Why Do Pores Get Larger? Is It Because of Sebum? You Need to Fix Your Habits First!

[Bongbong Plastic Surgery Wellness Clinic]

Why do pores get larger? Is it because of sebum?

You need to fix your habits first!

When you look in the mirror, the skin around the nose or on the sides of the cheeks may look uneven, and even when you apply makeup, it may not feel smooth. In particular, under bright lighting, skin texture can become more noticeable and lower your confidence. In many cases, this may be because your pores have become enlarged.

Pores are a normal structure that naturally exists in our skin, but when they gradually become larger and more noticeable due to various causes, they can go beyond a simple cosmetic issue and serve as an important signal reflecting the skin’s health. That is why it is important to identify the cause accurately and manage it starting with your daily habits.

Many people think the main reason pores enlarge is due to sebum production, but this is only one factor. Incorrect cleansing habits, sun exposure, reduced skin elasticity, and improper skincare methods all contribute together to enlarged pores, so a more systematic approach is needed.

Does oily skin make pores larger?

One of the most typical causes of enlarged pores is excessive sebum secretion. Sebum helps maintain the skin’s oil-water balance and protects the skin from external irritation. However, when it is secreted in excess, it accumulates in the pores, mixes with waste and dead skin cells, and forms sebum plugs (= comedones). As a result, the pores gradually lose elasticity and become larger in a vicious cycle. In particular, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), where sebum production is more active, tends to show these symptoms more severely. When sebum oxidizes, it appears as blackheads, creating a dirty impression.

However, rather than sebum itself being the problem, it is important to understand that pores can become permanently enlarged when sebum is not effectively cleared and is left untreated, or when it is managed incorrectly. Also, not only teens and people in their 20s, whose sebum production is active, but also people in their 30s and older, when skin elasticity begins to decline, can experience pores that widen as if they are sagging downward. For that reason, the causes and response methods should differ depending on age group.

What daily habits make pores larger?

Everyday habits that affect pore enlargement should not be overlooked, and one of the most representative is improper cleansing. In particular, when people with a lot of sweat or sebum during the summer wash their face excessively or use irritating peeling products too often, the skin barrier can be damaged and excessive sebum secretion may be triggered, making pores even larger. Also, applying too much oily cream to relieve tightness after cleansing, or failing to rinse cleansing oil thoroughly, can leave residue in the pores and lead to inflammatory breakouts.

In addition, neglecting sunscreen is another major cause of enlarged pores. Sunlight destroys collagen and reduces skin elasticity, making pores open wider. That is why it is necessary to make a habit of using sunscreen thoroughly throughout all four seasons. Another important factor is that lack of sleep or stress-related hormonal changes can increase sebum secretion and disrupt the skin’s renewal cycle, which also contributes to enlarged pores.

To reduce pore size,

'Changing your habits' comes first

Many people look for pore packs, sebum-removal products, or strong peeling procedures expecting immediate results to improve enlarged pores. However, these may only work in the short term, or may irritate the skin and worsen pore condition in the long term. What matters more is balancing the skin, using customized basic skincare products that help control oil and moisture, and consistently improving daily habits.

For example, it is necessary to cleanse gently without irritation at least twice a day, use toner or essence according to your skin texture, and perform low-irritation exfoliation about once or twice a week so that dead skin cells do not build up.

When habits such as drinking enough water, getting sufficient sleep, and applying sunscreen are repeated consistently, the skin’s own ability to recover elasticity improves, and enlarged pores gradually move in a better direction. Also, if you have acne-prone skin, using sebum-suppressing products together, or consulting with medical staff about combining medication or laser treatment, can be effective.

If ongoing procedures and care are combined with home care, it is entirely possible to achieve visibly improved, clear skin that also takes makeup well.

Do not be discouraged just because your pores have enlarged. If you start by understanding your skin’s characteristics well and finding a customized routine, your pores can return to a smaller and more refined appearance, and along the way you may naturally regain confidence in clearer, healthier skin.