If you search the internet for 'pore-minimizer cosmetics', you will be flooded with thousands of results. You would think that with so many products available, there must be a few that are really effective. Unfortunately, this is often a misconception; enlarged pores cannot be reduced with regular skin care products. This topic deserves a further explanation, with a few handy tips!
What are pores?
Pores are small openings in the skin that are connected to the sebaceous and sweat glands underneath. Through these openings, sebum spreads over the skin, which helps maintain its barrier function and provides some protection from the sun.
From invisible to visible
Everyone has pores, but their size varies from person to person. Many pores are so small that they are barely visible. Pores typically become visible at around 0.1 mm in diameter and are considered enlarged at 0.3 mm or larger. When the balance of sebum production is disrupted, for example due to hormonal changes or the buildup of dead skin cells, pores can become clogged and more noticeable. Long-term blockage can stretch the pore wall, making them more visible.
Causes of large pores
Large pores can affect anyone, but they are often linked to factors such as gender, genetics, age, and external influences such as improper skin care, acne, or sun damage. Enlarged pores are usually associated with increased sebum production. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle, can also affect pore size, especially in areas such as the nose and cheeks where sebum production tends to be higher.
Can large pores really get smaller?
Pores don’t have muscles, so they can’t actively change size. There’s no cream that can physically shrink pores, and astringent lotions don’t have a long-term effect; they can actually irritate your skin, making your pores temporarily less visible. Because a variety of factors can contribute to enlarged pores, there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. However, there are ingredients and treatments that can help reduce the appearance of large pores or even prevent them from happening.
Tips to tackle large pores
- Make sure your skincare routine has a good foundation: Use a mild cleanser without irritating ingredients. This is an important first step.
- Cleanse consistently: Cleanse your skin every day, and always remove your makeup before going to bed.
- Use an exfoliant: Exfoliants containing salicylic acid are ideal because they penetrate deep into pores, dissolve sebum, and help reduce blackheads and excess sebum.
- Add antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamins C and E protect the skin and prevent sebum from oxidizing in the pores. Niacinamide (minimum 2%) can also help regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of pores.
- Protect against sun damage: Reduce the chance of loss of skin elasticity by wearing sunscreen daily, even in cloudy weather.
- Use firming ingredients: Antioxidants such as vitamins A and C help keep skin firm and reduce the appearance of pores.
- Adjust your diet: Low-glycemic foods, such as nuts and whole grains, can help regulate sebum production. Avoid too much sugar and processed foods that can weaken the skin.
- Consider professional treatments: Laser, microneedling, or Botox can firm the skin and reduce sebum production.
- Use makeup to make pores less visible: Reflective particles in makeup can make pores less noticeable.
- Accept imperfections: Remember that it is normal to have visible pores; it is part of healthy skin.