Fine lines and wrinkles aren’t the only flaws that cause texture issues for your skin. Enlarged pores can give your complexion a bumpy, uneven look that’s tough to hide even with the best makeup. Usually, individuals with oily skin are more prone to enlarged pores than people with dry skin. That’s because your pores actually stretch when they’re filled with sebum and other clogging debris, which makes them look larger.
Enlarged pores can be caused by several factors. During the teen years, skin oil production increases during puberty so pores become clogged and enlarged easily. However, just because you’re out of high school doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for large pores. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, which can sometimes make the pores look larger. In some cases, your family may actually be to blame – pore size is genetic so if there’s a history of enlarged pores in your family, you may end up with them too.
While there’s no way to actually shrink your pores, you can make them look smaller. The key is to use skin care products which help regulate oil production and keep your pores free of dirt, impurities and other debris so they don’t appear as large. Salicylic acid is a powerful weapon in the fight against enlarged pores because it can actually penetrate the follicle to exfoliate inside the pore lining where clogs occur. Dermalogica’s Clearing Skin Wash is a great product to start with when you’re battling enlarged pores because it contains salicylic acid to help promote exfoliation and clear impacted follicles.
However, for seriously enlarged pores, a cleanser alone usually doesn’t do enough to keep them clear. Instead, opt for a salicylic acid gel or lotion that you can leave on your skin overnight. The Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel can help keep your pores clear by reducing sebum production and dissolving clogs. Apply it nightly to cleansed skin and wash off in the morning.
During the day, you can help keep your pores clear by using an oil-absorbing product beneath your moisturizer or makeup. Dermalogica’s Oil Control Lotion is oil-free and provides light hydration while also helping to regulate your skin’s sebum production. Your skin will stay matte and shine free all day – and your pores will look smaller. If your skin is extremely oily and acne prone, the Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier is a better option. It contains zinc gluconate, yeast extract, niacinmiade, biotin and caffeine to help reduce sebum production and salicylic acid to help dissolve clogs. Apply it directly to clean skin and follow with your usual moisturizer.
When your pores are looking especially large, an oil-absorbing, refining mask can help reduce their appearance. The Bioelements Restorative Clay is a great option because it uses a clay-based formula for powerful oil absorption. It also contains Chinese herbs and chamomile to help deep clean your pores and smooth your skin. You can apply it up to three times a week to clean skin and allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes. Follow up with your favorite skin treatment and moisturizer for smooth, healthy skin.
While your pores may never actually shrink, the right products can help make them look smaller – and at the end of the day, what more can you ask for?