Improve Skin Texture: Best Ingredients to Minimize Large Pores
Did you know that an average human (adult) has 5 million pores on their body with approximately 20,000 on their face? Yes, this sounds too pesky, but pores actually are critical for the human body, as they allow our skin to breathe and help the body get rid of the oils and toxins.
Pore size is determined by genetics, oil, dead skin cells and dirt collect on the face that block or clog the pores. When this happens, the pores tend to look larger, and inflamed and can cause acne breakouts. Too many Open pores can cause so many skin concerns.
Hence, it is critically important to keep your face clean, exfoliate, and use the right skincare products to avoid the clogging of the pores.
Understanding the pores better
Pores are small openings on the surface of the skin that help release oil, sweat, and toxins. Pores contain a sebaceous gland that produces sebum (natural oil) and a hair follicle. Problems occur when dead skin cells, dirt, and other environmental impurities block the pore opening, causing congestion and oil buildup, which in turn lead to appearances of larger pores, acne breakouts, and dull skin.
The myth about pores
The most common belief about pores is that they 'loose open' when you steam your skin with hot water and 'shut close' when you wash your face with cold water. But in reality, pores do not have any muscle structure or such elasticity to open and close. What actually happens is that hot steam helps to dissolve the sebum inside the pores, thus making them appear smaller. Likewise, our skin naturally produces less oil in colder conditions, thus helping our pores to appear smaller.
The truth is it is quite impossible to get rid of pores entirely. However, it is possible to minimize their appearance! Here let us tell you about the skincare ingredients that help minimize large pores.
Ingredients that help to minimize large pores:
To remove excess sebum: Use Clay
A quick way to minimize large pores is to remove the excess sebum our skin produces. Clay helps in absorbing any excess sebum build-up in and on your pores. The results are using the clay are pretty instant, but remember that it might seem like an easy and quick fix, but the effect of the clay is not long-lasting as it only removes excess sebum produced by the overactive oil glands. However, there are several Clay face masks available in the market that you can incorporate into your skincare routine for better results. Kaolin clay, bentonite clay, and fuller's earth are some types of clays.
To control sebum production: Use Niacinamide
Niacinamide is one of the most powerful skincare ingredients. It is very effective in controlling sebum production, thus minimizing the size of the pores. Niacinamide also has other properties like anti-aging, skin brightening, and reducing hyperpigmentation... all the more reasons to add it to your skincare routine.
To increase skin elasticity: Retinol and Vitamin C
Retinol helps in reducing the pore size, keeps them cleaner, exfoliates the dead skin cells, and improves the appearance of the pores. Retinol is most effective when used in the nights.
Vitamin C has anti-aging and pore tightening properties. It improves the skin's texture and reduces the appearance of pores.
Retinol and Vitamin C, the two powerful anti-aging ingredients signal our skin to produce more collagen and maintain the elasticity of the skin.
To unclog pores: Use AHAs and BHAs
AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are the holy grail of ingredients when it comes to deep cleaning your clogged pores. They also prevent your pores from stretching and becoming larger in size. AHAs work exfoliates the surface layer of your skin to brighten and smooth it, thus AHAs are suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. While, BHAs penetrate deeper to unclog the pores, thus making them suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types.
To exfoliate and control sebum production: Use Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an excellent exfoliating agent. It helps in exfoliating dead skin cells, dirt, and excess sebum to clear the lining of the pores. It also helps in controlling sebum with consistent use.
To prevent further pore enlargement: Sunscreen (UV filters)
Sunscreen is a must and we can't stress this enough. A good sunblock should be in your skincare routine, even if you are indoors because, your skin is exposed to damaging lights: UV A, UV B, and blue light from smart devices like tv, phone, laptop, etc.
Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays and UV damage can save you from so many skin concerns including premature aging, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and of course - enlarged pores.
Recommended skincare products to minimize large pores:
Serums
Revive Sacha Inchi Acne Relief Hydrating Serum
Elevate Argireline Peptide Radiance Boosting Serum
Masks
Renew Sebum Cleansing And Pore Tightening Stem Cells Mask
Glow Deep Detox Retinol Magnetic Mask
If you have so many enlarged pores and you need an effective and permanent solution then we recommend in-office treatments done by dermatologists like chemical peel, micro-needling, and laser skin resurfacing.