Large Pores? Here Are 5 Best Solutions You Need To Know
Our skin has tiny openings on it which help our skin to breathe. These micro openings are called pores. A common misconception is that our pores open and close like doors. No, they do not work this way. But then why do some people have larger and more visible pores.?
What Can Cause Large Pores?
1- Lack Of Collagen:
Our skin maintains its youthfulness with several natural chemicals. One of them is collagen, the other important chemical is hyaluronic acid. Due to environmental factors like free radicals and UV rays, our skin can lose the bonds between these chemicals and thus lose the youthfulness and tightness of the skin, causing the loosening up of pores. The loose pores appear larger and more visible. Thus, creating the problem of large pores.
2- Lack Of Moisture:
Large pores can also be caused by the lack of moisture on your skin. Even if your body is dehydrated and not getting essential nutrients then most probably you will have to face the problem of large pores.
Most people with oily skin think that using moisturizer will cause more oily skin. So, they completely skip the use of moisturizer, which actually makes skin more oily. Learn more about the importance of moisturizers for oily skin HERE.
3- Using Harsh Ingredients:
Using harsh chemicals and skincare can also cause large pores. Like the use of physical exfoliators regularly can be damaging to the skin and make your pores more visible. Also, using toners with alcohol can be damaging to the skin and hence cause other skin problems and larger pores. Always know your ingredients, at least the ingredients that can have a reaction on your skin.
4- Dirt Buildup:
Going to bed without cleansing your face can also contribute to larger and clogged pores and other skin problems like acne and blackheads. It is because you have been to places all day, you have skincare products or makeup on, or you have dirt and debris on the skin. You cannot let all this marinate your skin overnight.
Cleansing is an essential step in our skincare and we overlook its importance just because we are lazy sometimes. If you wear makeup then make double cleansing a habit before going to bed.
Now, can you even do anything to solve the problem of large pores? The answer is an obvious yes.. Duh! Why will I be writing about large pores if I don’t have the solution to it.
Solution To Large Pores:
The only solution to large and more visible pores is to minimize their appearance. There are a number of ways to do this. For the best and fast results, use more than one solution.
1- Use Sunscreen:
Larger pores are most commonly caused by UV and free radical damage. By wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen we can avoid most of the damage to our skin. Broad-spectrum sunscreen means it should provide UVA and UVB protection.
Preventing damage is automatically going to improve our skin health. Thus, reducing the appearance of large pores in the long run. Know more about the Importance of Sunscreen/Sunblock HERE.
2- Boost Collagen:
Boost the production of collagen to shrink the appearance of our pores. The use of Vitamin A(retinoids), Vitamin B(niacinamide), and Vitamin C can increase collagen production in our skin.
Boosting collagen production will eventually make your large pores less visible because the skin will regain its tightness. Use one of these Vitamins at a time and once your skin gets used to it then add new ingredients. Overloading your skincare will do more harm than good.
3- Minimize Oil Production On Skin:
We have oil-producing glands called sebaceous glands. These glands are attached to each pore of our skin. People with oily skin have their pores filled up with oil all the time. This results in larger pores as they pores have no time to rest and are always filled up. All the space in the pore is filled with sebum.
To reduce the appearance of pores we will need to reduce oil production. So that your pores get some space to “shrink” i.e. relax and retain their size. Oil production of the skin can be minimized by using skincare products with Vitamin A(retinoids), Vitamin B(niacinamide), Vitamin C, Green Tea extract, and Tea Tree extract.
Again, do not use all of these ingredients at once, start adding one ingredient to your skincare at a time. Using a gentle cleanser will also help to reduce oil production.
4- Chemical Exfoliation:
Chemical exfoliators sound harsh but are actually very stable to be used on our skin. The use of chemical exfoliators like AHAs(glycolic acid, lactic acid) and BHAs(Salicylic acid) will exfoliate the top layer of your skin and make your pores appear less deep.
chemical exfoliants will make your large pores appear blurred and your skin will look more even. Chemical exfoliators should be used according to your skin type. Read more about Chemical Exfoliators HERE.
5- Use Moisturizer:
The importance of applying a moisturizer is mostly overlooked. You can reduce many skin problems only by using the right type of moisturizer for your skin. Moisturizers that include ingredients to target your skin concerns are a simpler way to treat your skin without adding a lot of skincare products.
To treat large pores, use moisturizers with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is one of the natural chemicals found in our skin to keep our pores tight and young. Moisturizers with other ingredients mentioned above will also help even out your skin texture.
All the ingredients mentioned above have way more benefits than just reducing the appearance of your pores. If you decide to use any of the ingredients I mentioned then make sure you do your research on each ingredient and see if it suits your skin type. Even if you religiously use any of these ingredients in your derm ritual, you will notice appreciable differences in your skin.
To Conclude:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on your skin to avoid larger-looking pores.
- Always protect your skin from free radicals and UV rays. Prevention is better than cure.
- Add skincare products with Vitamin A(retinoids), Vitamin B(niacinamide), Vitamin C, Green Tea extract, Tea Tree extract, AHAs, and BHAs in your skincare routine.
- Results will vary for each skin type, some people might see a difference within a month, and others might see it within two months.
- Share your results with me after a few months of using these ingredients in your skincare routine.
