Oily skin and visible pores

What causes oily skin and large pores?

Oily skin comes from sebaceous glands whose output is set largely by genes and hormones, and pores look larger when they hold more oil or the skin around them loses firmness. Sebum keeps skin flexible and protects the barrier. A 2016 review of facial pores names three main causes of enlarged pores: high oil output, lost elasticity around the pore, and larger hair follicles, with sex hormones and skincare habits playing a part. Pores also look larger when they are holding sebum and dead skin, when sun exposure and age have loosened the skin around them, and when a blackhead has oxidised at the opening. The pore itself has no muscle, so nothing tightens it in the way cold water or a mask is often said to.

What makes oily skin and visible pores look worse?

Harsh foaming cleansers and astringent toners make oily skin worse, because they remove surface oil and leave skin feeling tight while doing nothing about production. Squeezing, which stretches the pore opening. Heavy occlusive products on congested skin. And skipping moisturiser, which is a common instinct and an unhelpful one.

Which skincare ingredients help oily skin and visible pores?

Niacinamide, salicylic acid and retinoids are the skincare ingredients with evidence for shine and the look of pores, used on top of a gentle cleanser twice a day, no more. Niacinamide has decent evidence for shine: in a placebo-controlled trial, a 2% niacinamide moisturiser lowered oil output in Japanese volunteers and surface oil in white volunteers. Salicylic acid clears the pore lining and helps blackheads. Retinoids improve surface texture and the look of pores over months. A lightweight gel moisturiser and a non-comedogenic sunscreen, since sun damage makes pores look larger over time. Clay masks and blotting papers are cosmetic and temporary, which is fine as long as you know that is what you are buying. A MyAgenix read builds a routine around these steps for shine and pores.

What can a doctor prescribe for very oily skin?

A doctor can prescribe acne treatments when oiliness comes with persistent spots, and the prescription options on the acne page apply. Oral isotretinoin reduces the skin's oil production and is licensed in the UK for severe acne or acne at risk of scarring, not for oiliness alone. In-clinic lasers and other devices are also used for the appearance of pores, though a 2016 review of pore treatments describes enlarged pores as difficult to treat. Sudden, marked changes in oiliness alongside other symptoms are worth mentioning to a GP, as hormonal conditions can be behind them.

When should oily skin be checked by a GP?

See a GP rather than buying another mattifying product if shine comes with painful or scarring spots, or if your skin has changed noticeably in a short time. The NHS acne guidance names painful nodules and scarring among the reasons a GP may refer you to a dermatologist.

General information about skin, not medical advice. MyAgenix offers cosmetic guidance to help you choose products. It does not diagnose or treat any condition. For anything on this page that needs treating, see a pharmacist, your GP or a dermatologist.