How Can I Minimize Pores Appearance?

It may not be possible to get rid of large pores, but there are ways to make them look smaller, including keeping the skin supple and stopping the pores from becoming clogged.

Here are eight effective ways to reduce the appearance of large pores:

1. Choosing water-based products

Moisturizing products contain various active ingredients, including oils. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend using oil-free products, including water-based makeup.

People with oily skin will benefit from products that are high in humectants rather than oils. Honey and urea are examples of humectants in skin care products.

Oil-based products contain petrolatum, coconut oil, and other kinds of oil. They effectively moisturize the skin but may not be suitable for people with oily skin and large pores. The excess oil that collects on the skin can make pores appear larger.

2. Washing the face both morning and night

Washing the face is basic skin care. The AAD recommend the following:

• Washing the face up to twice a day, or more after sweating a lot or doing sports
• Using lukewarm water and gently applying a cleanser with clean fingers
• Choosing a gentle cleanser that is non abrasive and does not contain alcohol
• Avoiding scrubbing or rubbing the skin too strong
• Patting the face dry with a clean towel

Washing the face every morning and evening helps wash away oil and dirt from the pores. This can help make them less visible.

3. Choosing gel-based cleansers

A gel-based cleanser is suitable for people with oily skin who want to make their pores less visible. It is best to avoid oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers, as these can irritate the skin.

A moisturizing cleanser may leave residue in the pores and increase oiliness. A gel-based cleanser helps clear oil from the pores, reducing their appearance.

4. Exfoliating

A person with oily skin should exfoliate once or twice a week to remove matter that can clog the pores, such as:

• dirt
• dead skin cells
• excess oil

Suitable products may contain:

• Beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid
• Polyhydroxy acids, such as lactobionic acid and gluconolactone, which help strengthen the skin’s barrier function
• Mandelic acid, for sensitive skin

Over-the-counter (OTC) products usually contain 7–10% of the active ingredient. Too high a percentage may aggravate the skin, although a dermatologist may prescribe a stronger formulation than OTC options.

It is important not to exfoliate more than twice a week, as this can dry out the skin. Although exfoliation helps keep pores unclogged, pores can look bigger if the skin becomes too dry. Facial cleansing brushes like the LUCE Dermal Defineract as mechanical exfoliators to help remove dead skin while also increasing blood flow to leave skin glowing

5. Moisturizing daily

The idea of moisturizing oily skin may be counterintuitive. However, an oil-free moisturizer can help reduce pore enlargement.

A person should first wash and pat the skin dry, then gently apply a moisturizer to help hydrate and soften the skin. That allows the oil from the sebaceous glands to penetrate more deeply into the skin, rather than staying in the pores on the surface.

In this way, moisturizing prevents pores from becoming clogged with oil, reducing their appearance.

6. Applying a clay mask

Using a clay mask once or twice a week can help remove additional oil from the pores. This is because clay absorbs sebum.

Removing that oil can help prevent pores from becoming enlarged and make them less visible.

It is advisable to do this on a different day than exfoliating, as overtreating the skin may cause irritation. Irritation can cause pores to appear enlarged and can lead to blemishes.

7. Always removing makeup at night

It is essential always to remove makeup before going to sleep.

Sleeping in makeup overnight can cause the pores to become blocked due to a buildup of makeup, oil, and bacteria.

Cleansing wipes are useful for removing makeup in a hurry.

8. Wearing sunscreen

It is crucial to care for the skin when in the sun. Sun exposure can dry the skin, making pores appear larger. Many moisturizers contain sunscreen. People should choose one with an SPF of 30 or over.

Keeping the skin protected from the sun keeps it supple. The best ways to do this are:

• wearing a wide-brimmed hat
• wearing sunscreen every day
• staying in the shade when the sun is strongest