Your cart is empty.
Oily, sensitive skin is often misunderstood—and even more often, mistreated. When enlarged pores are added to the mix, it becomes tempting to reach for harsh products in hopes of a quick fix. Unfortunately, that usually leads to more irritation and more visible pores.
Learning how to effectively address the underlying causes of enlarged pores and oily, sensitive skin will help you create a skincare regimen that promotes calmness, smoothness, and clarity.
Why enlarged pores are often linked to oily, sensitive skin
When your skin produces more oil than is needed, that excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and everyday buildup. Over time, this gunk stretches out your pores as it settles in. The inflammation that often accompanies sensitive skin can further erode the pore walls, making them seem even more obvious.
Furthermore, sun exposure and collagen loss associated with aging can further reduce skin elasticity, emphasizing pores. It’s not just about oil—it’s about how oily, sensitive skin reacts under stress.
To manage enlarged pores, it’s essential to treat both the oil imbalance and the underlying irritation. Only then can your skin start to feel—and look—more refined.
Daily skincare tips for oily, sensitive skin and enlarged pores
Gentle consistency beats aggressive overhauls every time. A few clever changes to your daily skincare routine can calm and manage oily, sensitive skin while significantly improving the appearance of enlarged pores.
Here are some pointers:
Cleanse twice a day. Use an oily skin face wash that gets rid of extra oil without irritating or stripping.
Introduce a mild exfoliant. To improve texture and unclog pores, look for PHAs or low-dose salicylic acid.
Don't skip moisturizer. Oily skin still needs water. Use a lightweight, gel-based, natural face moisturizer with soothing ingredients like panthenol or centella asiatica.
Target with niacinamide. This multitasking ingredient minimizes the appearance of pores, balances sebum, and calms inflammation all at once.
Wear SPF daily. UV exposure weakens collagen and makes pores appear larger over time, especially when your skin barrier is already compromised.
Why you shouldn’t skip moisturizer (even if you’re shiny)
One of the biggest mistakes people with oily, sensitive skin make is avoiding moisturizer altogether. It seems logical—why add more moisture to an already greasy situation? But skipping it can actually make things worse.
When skin feels dehydrated, it tries to compensate by producing even more oil. A lightweight, barrier-supporting moisturizer will hydrate without clogging pores and help regulate oil production over time.
Look for non-comedogenic labels, yes—but also pay attention to texture. A watery gel or emulsion often works best.