Open Pores: What They Are and How to Deal With Them

I totally understand this feeling. I used to look in the mirror and feel so frustrated by my pores. They seemed huge, and no matter what I tried, they just wouldn’t go away.

But here’s the truth — pores can’t actually disappear. They are a natural part of your skin. What we can do is keep them clean, balanced, and as minimised as possible. And it starts with four simple things.

1. Why do we have open pores?

Pores are tiny openings in your skin that allow oil (sebum) and sweat to reach the surface. They are completely normal — every single person has them. The problem starts when pores get enlarged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and dirt. When that happens, the pores become more visible.

So technically, pores are not “open” in the way many people think. They don’t open and close like little doors. But they can look bigger when the skin is producing too much oil, when the pores are clogged, or when the skin barrier is out of balance.

Genetics also play a role. If your parents had more visible pores, you may naturally have them too. But your lifestyle, diet, skincare routine, and how gently you care for your skin all make a difference in how noticeable they appear.

2. Diet — the skin food connection

Your skin is always reflecting what is happening inside the body. If your diet is high in sugar, refined carbs, fried foods, or heavily processed snacks, it can increase inflammation and oil production. And when oil production rises, pores often become more visible.

High sugar intake can also increase glycation, a process that damages collagen and elastin in the skin. Over time, this makes pores look even looser and more stretched out.

For some people, dairy can also make pores and breakouts worse, especially if they are already prone to excess oil or inflammation. This doesn’t mean dairy is bad for everyone, but it is something worth observing in your own skin.

One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough is ultra-processed seed oils — like sunflower oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and corn oil. These are found in almost every packaged snack, fast food, and fried food. They are extremely high in omega-6 fatty acids. When you consume too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3, it creates chronic low-grade inflammation in your body. And inflammation shows up on your skin — as breakouts, excess oil, redness, and enlarged-looking pores.

3. Cleansing — the right way

Here’s why: your skin has a natural protective barrier made of oils and good bacteria. When you over-cleanse or use harsh products, you strip this barrier away. Your skin then panics and sends a signal to produce even more oil to compensate. More oil = more clogged pores. It becomes a cycle that’s hard to break.

4. Don’t over-treat your skin

I know the temptation. When you’re frustrated with your skin, you want to throw everything at it — stronger acids, more exfoliation, pore strips every week. But this approach almost always backfires.

Over-exfoliating damages your skin barrier, causes redness and sensitivity, and — again — triggers more oil production. The same goes for pore strips. They might feel satisfying, but they can actually stretch pores and irritate the skin if used too often.

Less really is more when it comes to pore care. A simple, consistent routine will always outperform an aggressive complicated one.

5. Keep your skin hydrated

Here is the step most people with oily skin skip — and it’s actually one of the most important ones. When your skin is dehydrated, it overproduces oil to make up for the lack of moisture. That excess oil sits in your pores, clogs them, and makes everything look worse. So skipping moisturiser is not helping your pores — it’s making them worse.

The key is choosing the right moisturiser. You need something lightweight and gentle that hydrates without clogging pores or causing reactions. Thick, heavy creams can actually sit on top of pores and block them — so the texture and ingredients matter a lot.

A gentle moisturiser repairs your skin barrier, calms inflammation, and keeps oil production balanced. When your barrier is healthy, your skin doesn’t need to overwork — and your pores stay cleaner.

And don’t forget — drink enough water too. Skin hydration starts from the inside out. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day and see how your skin responds.

Final thoughts

Open pores are not a disease — they are a sign that your skin needs a little more care and balance. The good news is that the solution is simpler than you think. You don’t need ten products or expensive treatments. You need consistency in four areas: eat well, cleanse gently, don’t over-treat, and stay hydrated.

I’ll be making a video soon to walk you through my full routine in detail. Stay tuned!