Enlarged pores are a common skin concern that affects men and women, especially those with oily skin types. Although you can’t permanently shrink your pores, there are different skincare products, treatments, and remedies you can turn to for a smoother complexion. Keep reading if you want to find out reasons and solutions to get smaller pores and clearer skin.
Why Do You Have Large Pores?
Are you wondering why you have visible pores and who’s to blame?
Pores are miniature openings in the skin that release sweat and sebum,
a natural oil. If you have large pores, the main causes are usually:
- Genetics – genetics and skin type play a major role in your skin texture. As we age, we lose elasticity, and the pores become more visible.
- Sun damage – heavy sun exposure can thicken the skin and make the pores more visible. This is why wearing an SPF is crucial for a healthy complexion.
- Clogged pores – if you don’t remove your makeup regularly or with a deep cleanser, all the impurities and clogged-up dirt can widen your pores.
Effective Methods to Minimize Pores: How To Deal With Enlarged Pores
- Proper Cleansing
Regular cleansing helps remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup. Wash your face two times (morning and night) with an appropriate cleanser. Foaming or gel-based cleansers are good for oily skin, whereas if you have dry skin, cream-based cleansers are better. Use a pea-sized amount of product to remove any dirt or oil build-up.
- Exfoliation
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps with enlarged pores. With a gentle scrub, wash the face twice a week for effective results.
- Masks
Did you know clay masks can absorb excess oil and shrink your pores? You can also try charcoal masks. Apply the mask once a week for deep cleansing properties. You can find these masks at most beauty stores online, or you can turn to a DIY remedy solution.
- Get a facial treatment
You might need to ask a professional for help and their input. With deep cleansing and proper tools, a skilled dermatologist can cleanse your pores and apply a mask or even retinoids to close the pores and improve their cell turnover. AEON Medical does laser therapies, microneedle radio frequencies, and topical open pores treatments that are catered to your skin type.
- Moisturizer
You should moisturize your skin inside and out. This means drinking water regularly to nourish your skin while also applying the right moisturizer in the morning and night to keep your skin smooth and radiant.
Top 5 Products For Enlarged Pores
1) CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – you’ll like this product for removing impurities. If you have oily skin, CeraVe will help remove blackheads, whiteheads, and acne pimples while preventing the formation of new acne blemishes.
2) The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution – quite effective and affordable, a gentle exfoliant with glycolic acid can refine skin texture and boost radiance.
3) The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane– is mostly known for its power to trigger collagen production, tackle pigmentation, and reduce congestion.
4) La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer – provides long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
5) EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – with an SPF of 46, this lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen protects and soothes the skin while being compatible with most foundations.
Top 3 Additional Tips To Follow
A) Treat your skin with care
Though washing can help remove impurities, aggressive washing can irritate your skin and make your pores appear wider. Moreover, picking, squeezing, or digging into your pores might aggravate your skin and affect your enlarged pores. You should never pinch, scour, rub, or pick at your face.
B) Try microneedling
A microneedling technique, which effectively plumps up skin to reduce pores, can be performed by your dermatologist. The skin sustains microtrauma as a result, inducing a wound-healing reaction. It causes the creation of collagen, which fortifies the supporting tissue surrounding pores. The treatment is not painful, so you do not have to worry about too much pain.
C) Invest in your products
You can follow all the instructions on this list. However, chances are your pores will always appear enlarged and more noticeable than you’d like them to. The key is to find a skincare regimen compatible with your skin type. Always buy products that say ‘non-comedogenic’, and do a little patch test before applying the product over your face (specifically applies to women with sensitive skin types).
Having said all of that
While you can’t permanently change your pore size, adopting a consistent routine with the right products can significantly minimize their appearance. Focus on:
- Cleansing
- Exfoliation
- Usage of retinoids, creams, and sun protection
In the end, patience and consistency are key, as noticeable improvements take time. If all else fails, it’ll probably be wise to look for a medical aesthetic doctor for an enlarged pores treatment such as AEON Medical & Aesthetic Centre. So, are you ready to tackle enlarged pores?
