It’s happened to all of us at least once. You’re brushing your teeth. Styling your hair. Applying make-up or skincare. You more you stare at them, you feel they are growing bigger by the second. Those are just your pores! We all have them and they are essential to healthy skin. Oftentimes, they appear as they do due to our genetics. Though some people pay no attention to them, others get fixated on their size and feel there is something that can be done to remedy the situation. Should the size of our pores be a topic to be concerned about?
Anti Aging
What Are The Best Skincare For Minimizing Pores?
what are the Causes of Large skin Pores?
The short answer is no, of course not! There is little to be done about attaining the “perfect” size of pores, whatever that is. Our pores are the openings in our skin in which sweat and sebum, or oil, can more easily exit the glands onto the epidermis.
You may hear the term “clogged pores” and “non-comedogenic” frequently when it comes to skincare and ingredients. This is because clogged pores can back up natural processes, causing further issues such as redness, swelling, and acne breakouts. Depending on the person’s skin type or assigned sex at birth, there are multiple reasons for the pores to appear larger.
- Natural Aging
Perhaps one of the main reasons for skincare users to get involved in their routines is that the production of collagen lessens as we age. Collagen in our skin allows the outer surface to maintain firmness and elasticity. Without it, our skin starts to sag and show aging signs, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Without these essential proteins at work, this can lead to widened pores. Unlike other aging signs which can be a more permanent solution, enlarged pores are unfortunately an effect of aging that can only be handled momentarily and will require constant maintenance.
- Oil Production
Sebum, or the natural oils our skin produces, tends to be more prominent in the center of our faces. This is due to more sebaceous glands releasing oil in this area. With excess oils comes the appearance of large pores. If you’re prone to oilier skin, you might be focusing on the size of your pores more so than others.
- Sun Damage
The reason that sunscreen and the awareness of the sun’s harmful UV rays are constantly brought up in skincare articles, such as this one, is due to its relevance. Excess sun exposure can be traced back to multiple skin conditions, including large pores.
As your skin becomes overexposed to the sun, the ultraviolet rays steadily break down the skin’s protective barrier, leaving the structural integrity of your skin at risk. As the elasticity and firmness are targeted, so are your pores which can appear larger after being outside for extended periods.
If you’re leaving the house without adequate protection, that leaves your skin at even greater risk of damage such as sunburn, which in some cases, can be a permanent issue.
- Hormonal Changes and Sex
When we experience puberty, our pores begin to appear more prominent. This is due to the sebaceous glands producing an excess amount of oil during this hormonal cycle. Particularly during acne breakouts and a woman’s menstrual cycle, some may notice an increase in pore size until the cycle has moved on or the acne has been treated.
Contrary to some beliefs, men also experience a hormonal cycle like women. Instead of occurring once a month, a man experiences an increase in testosterone every 24 hours. Men not only have far more testosterone than women but they also naturally have oilier skin, causing their sebaceous glands to create larger pores as a result.
what are the Treatments For Minimizing Pores?
Though enlarged pores aren’t able to be gotten rid of entirely, there are remedies out there to diminish their appearance, leaving not only you but your reflection happier. Sometimes, simply running ice cubes or chilled skin rollers over your face can be enough to relieve symptoms of widened pores. These effects, however, only last up to a few minutes at most, which is why skincare users seek out remedies in other methods.
Aside from temporary treatments, incorporating certain habits into your lifestyle boosts collagen production and promotes firmness and elasticity in the skin. Ensuring that excess oil and debris don’t make their way below the epidermis will also help in minimizing pore size.
- Laser Therapy
Though not a fully-proven remedy, many have sought the guidance of red light therapy wands or masks to diminish their pore size. This option may not be for everyone, as this treatment requires regular visits to an office which can get expensive fast. It is expected to show up for treatment every four to eight weeks to maintain results. Despite the frequent trips to the physician, this method of treatment does tend to produce longer-lasting results than other methods available to those looking to reduce their pores.
- Chemical Peels
A benefit of chemical peels is that they can be performed in an office and at home, depending on your preference. The pandemic found many skincare users seeking out tutorials and researching remedies for various concerns on the web or social media platforms such as TikTok. They are relatively easy to perform solo and can be applied every week or every two weeks, depending on the type of peel and how deep they exfoliate.
Exfoliation is vital to maintaining pore size. The process helps remove dead skin cells at a faster rate, encouraging new cells to form. Typically, this process only needs to be done one to two times per week, depending on skin type and sensitivity. Over-exfoliation can lead to further issues such as irritation and redness.
AHAs and BHAs. such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, respectively, are well-sought-out ingredients that are key to the exfoliation process. Salicylic acid, the only existent BHA, allows the skin cells to loosen up, encouraging the removal of dead cells that contribute to dull skin. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is well-advised for those looking to reduce aging signs, excess sebum production, and visible acne.
- Protect Yourself From the Sun
It is always of the utmost importance to maintain a shield around your skin’s protective barrier when venturing outside. Your skin is always at risk from the sun’s UV rays but with proper self-care, typically consisting of SPF 30 or above sunscreen formulas, it should provide you with enough armor as you go about your daily routine.
If you have extra sensitive skin or are outdoors for extended periods, it can be beneficial to travel with your preferred sunscreen so you can reapply it every few hours to exposed areas of the skin. It’s best to steer clear of chemical-based sunscreens and opt for mineral-based formulas instead. Moisturizer and sunscreen combos can be a great option for those who want to condense their routine, but these combination formulas aren’t always as effective as applying each product separately.
- Microneedling
Like chemical peels, microneedling is a trendy treatment that has been scientifically proven it is here to stay. It can be performed at home or by a professional in-office. This process involves tiny punctures being created in the skin by needles, stimulating a wound-healing reaction in response to the treatment.
What makes Brightening Micro Dart Patches stand out is their unique formulation of 1,000 micro darts per patch. With each application, you are receiving wider coverage for your skin and pores that penetrate far beneath the epidermis. Suitable for all skin types, results appear almost instantly, achieving better results if applied consistently for six weeks. Utilizing skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin, these powerful components work together to maintain hydration, diminish the size of pores, and brighten the skin.
Best Skincare Routines For Reducing Pores?
Aside from previously recommended ingredients, retinol can be an essential Vitamin A derivative when it comes to combatting enlarged pores. Retinol works to clear dead skin cells faster and reduce aging signs, a fan favorite for clearing wrinkles. Not only does the ingredient love to add some more collagen to your life but it also maintains pore size.
If ordinary retinol isn’t enough for your skin or isn’t showing desired results, a prescription-strength retinoid may be necessary. Options include tretinoin, isotretinoin, and spironolactone, to name a few. A consultation with your dermatologist will help you to understand which may be best for your skin type.
In today’s modern age of skincare, there are countless options out there for you to perform trial and error. When testing new ingredients, you should apply them on a small area of the skin if you are concerned about unwanted side effects. If you experience irritation in the applied area, you can move on to another ingredient until you get the anticipated result.
Other beneficial skincare ingredients include, but are not limited to:
Conclusion : pore care for your skin
Our pores are essential to ensuring our skin functions as intended and their appearance is mainly linked to genetics. If your parents have large or small pores, chances are your pores are going to mimic theirs. Always incorporate gentle products into your routine to not only help with reducing pores but to avoid skin irritation. Most importantly, take the time to appreciate your pores. It’s but one of many features to cherish that makes you stand out from the rest.