Ah, pores. From minimizing to unclogging, there are so many things we want to do to them. Have you ever really sat down and thought about your pores—and the clogged pores treatment that may be right for you? We’ve uncovered the different facts about pores so you can uncover them and happily go about your day.

So, what are pores, anyway—and why are they so problematic?
Pores are small openings in your skin, and they’re the openings of your hair follicles. And did you know? There are actually two types of pores! Oil pores are connected to oil glands and are found over the surface of your entire skin, except on your palms and soles of your feet. Sweat pores are also located all over your skin, are extremely small, and cause sweating. Pores are where sebum (our body’s natural oils) is released to the surface, which helps to naturally moisturize the skin. Pores also cling to excess dirt and oil, so blocked pores can lead to acne and sun damage. Using a toner for acne can help prevent some of this build up and blocking.

What causes large pores?
Large pores are caused by a variety of factors, including: acne, increased production of sebum, sun damage and noncomedogenic makeup. Dead skin cells and trapped sebum can stretch out your pores, while UV rays weaken the collagen that helps to keep your pores tight. Pore size is also genetic, so if you have larger pores, that comes through your family genes.

Can you shrink your pores?
Since pore size is genetic, that means you can’t actually permanently change it. However, you can minimize your pores and make them appear smaller.

Does pore size have anything to do with hygiene?
Yes. Over-cleansing can actually intensify oil production, which ends up stretching your pores. Dirt, oil, dead skin cells and other debris can also stretch your pores. Cleanse daily to minimize pores on your face, but be wary of cleansing too much.

For clogged pores treatment, should you use salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is your BFF! This BHA penetrates past oil and deep into your pores to push out debris — which is a clogged pores treatment we’re definitely a fan of.

What can I do to control my pores over time?
Avocado and African yellow wood bark extracts are two favorites that help control oil. And, when used daily, can help reduce oiliness over time while showing visible tightening of pores.

Does SPF clog my pores?
Murad’s SPFs are non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores), are super lightweight, and won’t leave behind a white cast or photo flashback. SPF is essential to the health of every skin type, every single day—so don’t skip this essential step.

Is there anything I can do to help minimize pores on my face—especially under makeup?
Look for ingredients like oil-trapping microspheres that deliver effectively reduce shine by absorbing sebum (oil), obscuring reflection and scattering light.

Our Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 offers you 10 hours of mattifying power in an oil-free, lightweight, SPF moisturizer. It’s formulated with oil-trapping microspheres to mattify, smooth and blur imperfections, and it minimizes the look of pores by 54%*. And, it’s an incredibly wearable makeup base that’s comfortable and smooth.

So there you have it — the top pore facts! Shop murad.com to find the clogged pores treatments that are best suited for your skin.