How to Get Rid of Large Pores: 8 Ways
Everyone wants that airbrushed look to their skin. The problem is often pores that appear too large and open. As frustrating as this can be, knowing what the cause is can help you decide on which tips you decide to try.
Causes of Large Pores
Large pores are extremely common, primarily because there are so many possible causes. Any one of the following could be the reason your pores are appearing larger:
- Acne
- Increased sebum production
- Sun damage
- Noncomedogenic products
- Decreased skin elasticity
- Increased hair follicle thickness
- Genetics
- Lack of exfoliation
- Increased humidity
- Heat
- Hormone fluctuation
- Alcohol or caffeine consumption
- Poor diet
- Extreme stress
- Poor skincare habits
- Dry skin
- Skin aging
Tips for Reducing Pore Size
Regardless of what the cause of large pores might be, there are several things you can do to reduce the appearance and size of your pores.
1. Cleanse Your Face Daily
It’s recommended that you cleanse your face daily, ideally twice and definitely at night. Try using a gel-based cleanser for oily skin and creamy cleansers for normal or dry skin. The goal with washing your face is to remove the excess dirt and oil without totally stripping your skin. You should definitely avoid cleansers with soap or scrubbing agents as these can cause your pores to look bigger.
2. Don’t Forget To Exfoliate
Exfoliation is great for getting rid of excess flakes that can clog pores and make them appear bigger. The recommendation from the American Academy of Dermatology is to exfoliate once or twice a week, though you should skip it if you are having an active acne break out.
Another option you can try is GraceAllure’s Ultrasonic Pore Extractor and Serum Infuser. This skin scraper can help get any junk out of your pores, even if the acne appears to be gone. The vibrations will help to get the build up from deep within your pores out of your skin so your pores appear smaller. It can also clarify acne and blemishes so your pores return to a normal size faster.
3. Never Sleep With Makeup On
This is one of those recommendations from your mother that you should definitely follow. Sleeping in makeup can lead to clogged pores that appear bigger or can cause an acne break out. Try keeping some makeup removal towelettes by your bed at night for a quick fix if you forget.
4. Always Wear Sunscreen
One of the top referenced reasons for enlarged pores is sun damage. Along with causing enlarged pores, sun damage can age your skin prematurely, lead to wrinkles, and in severe cases cause skin cancer. Use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.
5. Try A Clay Mask
A clay mask can be a relaxing self-care practice, but it can also reduce the size of your pores. The clay absorbs sebum, helping to prevent the pores from becoming enlarged in the first place and helping already enlarged pores reduce in size. Try using a clay mask once or twice a week but do it on a different day than your exfoliation.
6. Moisture, Moisture, Moisture
However much it might seem counterintuitive, using an oil-free moisturizer can actually help reduce the size of your pores. Start by washing your skin and patting it dry, then apply the moisturizer. This will help the sebaceous glands to penetrate into the skin, rather than producing sebum at the surface and enlarging your pores.
7. Switch Up Your Products
Your skin can change quickly, whether from differences in temperature and humidity to hormonal shifts. Depending on the current condition of your skin, you may need a different product. Consider keeping a variety of products on hand, especially some water-based products. These can help moisturize your skin and reduce the size of your pores.
8. Treat Acne First
Before you exfoliate or try too many different products, you need to treat any acne breakouts. Acne clogs pores and will make your pores more noticeable. For acne breakouts, use a salicylic acid-based cleanser. Studies have shown that salicylic acid can help to unclog pores and some are gentle enough to use daily.
Skin Care Q&A
Will laser treatment help to get rid of acne pores?
Professional, noninvasive laser treatments are actually better for reversing enlarged pores caused by aging and sun damage, but some research is suggesting they can be effective at reducing acne scars.
How can I cure my scars, pores, and holes in my face?
The best method is to practice preventative care. But even with the best preventative care, there are holes, enlarged pores and scars that happen. Professional treatments, like microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and collagen injections can solve much of the surface appearance of pores, holes, and scars. Speak with a skin care professional for the best advice.
Is it possible to cure the holes caused by acne?
Removing blockages like blackheads and acne will help minimize the pores. Once these blockages are removed, you can use products like RosyRadiant’s Vitamin C Serum with Dandelion Extract and Vitamin E to keep your pores looking as small as possible. This vitamin C formula will penetrate skin quickly and leave it looking smoother and brighter. It also has collagen to improve the elasticity of your skin which will help to reduce the size of your pores.