Large pores play an essential role in supporting skin health by releasing oils and sweat. Unfortunately, larger than usual pores may be visually distracting and cosmetically undesirable. Here are some dermatologist-recommended techniques to minimize their appearance.
Though there’s no instant solution for shrinking pores, it is possible to gradually decrease their appearance with regular skincare practices. Avoid extreme measures like using an ice cube on your skin – such methods could damage it instead!
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Though pore size is often determined by genetics, there are things you can do to make them less noticeable. A great first step would be using a cleanser that has been labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free when washing your face each morning and evening.
Exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead cells and keep pores clear of clogs. For those with sensitive skin, choose gentle exfoliators that won’t irritate it instead.
At least twice each week, use a clay or charcoal mask on your skin to draw out build-up and oil that causes pores to look larger. Just a few simple steps like these can make a dramatic change to their appearance!
2. Cleanse Your Face Daily
Dr. Marchbein suggests the best way to keep pores looking small and tight is using a gentle face wash tailored specifically for your skin type; light foam or gel works better on oilier skin while cream or balm products work well with dry skin types.
Squeezing or picking at your pores is to be avoided as doing so can cause them to expand and become clogged with sebum (oil), making them larger. Cleanse your face before bed as this allows the top layer of skin cells shed overnight – this could obstruct pores further, leading to blackheads or whiteheads filling up their natural space and making their presence known in a negative manner.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Although your pores cannot change fundamentally, you can certainly lessen their appearance with some at-home skin care treatments. Some key strategies for doing so include using water-based skin products, cleansing thoroughly (with warm or hot water if available), and performing weekly clay mask treatments.
Pores are small openings in the skin that connect hair follicles to oil glands, providing a means for sweat and oil release from sweaty areas such as facial features. But they may become larger over time if sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, and dead skin cells or makeup become trapped within.
Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes as this will only aggravate them further and make them look larger. Moisturizing oily skin with non-comedogenic moisturizer can help minimize pores while avoiding overly thick or opaque makeup is another effective strategy to minimize their appearance.
4. Use Sunscreen
Pores are small openings in your skin’s surface that connect hair follicles to oil glands and allow sebum, the natural oil of your body, to reach the surface for lubrication and sweat release. However, when pores become blocked with makeup, dirt, excess oil or any other impurities they can expand significantly, creating larger than usual pores that stretch across their entirety.
Genetics play the biggest role when it comes to pore size; however, certain medications and conditions can also increase them significantly. Hormonal birth control pills, acne medication and testosterone-based supplements have all been known to increase pore size significantly.
Implementing sunscreen use regularly can reduce the appearance of pores by protecting against UV rays. Look for broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30+ rating, and make sure to reapply every two hours.
5. Avoid Excess Oil
Pores are an integral part of skin, providing it with vital lubricating oil to reach its surface and release sweat. While you cannot change their size directly, there are ways you can help minimize their appearance. Avoid picking, squeezing or rubbing at your pores to reduce their size further; use a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening with only products designated non-comedogenic or oil-free labelling products for best results.
Your pore size is determined largely by genetics; however, they can become stretched due to breakouts, weight fluctuations or even just ageing. To minimize their appearance, make sure your pores remain oil-free by regularly blotting them throughout the day to clear away excess oil and help minimize their appearance.
