Skip to content
Menu
Awareness MonthOngoing: Sarcoma Awareness MonthAwareness DayWorld Hepatitis Day starts in 4 daysAwareness MonthBreastfeeding Awareness Month starts in 8 daysHealth CampaignWorld Breastfeeding Week starts in 8 daysAwareness DayWorld Lung Cancer Day starts in 8 days

Pore

A pore is a tiny opening on the surface of the skin through which sweat and sebum reach the skin.

In everyday language, people often refer to clogged hair follicles as “blocked pores.” While the terms are closely related, acne begins within the hair follicle rather than the visible pore opening.

Quick fact

Pores cannot permanently “open” or “close,” although they may appear larger or smaller under different conditions.

Commonly confused with

Hair follicle

See also