1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Acne

What Causes Large Pores?

By , About.com Guide

Created: September 25, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: What Causes Large Pores?
Answer:

Most people have visible pores to some extent, but oily skinned people usually have more of a problem with large pores than those with dry skin. When pores are filled with sebum and debris (think blackheads) they stretch out, making them much more obvious.

Pores become more noticeable during puberty, when the sebaceous glands start pumping out more oil. As they get older, some people notice that their pores become less conspicuous, although not always. For some, the loss of skin’s elasticity can make the pores look larger. Pore size is also dependent upon genetics.

Follicular prominence is the term used to describe pores that have become enlarged. Many people with acne develop follicular prominence, but other skin conditions like keratosis pilaris rubra or pityriasis rubra pilaris, can also cause this problem.

More Acne Q&A
Explore Acne
By Category
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this season. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Acne
  4. Basics
  5. Large Pores - What Causes Large Pores

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.