Clogged pores can form without any visible oil on the skin’s surface because dead skin cells, dirt, makeup, and other debris build up inside the pores instead of greasy shine showing up.
Many people think clogged pores only happen with oily skin, but that’s not true. Your skin makes dead cells all the time as part of its natural renewal process. These cells can stick together and block the tiny openings of pores, even if no extra oil appears on top. Dirt from the air, pollution particles, and leftover makeup add to the mix, filling up the pore without making the skin look shiny.
Genetics play a big role too. If your family has larger pores, you might inherit skin that traps debris more easily, leading to clogs without obvious oil. Products matter a lot here. Heavy creams, waxes, or cosmetics labeled as comedogenic can seal in dead cells and dirt deep inside pores. These blockages happen below the surface, so your skin feels normal or even dry to the touch.
Aging makes it worse over time. As you get older, skin loses collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep it firm. This lets pores stretch open, making hidden clogs more noticeable without any oil involved. Sun exposure speeds this up by breaking down those same proteins, weakening the area around pores.
Dry or combination skin types face this issue often. Without enough moisture, skin might not shed dead cells properly, causing silent buildup. Bacteria can join in too, especially if the skin barrier gets weak from harsh scrubbing or overwashing. This traps everything inside without surface oil as a clue.
Poor habits like skipping gentle cleansing let debris pile up quietly. Over time, these non-oily clogs make pores look bigger, darker, or uneven, even on matte skin.
Sources:
https://www.agelockskinclinics.com/blog/open-pores-on-face-causes-types-and-treatments/
https://www.kins-clinic.com/blogs/how-to-close-pores-permanently-the-truth-about-what-really-works
https://www.thewellnesscorner.com/blog/reduce-the-open-pores-on-your-face
https://naturalimageskincenter.com/common-misconceptions-about-bacterial-acne-how-to-identify-it-correctly/
https://www.mesoestetic.com/blog/large-pores-on-face/
