Enlarged pores are common among men and women. Most of the time, the factors that cause them are beyond our control, such as age and genetics. While large pores are not necessarily bad, they can make your skin look unhealthy and give you an older appearance.
If enlarged pores make you feel insecure, there are several ways to reduce them. Here are some methods that might help you.
Clean Your Face Twice Daily
When dirt, oil, and debris build up on your face, it can lead to clogged and enlarged pores. You can combat this by washing your face twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed.
Find a non-comedogenic cleanser that works for your skin type. If you have oily skin, you can use a salicylic acid cleanser to help decrease sebum and minimize your pores. On the other hand, those with dry skin can benefit from AHA cleansers, which exfoliate and moisturize the face.
Don’t use hot water because it can open up your pores and make them look larger. You should also avoid scrubbing your face vigorously because it can irritate and inflame the skin. Instead, use warm water and gentle strokes.
Use Skincare Products That Promote Collagen Production
When your skin is dry, rough, and not as firm as it used to be, your pores become more visible. To prevent this, you can use skincare products that encourage collagen production. Collagen hydrates the skin, improves its elasticity, and minimizes pores. Below are some skincare products that help with collagen production:
- Retinol – A derivative of Vitamin A that clears up dead cells, unclogs pores, and exposes fresh skin.
- Glycolic Acid – An exfoliant that unclogs pores by dissolving excess sebum, dirt, and dead cells.
- Vitamin C – An antioxidant that removes excess sebum and dead skin cells and unclogs pores.
Protect Your Face With Sunscreen Daily
Prolonged exposure to the sun dehydrates your skin and removes collagen. The tissue underneath your skin will then shrink and tug at your pores, causing them to look bigger. But the good news is you can prevent sun damage by applying sunscreen daily, even when it’s cold or raining. Choose a water-resistant, wide-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30.
Exfoliate Regularly
When you exfoliate your face, the dead skin sheds off and reveals the fresh, bright, and smooth skin underneath. It also unclogs the pores and prevents them from stretching and looking larger. You can opt for physical exfoliators, which are usually marketed as face scrubs and come with scrubbing particles.
You can also use chemical exfoliators, such as AHAs and BHAs, as a gentler and safer alternative. However, you shouldn’t over-exfoliate because it can damage the protective barrier and inflame your skin.
Treat Acne
If you suffer from acne, take steps to treat it. Doing so will help unclog and minimize your pores. Salicylic acid is known as one of the best ways to treat acne. But if it irritates your skin, find a milder, non-comedogenic face cleanser and alternate it with salicylic acid.
Seek Professional Treatment
If your skincare routine at home isn’t doing enough to minimize your pores, you can always seek professional treatment. Laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and microneedling are all options you can explore with your dermatologist.
The Bottom Line
There are many ways to treat enlarged pores. It’s all about finding what works for you, being consistent with your skincare, and being gentle with your face. For more information, contact Complete Family Dermatology at (402) 423-1111.
