How to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores

Get ready for the cold hard (unfortunate) truth: there is nothing you can do or use to get rid of your pores. However, you are taking the right steps to reduce their appearance. Below, you'll find expert tips on creating a skin care regimen that will help keep your pores in check.

WHAT IS PORES?

Before you can figure out how to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, it's important to know why they're important to your body's largest organ. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), pores are “tiny openings in your skin from which hair grows.” They secrete natural sebum, also known as sebum, and help keep skin soft and smooth.  

Whether it's due to excess oil production or simply due to genetics, the obvious downside to pores is that they can appear large. Luckily, with the right regimen, you can shrink your pores. Keep reading to find out what you can do to make your pores less visible. 

MAINTAIN REGULAR SKIN CARE

Pores are responsible for sweat to keep us cool, and oils to nourish our skin. However, sometimes pores become clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and other impurities, which can make them appear larger than usual. When these blockages become infected with bacteria this can lead to acne and breakouts. Maintaining a regular skin care regime according to skin type is an important step in reducing pores and keeping skin healthy.

TIP #1: CHOOSE NON-COMEDOGENIC PRODUCTS

An easy way to prevent your pores from looking enlarged is to prevent clogging. This is especially important if you have oily skin, as excess oil can mix with dirt on the skin's surface and cause blockages. Let your skin care products help. When looking for the right products—whether it's cleansers, lotions, serums, or makeup bases—look for the term "non-comedogenic" on the label. If it's stuck on the bottle, it means the formula won't clog your pores. 

TIP #2: CLEAN IN THE MORNING AND EVENING 

Dirt, sweat, makeup residue and other impurities accumulated on the surface of the skin quickly enlarge the pores. Cleanse your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser to keep the surface clean and prevent bacteria from entering your pores and causing havoc.

TIP #3: USE TONER

Think of toner as a back-up to your cleanser. This can help ensure that any pore-clogging dirt is effectively removed from the skin's surface. Most formulas can also help reduce excess sebum and leave skin instantly hydrated and refreshed. Try: SkinCeuticals Smoothing Toner. 

TIP #4: EXFOLIATE

Exfoliation is the key to exfoliating dead skin cells. Turn to exfoliating products enriched with alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids. In addition to helping to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, formulas enriched with these ingredients can also help visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and age spots. 

Tip #5: REMEMBER THE RETINOL 

It's no secret that our skin changes with age. With the ticking hands of time comes the inevitable slowdown in our skin's production of collagen and elastin, two essential components of youthful skin. As these proteins decrease, our pores may begin to look larger than when we were younger. “[Pores] can become more visible over time,” says dermatologist, SkinCeuticals spokesperson and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Karan Sra. To help reduce their appearance, Dr. Sra recommends turning to retinol. The powerful ingredient is known to help reduce the appearance of pores and blemishes, as well as address common skin concerns such as signs of aging and dark spots. You can find a vitamin A derivative in a variety of skin care products, including creams, serums, lotions, peels, and more.

TIP #6: USE A CLAY MASK 

Incorporating a clay mask into your routine at least once a week is a good way to cleanse your pores of excess oil, dirt, and impurities that have built up on the surface of your skin. Between kaolin, bentonite, and Moroccan rassoul, there are plenty of mineral-rich clays that can provide multiple benefits for different skin types. 

TIP #7: PROTECT YOUR SUN PROTECTION

Can the sun's harmful UV rays open up pores? If your skin gets damaged as a result, it can certainly happen, says Dr. Sra. "Large pores aren't usually caused by direct sun exposure, [but] sun-damaged skin makes pores more visible," she says. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing broad spectrum SPF of at least 15 daily. A good moisturizer with broad spectrum sun protection is essential not only to help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and other signs of premature aging, but also to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. To take your sun protection a step further, take additional outdoor protection measures like seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak hours of sunshine—10am to 4pm—when the sun's rays are at their strongest. 

TIP #8: Conceal With Makeup

That there are so many fantastic tutorials for beginners, BB creams and emollient balms on the market, hiding your pores temporarily is as easy as a quick swipe of your finger. Many of these products diffuse light, resulting in smoother skin and smaller pores..