While large nose pores are natural, some tend to get larger. What could the reason be?
What Causes Large Nose Pores?
Numerous factors can lead to enlarged pores. These may include (2):
Excess sebum secretion Decreased elasticity around the pores due to age. In other words, the collagen and elastin fibers become thinner, the skin becomes loose, and make the pores appear bigger. Increased hair follicle volume and size due to various causes Chronic recurrent acne, which can also lead to blackheads. Constant picking of blackheads can increase the size of your pores, sometimes irreversibly. Changes in sex hormones and the menstrual cycle, with the largest pore size occurring during ovulation. A poor skin care regimen can lead to the pores getting clogged with sweat, oil, and dirt, thereby enlarging them over time. Sun damage increases sebum secretion and also leads to stretching of the nose pores, making them appear bigger. Genetics also plays a role in determining the size of the pores.
These are the causes of enlarged nose pores. Understanding the root cause can help you tackle the issue better. In the next section, we have listed out 12 useful and easy tips to get you started.
How To Clean Nose Pores: Top 12 Tips
1. Do Not Sleep With Your Makeup On
Going to bed with makeup on can clog your pores. Always remove your makeup and wash your face with a gentle cleanser or micellar water before bedtime. A cleanser cleanses your face from the inside out and unclogs all pores. Double cleansing may not be needed if your face wash suits your skin type.
2. Cleanse Your Face Twice A Day
Cleansing your face twice a day with lukewarm water (and not hot water) helps remove makeup residue, dead skin cells, oil, and dirt from the skin. Regular cleansing exfoliates your skin. Lack of exfoliation may lead to enlarged nose pores. Ensure you cleanse your skin with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser twice a day. Be extra gentle as excess rubbing can irritate your facial skin and cause inflammation.
3. Follow Up With A Good Moisturizer
Cleansing may strip your skin of the essential oils. Hence, use a high-quality moisturizer to moisten and repair your skin barrier (3).
4. Go For A Chemical Peeling Procedure
Peeling with 10% trichloracetic acid (TCA) helps clean deeply clogged pores, effectively controls and treats severe acne, and reduces signs of early aging. Peeling can also significantly improve skin texture and revitalize the skin (4). Opt for a chemical peel containing skin-friendly acids that can penetrate the skin and get rid of dead skin cells, excess oils, and bacteria. Your pores will appear unclogged and be less visible. This must be done in an office-based setting by a trained dermatologist to avoid adverse outcomes.
5. Consider Microdermabrasion (MDA)
Microdermabrasion (MDA) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedure that can help treat uneven skin tone / texture, reduce scars, and treat enlarged pores (5). It is one of the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States, known commonly as skin polishing. You may speak with your doctor regarding the same.
6. Try Laser Therapy
Go for laser therapy that makes use of stimulated light beams to exfoliate the top layers of the skin and reduce the appearance and size of nose pores (6). Laser therapy may also boost collagen production by resurfacing the skin.
7. Invest In A Good At-Home Peel
At-home peels are essentially pre-soaked pads infused with natural fruit acids and rich in AHAs and BHAs. These pads help break down the oils in your pores. Here is how to use them: Step 1: Rub the pad over your clean, dry T-zone. Step 2: Let it stay on for about 60 seconds. Step 3: Rinse with cool water. Step 4: Apply a good moisturizer. Repeat this process twice a week for best results. Note: Be doubly sure that the product label reads ‘At Home’ or ‘Home’.
8. Use A Retinol Serum
Retinol is one of the best anti-aging ingredients available. It stimulates collagen production around your nose pores, firms and cleanses the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and lowers the buildup of keratin debris to tighten your pores over time (7). Integrate a retinol serum into your nightly skincare routine. Ideally, start with minimal concentration and gradually amp up the strength and duration of application. Note: Do not use retinol or any Vitamin A derivative in any form if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor for more information in this regard.
9. Select Non-comedogenic Makeup And Skincare Products
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), you should go for non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products to minimize irritation and prevent pore clogging (8). How will you know if a product is non-comedogenic? Look for the following phrases on the bottle:
“Non-comedogenic” “Oil-free” “Won’t clog pores” “For acne-prone skin”
10. Take Care Of Your Acne Breakouts
Acne can clog pores and make them more visible (8). You can use a cleanser with salicylic acid (BHA)to unclog your pores. If the salicylic acid dries or irritates your skin, try alternating cleansers or a lower concentration. For best results, you can use a mild, non-comedogenic, low foaming cleanser when you wake up and a salicylic acid cleanser prior to going to bed.
11. Use A High-Quality Sunscreen Every Day
As mentioned earlier, sun damage causes your pores to enlarge. Hence, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to prevent sun damage. Additionally, wear a hat and protect your skin at all times when you step out (particularly during the middle of the day).
12. Exfoliate With Care
We have already established how dead skin cells can clog your pores and make them appear bigger. Hence, physical or chemical exfoliation is important. What you also must remember is that you should not scrub your skin too aggressively as this can further damage your skin. Chemical exfoliators these days are quite efficient. Speak to your doctor to understand the best type of exfoliation method you should go for. People with dry skin should limit exfoliation as it may further dry their skin out. These 12 methods can effectively clean your nose pores and help reduce their size. These are effective. However, some believe simply squeezing the pores can reduce their size. But is it bad?
Is It Bad To Squeeze Nose Pores?
Yes, it is bad to pick, squeeze, or even dig at your nose pores. Doing so can further irritate your skin and make your pores look larger (8). Hence, be as gentle with your skin as possible, and do not ever squeeze your nose pores. Do ice cubes close pores? Possibly. According to anecdotal evidence, ice cubes may help reduce swelling around your face, improve blood flow, and may help reduce pore size. What foods reduce pores on the face? According to popular reports, egg whites, yogurt, and cucumber are some of the foods that may help reduce open skin pores. Can baking soda clean pores? Possibly not. While many sources claim that baking soda may help clear out pores and is good for dealing with blackheads, it may dry out your skin and do more harm than good. Does aloe vera close pores? Yes. According to anecdotal evidence, aloe vera gel may help tighten pores, soothe your skin, and smoothen its texture if you massage it on your skin for a couple of minutes. Is lemon good for open pores? Yes. Lemon is an astringent that may help unclog and close skin pores. Does green tea shrink pores? Yes. According to anecdotal evidence, green tea is packed with beneficial antioxidants such as polyphenols that may help deal with acne and blackheads and help reduce skin pores.
