6 Tips to Shrink Your Pores

Enlarged, clearly visible pores are typical for oily skin. They easily get clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells, causing blackheads and pimples. And when you try to cover them with makeup, things only get worse because makeup contributes to clogging. Instead of trying to cover skin pores, you need to unclog them and minimize their appearance. Here are some tips for minimizing the look of large pores.

Cleanse & Exfoliate

To unclog your pores, you need to pick the right cleanser and makeup remover. Buildup from makeup and excess sebum are responsible for clogging pores, so the first step is to remove makeup and cleanse your face. Try to find a gentle makeup remover and cleanser that won’t dry out your skin because dry skin begins to produce more sebum to compensate, and you get stuck in a vicious circle.

Exfoliation is just as important as cleansing. It is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin surface. You can choose between chemical and mechanical exfoliants. Mechanical exfoliants contain abrasives that physically remove dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliants contain acids or enzymes that loosen chemical bonds, allowing to ease dead skin cells away. If you’re routinely exfoliating, dead skin cells won’t stretch out your pores and make them look larger.

Opt for Non-comedogenic Skin Products

The so-called non-comedogenic skin products are free of ingredients that may clog your pores such as heavy carrier oils. If they contain magnesium or zinc, they’ll not only prevent breakouts but also help reduce the size of your pores.

Try Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that plays an essential role in the health of skin. It is widely used in cosmetic and medical applications designed to combat acne, keratosis and premature skin aging. If your skin is prone to breakouts and enlarged pores, you should try retinol creams. Just keep in mind that some people are sensitive to retinol, so you should be careful if you have sensitive skin.

Use Clay Masks

Facial masks with kaolin (white clay) or Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) are great for oily skin with large pores. They absorb excess oil and help to remove dirt from pores, which makes them look smaller. Use clay masks once or twice a week for a visible effect.

Keep Your Hands Off Your Face

When you touch your skin with unwashed hands, you’re adding more oil and dirt, which leads to clogged pores, breakouts and sometimes even infection. And by no means should you pop pimples or pick at your pores, no matter how much you want to do it. Popping and picking can leave your pores permanently enlarged, cause scars of infection.

Use Sunscreen

UV rays cause collagen in your skin to break down. Collagen is responsible for your skin’s elasticity, so intense exposure to sun results in stretchier skin and larger pores. To keep your skin firm and your pores small, always use sunscreen.