How to Minimize Enlarged Pores

No matter what you may think about your pores, they are an invaluable asset to your body. They provide a means for your body to expel sweat and oil. This cools your body while eliminating toxins. Pores also serve as the housing for hair follicles. There is also no possible way to get rid of them completely.

However, there are a few things you can do to reduce their size.

Before turning to your dermatologist to seek treatment for large pores, know that there are simple methods you can do at home. Here’s how:

Causes of Enlarged Pores

Enlarged pores may be due to the following factors:

acne
decreased skin elasticity
excessive production of sebum
an increase in hair follicle volume
non-comedogenic makeup
sun damage

Your pores can become blocked once they collect oil and combine it with makeup or dirt. These can stretch your pores, which makes it look bigger than it is. If they remain clogged, pimples can also develop.

#1 Check the Skincare Products You Use

Evaluate the ingredients that are in the products you use for your skin. Be careful if what you’re applying is specifically for clearing away acne and excess sebum. While they are helpful for short-term use, using them for a long time can irritate your skin.

Check if your products contain active ingredients like salicylic acid. Such ingredients work by removing the top layers of your skin and give a drying effect. Although, if your skin gets too dry, your sebaceous glands will increase the production of sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture. You end up having oily skin again.

Instead, make use of non-comedogenic or water-based products. Prevent getting extra oil into your skin by avoiding comedogenic or oil-based products, which can lead you to excess oil and larger-looking pores.

#2 Use the Right Cleanser

An effective cleanser does its job of removing excess oil and dirt without completely stripping your skin of moisture. Look for a gel-based product if you have oily skin and large pores. On the other hand, creamy cleansers work well for normal to dry skin. Nevertheless, whichever skin type you may have, don’t use products that have scrubbing agents or soap since these can make your pores look larger.

Additionally, apply the right technique and make sure to cleanse your face well:

Use lukewarm water to wet your face.
Apply cleanser by massaging in circles around the face and neck area. Do this for at least 30 to 60 seconds.
Rinse thoroughly and pat skin dry. Avoid rubbing.

#3 Exfoliate Once or Twice a Week

Another crucial step to take is to exfoliate. Exfoliating 1 to 2 times per week helps to clear out any dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells that can block your pores, without over-stripping your skin. If you’re going through an acne breakout, however, skip this step to prevent irritating your pimples.

Choose exfoliants that have alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). BHAs are commonly known as salicylic acids and don’t use it if you are allergic to aspirin. Though both acids can boost your exfoliating benefits, BHAs can penetrate deep into your pores and treat your acne. Don’t exfoliate more than twice a week, either, since products with salicylic acid can dry out your skin.

#4 Don’t Skip on the Moisturizer

If you have oily skin, it doesn’t mean that it’s hydrated. Using moisturizer allows your natural sebum to get into the deeper layers of your skin. By hydrating and softening your skin, the oil penetrates it instead of staying on the surface of your pores.

If you have enlarged pores, choose a light, water-based moisturizer. Not only will these products reduce the oily look on your face, but they will also help minimize pore enlargement and condition your skin efficiently.

#5 Apply a Clay Mask

Clay masks are useful because they can help in eliminating dead skin, dirt, and oil that are deep inside your pores. They also prevent them from becoming enlarged and make them look smaller. Similar to exfoliation, you can use a mask once or twice a week, but avoid doing so on the same days you exfoliate.

It can be tough on your skin when you exfoliate and use a clay mask on the same day. Over-treating it can lead to irritation, instead. Once your skin gets irritated, blemishes may occur, and your pores can look larger.

#6 Protect Your Skin With Sunscreen

Whatever your skincare routine may look like, one aspect that you must always include is sunscreen. No matter your skin type, it’s crucial to protect your skin against the damaging rays of the sun. Not only does sun damage increase your long-term risk of wrinkles and cancer, but it can also make your pores appear bigger and dry out your skin.

Make sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it at least 15 minutes before going outside. Doing so helps keep your skin supple. You can also protect yourself from the sun’s rays by staying in the shade when the sun is brightest, and by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

#7 Remove Makeup Before Sleeping

While there’s nothing like sleeping the night away after spending a long workday, don’t forget to remove your makeup. Sleeping with your makeup on can be damaging to your skin. When you leave it on overnight, it can combine with bacteria, dirt, and oil you’ve accumulated over the entire day. These can clog up your pores and make them appear larger when you wake up the next morning.

Even if you feel tired, you must wash your makeup off before you go to sleep. For this process to finish more quickly, you can use a makeup-removing product like cleansing wipes before using your cleanser.

#8 Drink Water

Using the right products for your skin is not enough. To see external changes, you must also make adjustments from within. Drinking water is good for your pores, and it can enhance your skin health. Water can wash out toxins from your pores, as well as improve your overall complexion. It also hydrates your skin internally.

You are what you drink, and your skin’s current condition can also reflect that. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water or other liquids each day. You can try flavouring your water by adding berries, lemon, or cucumber if you don’t want to drink plain water.

While you cannot eliminate your pores, you can make them look smaller by keeping these tips in mind and making changes to your skincare routine. If doing these aren’t making an impact, then a professional treatment, such as laser skin resurfacing, can improve the appearance of large pores. The difference before and after the procedure may surprise you.

If you’re looking for excellent skin services, including treatment for large pores and wrinkles, then look no further than em clinic. Our team consists of professionals who are more than ready to assist you in your journey towards healthier and better skin. For more information, please contact us at (519) 668-7449, or email us at info@emclinicandspa.com.