Patch Blog: How to Fight Big Pores on Your Nose

Enlarged pores, particularly in the nose and T-zone area, are an extremely common cosmetic problem. It’s also one that can be fixed.

It’s important to understand the reason these pores stretch. That being said, for those of you with short attention spans, I am going to go ahead and explain how to get rid of them first!

How to Treat Them      

Almost universally effective is a daily oil-soluble hydroxy acid solution that is blotted on the nose and left on the skin. The best solution is a very simple liquid formula containing salicylic acid in a solvent. Avoid products with too many ingredients—they will be less effective. If more results are needed, try a salicylic chemical peel; this professional treatment uses the same kind of solution but contains 10-20 times as much of the acid.

Regular facials improve and prevent as well. Facialists manually remove the blackheads from the pores of the nose during the service, which gives instant improvement. Other helpful procedures include exfoliation, various chemical peels, and laser and plasma resurfacing. These treatments have mixed results and depend on the cause of the enlarged pores.

Why Pores Get Bigger

So let’s understand these pores and why they grow. A pore is just another name for a hair follicle, and there are two reasons why we have them. One is to house a shaft of hair. The second is to allow oil to travel out to the surface of the skin, where it protects and lubricates. We all have a genetic blueprint for the size of our hair follicles—some bigger than others. In order to improve their appearance, we need to address the other environmental factors and conditions that cause them to enlarge.

The first factor is a buildup of dead skin at the surface and lining the walls of the pore. All this extra dead and dry skin traps oil in the pore. The trapped oil becomes thicker and stickier, and eventually makes a visible blackhead in the pore. The presence of this sticky, dried oil expands the size of the pore over time—much like a thick gauge earring will stretch a hole in the ear. Salicylic is so effective because it breaks apart the sticky clogs of oil and allows the debris to travel up the pore and be washed away.

Age and sun exposure are the other factors that cause pores to expand. Both cause collagen and elastin—which can be thought of as the skin’s “support system”—to breakdown. Without the natural plumping that collagen gives, the skin sags and flaws are magnified. Also, as we age, our skin naturally thickens. This thicker buildup of the skin around the pore draws more attention to it—making it look bigger. If pores are suffering from age-related effects like these, then anti-aging services such as laser, microdermabrasion, plasma and certain chemical peels can greatly improve their appearance, too.

Though you can’t change your genes, you can keep the skin and pores fresh, clean, and tight. All it takes is some very simple care.  

Do you have burning beauty questions you need answered? Email them to vanessa@knowthyskin.com to get them answered directly or to be featured in her weekly beauty report on Patch.