With all the screens and technology of modern life, we are used to seeing skin through the lens of filters, high definition, and strategically lit photo shoots. It’s easy—and ill advised— to scrutinize the details of our faces, from the surface of our skin to each and every solitary line. A glance at a front facing camera can have you thinking “my pores are huge” a la Regina George. All skin has pores and while porcelain may not be realistic or attainable, there are ways to diminish pore’s prominence.
To understand how to treat large pores, it’s important to first understand pores. Pores are the opening for hair follicles and include a sebaceous gland which produces skin’s oil. Pore size is genetic and those with oilier and dark or olive skin tones tend to have more prominent pores. Other contributors to pore size include dead skin cells and sebum (aka pimples) as well loss of collagen brought on by UV damage (aka sun exposure) and aging. Picking at your pores and pimples can damage them. The three main components to keeping your pore size down: cleanse, exfoliate, and treat.
CLEANSE
It’s important to keep the pores clear of dead skin cells, oil, makeup, dirt, and other pore clogging debris. Use products that are oil free and non comedogenic. Daily cleansing, especially with a mild cleanser with salicylic acid helps.
EXFOLIATE
Keep pores clear by exfoliating so pores don’t become clogged or irritated with dead skin cells. When you have large pores it’s easy to want to over exfoliate but once a week chemical exfoliating is the sweet spot to start. In fact, our Biocellulose Brightening Face Mask is a gentle alternative to harsh scrubs and contains niacinamide to help reduce pore size. You’ll have a smoother, brighter, softer skin texture.
TREAT
Topical treatments like retinoids, acids (alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic), and benzoyl peroxide can help control skin bacteria, treat sun damage, and reduce pore size. These promote cell turnover to prevent dead skin cells building up in pores.
Of course there are more advanced treatments you can discuss with a dermatologist. Options such as chemical peels, laser skin therapy, IPL treatments, and microneedling may help reduce more pronounced pores that other treatments cannot.
