Oily skin, enlarged pores, and dehydration? Causes, solutions, and an effective natural routine.
It can be frustrating, but don't worry, we're here to help!
We reveal the best beauty routine to combat enlarged pores and keep oily skin at bay. Get ready to dazzle with soft, radiant skin. .
👉 Are you interested in natural skincare? You'll love this.
What are pores?
The skin is made up of pores, small openings visible on the surface of the skin, where the pilosebaceous units (made up of a hair and a gland that produces sebum) and the sweat glands (responsible for producing sweat) are located.
Pores don't have muscles, so they don't open and close, but they do dilate when clogged by excess oil, dead skin cells, or other debris. |

Why do pores dilate?
Excess sebum production
The sebaceous glands produce the sebum necessary to maintain moisture and maintain the skin's protective barrier . However, excess sebum is one of the most important factors in people with oily skin experiencing enlarged pores, especially in the T-zone, and other skin problems.
Hormonal changes , such as puberty, pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and the use of certain medications, can affect the body's sebum production. For example, during puberty, levels of hormones like androgens increase, which can activate the sebaceous glands and stimulate sebum production, leading to oily skin and clogged pores.
During the menstrual cycle, changes in hormone levels can also influence sebum production and, therefore, the appearance of the skin.
Loss of elasticity
The loss of skin elasticity due to aging and free radicals causes pores to become deformed , making them more visible . This is why they become more visible after approximately 30 years of age .
People with dry skin tend to have less visible pores compared to those with oily skin. In general, pores can vary in size and visibility depending on genetics, age, skin care, and other factors, regardless of skin type. |
Sun exposure
In addition to affecting skin health and accelerating premature aging, UV rays damage pores, hindering their role in sebum production and causing them to become more open.

Feeding
A poor diet can also be the cause of this problem. If you want to know which foods to avoid, read this article.
Other factors
Pollution, tobacco use , and hormonal factors are also causes of pore dilation.
What can you do to close your pores?
1- A good facial cleansing and exfoliation routine
Skin health and beauty always begins with a good cleansing routine and regular exfoliation .
Use gentle cleansers. We recommend OhMyKoko 's Exfoliating Renewing Cleansing Gel . Cleanse your face with it morning and night . It's designed for all skin types and has a physiological pH for maximum protection .
They also deeply cleanse your pores, freeing them from any traces of grease , makeup or pollution .
These acids are 100% natural as they come from five fruits , each with different benefits for your skin and so respectful that they are ideal even for sensitive skin.
- Glycolic acid from sugarcane. It has the lowest molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate the epidermis with excellent penetration and effectively stimulate cell renewal. It also promotes the production of collagen and elastin, key proteins for youthful skin. It is recommended for all skin types, especially oily skin and skin with blemishes, as it helps even out skin tone.
- Blueberry lactic acid . Powerful moisturizer and hydrator. Anti-aging.
- Tartaric and malic acids from maple sugar. They improve skin elasticity and tone.
- Citric acid from orange and lemon . This acid is able to penetrate the deepest layers and stimulate the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronate.
Avoid washing your face with very hot water. This can disrupt your skin's barrier function and cause redness by dilating blood capillaries. |

2- Trust in the power of Niacinamide
One of the most recommended active ingredients for oily skin is niacinamide, as it is highly effective in rebalancing sebum production, reducing the appearance of pores , and providing deep hydration .
As if that were not enough, it is a valuable aid in the case of spots and imperfections , since it helps to reduce them, as well as the signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and expression lines .
OhMyKoko 's Sebum-Regulating Serum contains an advanced formula based on Niacinamide , lotus flowers and other hydrating , anti-aging and sebum-regulating agents.
Tips to minimize your pores
- Don't forget to cleanse your face morning and night with a suitable, gentle, and effective product. Use warm water.
- Use a treatment serum with the Sebum-Regulating Serum OhMyKoko pore minimizer based on niacinamide.
- Use a light moisturizer . OhMyKoko's All-in-One Cream also contains bakuchiol, an active ingredient that helps normalize oiliness in your skin and is non-comedogenic.
- Be careful with sun exposure. Always protect your skin from the sun, no matter the season. It's scientifically proven that using sunscreen prevents and helps repair accumulated damage .
- Don't use comedogenic products. They clog and dilate pores. Some of these include coconut oil, palm oil, and linseed oil.
- Include plenty of antioxidants in your diet.
🤔 Frequently asked questions about oily skin, enlarged pores, and dehydration
Can oily skin also be dehydrated?
Yes. Having oily skin doesn't mean it's well-hydrated. Oily skin produces more sebum (oil), but it may lack water in the deeper layers. This can be due to factors such as the use of harsh cleansers, lack of proper hydration, sun exposure, or hormonal changes. The skin responds by producing more sebum, which exacerbates the problem and leads to shine and clogged pores.
Why do pores dilate?
Pores enlarge primarily due to excess sebum, dead skin cell buildup, prolonged sun exposure (which damages collagen), loss of elasticity with age, and genetic factors. Although they can't be "closed," they can be minimized with ingredients like niacinamide, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and proper cleansing.
What natural ingredients help improve the appearance of pores?
Some scientifically backed natural ingredients for minimizing pores and improving skin texture include:
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Niacinamide : Reduces sebum production, improves barrier function and visibly minimizes pores (clinical studies support this at concentrations of 2% to 5%).
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Glycolic Acid (AHA) : Gently exfoliates and stimulates cell renewal.
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Lactic acid : in addition to exfoliating, it moisturizes and improves texture.
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Lotus flower extract : has purifying and soothing properties.
How to moisturize oily skin without causing more shine or pimples?
Choose lightweight moisturizers, free of comedogenic oils , and with ingredients that maintain the water-sebum balance. Opt for gel-like textures or light emulsions, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or niacinamide. Avoid products with heavy oils like coconut or palm, which can clog pores.
Can I prevent open pores?
They cannot be completely eliminated, but they can be prevented from getting worse:
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Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle, effective product.
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Use sunscreen daily: Sun exposure is a key cause of loss of firmness.
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Exfoliate sparingly, with ingredients like AHA or BHA.
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Avoid smoking, chronic stress, and a diet high in sugars and saturated fats.
Our philosophy
🟢 Natural and vegan cosmetics
🚫 No toxic chemicals
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Did you enjoy this article? Read on:
- 📌 Are you struggling to find the right balance between hydration and avoiding shine or breakouts? Then this article is for you: " I Have Oily But Dehydrated Skin: How to Moisturize Without More Shine or Breakouts. "
👉 If you haven't already, download our free guide and start your routine with meaning.

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