Ways To Effectively Shrink Large Pores

Pores, they are everywhere in our body. Isn’t it annoying when we see models who have little to no pores only to be disappointed as our own pores seem to appear extremely noticeable?

The truth is, everyone has visible pores and they are a necessary part of skin! 

What are pores?

"Pores allow the skin to breathe, and are the passageway between the inside of the body and the outside," says dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D.

There are actually two kinds of pores: there’s one that releases our body’s natural oil which is the sebum and is the kind that we can see.  The other type of pores  contain the sweat glands to release sweat which aren't visible to the naked eye.

Pores serve as the pathway for unwanted substances and toxins to exit the body. 

Causes Of Large Pores

Pores may be more or less noticeable depending on your skin type. Oilier skin types tend to have larger looking pores and genetics also play a role in the size of the pores we're born with. 

Another factor of having enlarged pores would be our age – our skin’s elasticity starts pulling back and losing the speed at which it renews as we get older which can make pores appear larger.

How To Make Pores Look Smaller

You may have heard of the term of opening up or closing pores, but the truth is that the pore itself doesn't fully close or open.  Factors like cold temperature may temporarily cause pores to appear smaller because it is constricting and tightening the skin around the pores.  While steam and heat is said to 'open' pores but all it really does is to help loosen the oil within the pore.   

When we talk about shrinking the pores, remember that our natural pores will still be there since it's a structural part of our skin, but there are ways to make them appear smaller. 

Methods that work to shrink the appearance of pores include ways to keep the pores clear, and reduce excess oil production in skin. 

With that said, here are effective ways to shrink large pores

• Choose water-based products
• Wash face both morning and evening
• Choose gel-based cleansers
• Exfoliate regularly
• Apply a clay mask
• Always thoroughly remove makeup at night
• Wear sunscreen

 

Use A Water Based Moisturizer

If you have oily skin and large pores,  it’s best to make sure that the products you use are water-based as it avoids extra oil from getting into your pores.  Using more oil based products may lead to excess oil on the skin, which in turn cause pores to appear larger.  Excess oil is produced when skin is dehydrated, so adding water would help relieve dehydrated skin. 

Wash Face Twice A Day 

This may already be a bit of common sense, but wash your face both in the morning and evening since keeping the pores clear is what helps shrink their appearance. 

You may even want to cleanse more often to minimize pores if you get sweaty such as after a workout, or when its very hot and humid because the extra sweat and oils on the surface of skin can reflect light which emphasizes the pore appearance. 

Choose A Gel or Foaming Cleanser  - A creamy moisturizing cleanser may leave residue in the pores and not be thoroughly cleansing enough to reduce pore appearance and remove excess oils.  Gel cleansers helps to clear oil from the pores, reducing their appearance. 

Make sure that the cleanser is gentle and not overly drying either, as that could backfire and cause overproduction of oil. 

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating regularly once or twice a week is a great way to shrink large pores as it helps remove debris from the pores that block them, including dead skin cells and excess oil.   Use an exfoliator that contain BHA or AHA's and make sure not to overdo it.  We recommend the Pumpkin Enzyme Masque.  

Apply A Clay Mask

Using a clay mask once or twice a week can help to remove excess oil from the pores. Clays are really great at absorbing oils even when the oil is deep within the pores. 

There are several types of clay masks so you want to look for bentonite clay and french green clay since they have the best oil absorbing properties.  If you need a clay that is a bit less absorbing and drying, you can choose Rhassoul clay. 

Remove Makeup Before Going To Bed 

 

I know its hard especially after a tiring evening. However, most makeup products tend to clog pores and have oils in them that can enlarge the pores.  Makeup can be removed with an oil based cleanser, but follow up with a gel cleanser or foaming cleanser afterwards. 

Protect Skin With SPF 

One of the reasons pores can appear larger is if we lose skin elasticity.  Other than natural aging, skin damage can also cause this loss of elastin and the main culprit is sun exposure.  

Keep skin protected with full spectrum sunscreen to prevent sun damage and try to find a formula of sunscreen that works well for your skin type.   

In closing,We can’t banish our pores completely but rather we can make them less noticeable when giving them the right care!  To summarize, keep your skin protected, and keep pores clear and healthy by using the right moisturizer for your skin type, include a gel or foaming cleanser in your daily routine, and exfoliate regularly.