Pores are tiny holes on the skin that serve an important function by allowing sweat and oil to escape through the skin, cooling you off and keeping your skin healthy. However, some people dislike their appearance, especially on areas of the body where they appear more noticeable, like on the nose and forehead. While there is no way to close your pores completely, there are ways to make them appear less prominent on your skin. Here are some tips and tricks that work:
Skin Care Practices:
- Use a daily cleanser that is gentle and made for people with normal to oily skin. Look for a label that states that it was made for people with normal to oily skin. It’s best to wash once in the morning and once in the evening. Washing more can irritate the skin.
- Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, which would otherwise mix with dirt and oil on the surface of your skin, causing blocked pores.
- Use a skin primer under your make-up to make your skin appear flawless. A good primer (preferably a silicone-based one) will help to minimize the appearance of pores.
- Apply sun protection to keep pores clear of excess oil. Make sure you only use products labeled oil-free or noncomedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores) .
Products:
- Clay masks work to minimize pores by drying out the sebum underneath your pores, as well as sticking to impurities and pulling them out as the mask dries.
- Use retinol or pro-retinol to fight against enlarged looking pores. Vitamin C can also minimize the appearance of large pores. Use in a serum before you apply a lightweight moisturizer.
- Use essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and rosemary oil to reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores.
In-Office Methods:
- Chemical peels work as exfoliators and boost collagen production in the body. This improves elasticity and keeps the skin firm. One of the most commonly used AHAs to reduce pore size is Glycolic acid. It is also used in chemical peels.
- Microneedling is an effective way of plumping up skin to shrink pores. “We use a microneedling device to make tiny punctures in the skin with very small, sterile needles,” .
Things to Avoid:
- Avoid excessively squeezing your pores or using an extractor tool to unclog them. This can cause scarring and harm the skin.
- Avoid touching your face under any circumstances — your fingers are likely oily and/or dirty which can encourage blemishes to grow on your face. Also, do not pick or try to remove blackheads from your pores with your hands under any circumstances. You may damage your skin, which can lead to your pores looking enlarged.
It is important to note that what works for one person may not work for another. It is best to consult a dermatologist to determine the best course of action for your skin type.
