Why Do I Have Holes in My Face?

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The beauty enthusiast places physical attractions above everything else. And when it comes to remarkable looks, nothing plays a more vital role than facial beauty. From boosted confidence to platonic relationships, facial beauty reigns supreme. Unfortunately, our faces are susceptible to many blemishes, including the appearance of holes. But why do I have holes in my face?

You have holes in your face because of pockmarks. These marks are blemishes left by pimples or scars. Apart from pockmarks, facial holes come from excessive oil production, staph, chickenpox, and infections.

Learn more about the causes of facial holes, how to get rid of them, and tips for preventing them on your face.

Why Do I Have Holes in My Face?

The two leading causes of holes in your face are acne scars and excessive oil production. Acne destroys the skin’s deeper layer, and when new tissues form, they fail to align with the rest of the skin, causing holes. Large holes in your face may also appear when skin pores produce excessive oils.

Pockmarks (Acne Scars)

Pockmarks, also known as acne scars or pick marks, are skin blemishes/lesions with a concave shape that resemble holes or indentations. They mainly occur when the skin’s deeper layers are injured or damaged. As these layers recover, additional collagen is generated, leaving scar tissues that don’t blend with the rest of your skin.

Pockmarks are noticeable because they stand out from the rest of the skin. Some of them can cause the skin to appear uneven, making some people feel uneasy.

Acne is the leading cause of pockmarks. It’s common at puberty due to hormonal changes. The skin generates additional sebum that blocks the pores during this time, causing pimples and zits. These pimples and zits can result in pockmarks over time.

Another cause of pockmarks is infectious diseases like smallpox and chickenpox, which lead to small itching blisters all over the body. When you scratch these scabs before they heal, this will automatically leave pockmarks on your skin.

Large Pores

Humans have skin pores, tiny openings that the skin uses to release sweat and oils. These pores are linked to hair follicles with sebaceous glands that secrete oils. So, what makes these tiny pores enlarge?

Large pores in the face occur due to excessive oil production, mainly affecting people with oily skin. Also, large pores can occur due to decreased skin elasticity, which is primarily associated with age. When the skin’s elasticity reduces over time, it makes facial pores more prominent and visible.

Is It Possible To Get Rid of Holes on Your Face?

It is possible to get rid of holes in your face. Having large pores on your face is not a health concern because it won’t harm your skin. However, this is an aesthetic problem. Here are ways to eliminate large pores and pockmarks from your face.

How To Get Rid Of Holes On Face?

Getting Rid of Acne Scars or Pockmarks

Do you have pockmarks on your face? Worry not! Several options can help you get rid of them or minimize them. These include:

Laser Treatment
Laser treatments come in various types, including ablative lasers, like carbon dioxide ablative lasers, and non-ablative lasers. To put it simply, ablative lasers destroy the top layer of skin. As a result, the outer layer of the scarred skin burns, stimulating new cell growth. After healing, the pockmarks will be less visible than they were before.

While non-ablative lasers heat the skin tissue beneath the surface to get the body to produce more collagen.

Microneedling

Microneedling/collagen induction therapy uses a microneedling pen or fine-needle roller device to pierce small holes in the skin’s top layer. This process stimulates collagen generation, improving your skin texture.

For the best outcome, you need to have multiple micro-needling treatments. After the process, the affected area becomes red, but the redness disappears after a few days. You may also experience swelling and infection.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are acids such as salicylic acid, pyruvic acid, and glycolic acid applied to your face. They are ideal for minimizing scars and wrinkles. Chemical peels remove the skin’s top layer (epidermis), allowing new cells to regenerate.

Chemical peels minimize the appearance of pockmarks instead of removing them. The peels are suitable for people with flattened surface scars. The major drawback of using this method to get rid of acne scars is that you have to use the peels regularly to attain the best results.

Over-the-counter Creams

Over-the-counter treatments range from traditional creams to silicone-filled bandages. These creams help to hydrate the skin and minimize the overall appearance of the scar. Besides, the creams ease any irritation and discomfort that you might be experiencing.

You can get over-the-counter treatments from the pharmacy even without a doctor’s prescription. But these creams are not much more effective than other methods of getting rid of acne scars.

They take an extended period of time to work, and you must apply them continuously to get better results. In some rare instances, continued use of over-the-counter creams may increase irritation and rash risks.

Getting Rid of Large Pores

There are no treatments for large pores, but there are some ways of minimizing them. These include:

Using Water-based Products

It’s advisable to use water-based products instead of moisturizing products, which contain active ingredients like oils. These products are not ideal for people with oily skin as the excess oil on their skin can enlarge the pores.

Water-based products have high humectant levels that may benefit people with oily faces.

Washing Your Face Regularly

An essential skincare regimen is washing your face more often. Wash your face about twice a day, in the morning and at night, or after sweating.

Washing the face helps eliminate any dirt or oil from the pores, making them less visible.

Ensure you use warm water and a cleanser. The cleanser must be gentle, nonabrasive, and alcohol-free.

Exfoliating

Consider exfoliating one or two times a week if you have oily skin. Exfoliating helps eliminate excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that might clog the pores. As a result, face pores will appear smaller.

Applying Clay Mask

A clay mask eliminates extra oils and dirt from the pores, preventing the pores from enlarging. The clay helps absorb sebum. You should apply the clay mask at least once a week.

Use Gel-based Products

Gel-based products are effective, and they are ideal for people with oily skin as they minimize the appearance of pores. Gel-based cleaners remove oils from the face pores, reducing their visibility.

Moisturizing Everyday

It can be counterintuitive to moisturize oily skin. But using oil-free moisturizers decreases pore enlargement.

The oil-free moisturizers aid in hydrating and softening the skin. As a result, oil released by the sebaceous gland seeps deep instead of remaining in the pores.

Before applying the moisturizer, wash your face and pat it dry with a dry towel.

Tips to Prevent Holes on Face

The following tips will help you prevent holes on your face:

  • Eating a healthy diet: Having a healthy diet is crucial to your overall body health, and your skin is not an exception.
  • Drinking a lot of water: Drinking adequate water will keep your face hydrated and prevent it from drying up.
  • Regular exercises: Exercising increases the flow of blood to all body parts and allows sweating.
  • Wearing sunscreen: The broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from dehydration.

FAQs

How can I fill my acne holes naturally?

There are numerous ways to fill your acne holes naturally. First is applying apple cider vinegar, which reduces acne scars’ appearance. You can also use aloe vera and Morgosa, which inhibit bacterial development in the skin pores.

Do pimple holes go away?

Pimple holes go away, though they take time. Some will not go away, and you have to deal with them your entire life, but you can minimize their noticeability.

Does acne hole go away?

Acne holes don’t go away entirely. The scars can remain on your face forever unless you use treatments to reduce their appearance. Depressed acne scars are more visible as one gets older since the skin loses collagen.

How can I permanently close my pores?

You cannot permanently close your skin pores since you cannot interfere with the natural processes. But you can close the pores using home remedies like applying baking soda, an egg-white mask, or Multani Mitti.

Can ice close pores?

Yes. You only have to take an ice cube and rub it over your pores for at least 15 seconds. This method will make the skin tighten or compress, closing the pores.

Conclusion

Why do I have holes in my face? The holes in your face are caused by pockmarks. Pockmarks and large pores affect your facial appearance, negatively impacting your self-esteem and confidence. However, there are various treatment options, depending on your skin needs and budget. Some scars are permanent, and using certain treatments can decrease their appearance.

Judy Rose

Hi, it’s Judy!

I’m a passionate skincare specialist and writer. I have more than 7 years of experience as a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor, and I’m extremely passionate about what I do.