Is Pore Size Genetic?

by HOO Dermatology

We do get a good number of patients who express a genuine concern of improving "skin pores." #poreless #glassskin.

Simply put, our so-called "skin pores" are actually small openings of hair follicles and sweat glands that are mostly visible to the naked eye.

One of the questions we get from patients is "Is pore size genetic?"

There are not a lot of studies touching on how pore size is determined at birth but many conclude that genetics play a big role.

Yes, you may have your parents to thank or to blame. Now, you can check for yourselves and see that, more often than not, if you have large pores it runs in the family.

Having so many visible pores is not all bad. Many studies also associate having large pores to more sebum or oil production in the skin which counteract signs of aging and wrinkling.

Genetics aside, many other factors are identified to potentially affect pore size (including natural aging, photoaging (premature ageing of the skin because of repeated sun damage), hormones, ethnicity, smoking, and frequent clogging of pores.) Some of these can be intervened.

Our pores are natural and essential structures that help maintain the integrity of the skin so removing them is impossible. The same can be said about pore size - it cannot be reduced but there are ways to minimize its appearance.

In general you should,

Stop and avoid bad lifestyle habits
Protect your skin properly from the sun AND
Observe a good skin care regimen including the right actives like retinol, vitamin C and chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid

Obagi products that can help minimize the appearance of large pores include:

Obagi products that help address the appearance of pore size
Consider visiting a board-certified dermatologist to know about in-clinic treatments such as peels and lasers to improve the appearance of your pores.