PORES: How to Minimize Pores

LARGE PORES





Celebrities and models always look so gorgeously pore-less in the photos staring out at us from their magazine covers. They have pores just like the rest of us. Having pores is a non-negotiable part of having skin. In fact, we need to have them because they are essential to skin function.

Large pore size can be frustrating because it can interfere with an otherwise smooth quality to skin, and generally speaking, a large pore size is visually unappealing.





Why do we have large pores?

Your pore size is partly a matter of genetics and partly due to whatever is currently trapped inside of them. If you have a lot of oil or dead skin cells accumulating in your pores, that can stretch them out and make them look bigger.

And with most skin-related problems, the appearance of your pores can get worse due to sun exposure and aging. Both have a negative impact on collagen and elastin—the two components of your skin’s structural support system.

Exposure to ultra-violet rays creates molecules called free radicals that destroy your existing collagen and elastin. And one of the natural effects of getting older is that production of new collagen slows down. The combined effect means that what’s being damaged daily by sun exposure isn’t being repaired and rebuilt quickly enough.  When you lose support around your pores—because of a loss of collagen and elastin—they start to sag and look larger.





How can we minimize large pores?

As pore size is usually genetic, and there is not much you can do to make them permanently smaller. Do not fall for claims stating a product will reduce your pore size. However, there are some tips and tricks you can employ to temporarily minimize the appearance of pore size.

Here are the tips to minimize your pores:

1. Keep Your Skin Clean



Exfoliate once a week to clean clogged pores. It is easier if you use facial steamer first then exfoliate gently. Clean pores look smaller.
You can use face washes, cleansers and masks which contain salicylic acid. It works to minimize pores by keeping them clear. It penetrates pores and helps to dissolve and dislodge oil, dirt and dead cells.

2.Use toner

 

Using a toner, or an astringent, after cleansing your face (before moisturizing) can help reduce the appearance of large pore size. Astringents constrict pores as well as help remove that last bit of oil and dirt. 

3.Use sunscreen daily

It is one of the few things you can do to help keep the skin's support structure strong and pores minimized. Look for a daily moisturizer that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen and an SPF of 30 or higher. 

4.Use retinoid

 



Whether it is an over-the-counter retinol or a prescription-strength Retin-A, the active ingredient helps stimulate new collagen production in the skin. More collagen means better skin structure, and that means pores don’t sag and look larger.

5.A Little Makeup Help

Start with a primer to help smooth out the appearance of the skin and fill in pores so that foundation goes on flawlessly. Mineral powder foundations can give an airbrushing effect to the skin. For the most pore-minimizing coverage, apply it with a dry makeup sponge, pressing the powder firmly into the skin, and then buff off any excess with a large powder brush.

*****Follow this skin care regimen carefully if you are self conscious about your pores. You will observe your pores get cleaner and smaller, and your skin look much healthier.*****