cool weather forecast offers hope in battling intense Southern California blaze
- North Carolina House Rep. Jeffrey Elmore resigning before term ends
- Missouri handler charged in hot car death of of K-9 officer: Reports
- Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym After 3 Days
- Cuomo to testify before House committee that accused him of COVID-19 cover up
Ranking
- Missing Ole Miss student declared legally dead as trial for man accused in his death looms
- McDonald's Crocs Happy Meals with mini keychains coming to US
- Will Travis Kelce attend the VMAs to support Taylor Swift? Here's what to know
- Dave Mason, the 'Forrest Gump of rock,' shares tales of Traffic, Beatles in memoir
- 4 arrested in California car insurance scam: 'Clearly a human in a bear suit'
- Feds say white supremacist leaders of 'Terrorgram' group plotted assassinations, attacks
- Why Selena Gomez Didn’t Want to Be Treated Like Herself on Emilia Perez Movie Set
- The 49ers spoil Aaron Rodgers’ return with a 32-19 win over the Jets
Recommendation
-
Artem Chigvintsev Returns to Dancing With the Stars Ballroom Amid Nikki Garcia Divorce
-
From Amy Adams to Demi Moore, transformations are taking awards season by storm
-
iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Airpods: What's rumored for 2024 Apple event Monday
-
Princess Charlotte Has the Best Reaction to Parents William and Kate’s Major PDA Moment
-
Secret Service Agent Allegedly Took Ex to Barack Obama’s Beach House
-
Highlights as Bill Belichick makes 'Manningcast' debut during Jets vs. 49ers MNF game
-
Lala Kent Reveals Name of Baby No. 2
-
Tyreek Hill’s traffic stop shows interactions with police can be about survival for Black men