Pores are small openings in the skin that release oils and sweat. They’re also connected to your hair follicles.
If your pores appear larger, it may be because of:
- acne
- increased sebum production, which causes oily skin
- sun damage
- noncomedogenic makeup
Although you can’t change the size of your pores, home techniques can help minimize their appearance. Here’s how.
It may be time to switch up the skin care products you use on a regular basis.
If you’re using any products designed to clear excess sebum and acne, you could be working against yourself. Short-term use is fine, but they can actually irritate your skin with long-term use.
These products rely on active ingredients such as salicylic acid to remove the top layers of your skin. This produces a drying effect, leading your pores to look smaller. But if your skin becomes too dry, your sebaceous glands increase sebum production to replenish the lost moisture. This leads you back to oily skin.
To avoid this, only use the following products for a couple of weeks at a time:
- astringents
- deep-cleaning facial scrubs
- oil-based masks
Also, make sure that all your products are noncomedogenic. That means that they are water-based. Comedogenic, or oil-based, products are especially off-limits if you have oily skin. Too much oil can lead to large pores. Looking for more tips? Here’s a beginner’s guide to creating a skin care routine.
The best types of cleansers get rid of excess dirt and oil without completely stripping your skin of moisture. For large pores related to oily skin, look for a gel-based cleanser. Normal to dry skincan benefit from creamy cleansers.
No matter what skin type you have, avoid cleansers that contain soap or scrubbing agents. These can make pores look bigger.
Some of the following cleansers are worth a try:
Note: There are several claims made on the internet about Cetaphil’s alkalinity, but there is no scientific study that validates that it causes problems. The pH of Cetaphil (6.5) is on the very low end of alkalinity, and almost near that of normal skin range (4.5 to 6.2). Most other soaps are much more alkaline than this.
But even the best cleansers won’t do you any good if they aren’t used properly. Be sure to:
- Wet your face with warm water (not hot, not cold).
- Massage the cleanser in circles around your entire face and neck for at least 30 to 60 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry. (No rubbing!)
Repeat this process every morning and night to balance your skin and keep your pores in good health.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends exfoliating just one to two times per week. Exfoliation helps get rid of excess flakes that can clog your pores without over-stripping your skin. If you’re currently having an acne breakout, skip your exfoliation session to avoid irritating your pimples.
If you can, opt for exfoliants with either alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). BHAs are also known as salicylic acids and shouldn’t be used if you’re allergic to aspirin. Although both ingredients can maximize your exfoliating benefits, BHAs can also penetrate deep into the pores to treat acne.
Some popular options include:
