Those little openings on our skin that we call pores serve an important function in keeping our complexion healthy. They allow our bodies to flush out nasty stuff like oil and sweat. And while all that sounds well and good, we understand that it can feel frustrating when they look so prominent on your skin.
Having large pores is a common skin concern among Pinays. This is particularly evidenced by the number of beauty products that claim to “minimize” pores or even make them disappear.
But what causes large pores? Why do some people seem to have bigger pores than others? Can we truly make them vanish for good? Let’s discuss this!
Why are my pores so big?
There are many factors that cause pores to look bigger. Some of these we can address, and some we just have to deal with.
According to dermatologist Shari Marchbein, the size of one’s pores is often genetically determined, meaning that we really can’t do much about it. They’re also more obvious in people with naturally oily skin as pore size and density are directly proportional to the amount of oil your skin produces.
Other inherent factors such as gender also affect the appearance of pores, with men having larger pores than women because of hormones.
In some cases, the pores tend to look bigger than they actually are because of other reasons, such as collagen loss due to age, or sun damage that causes the tissue beneath your skin to shrink.
More often than not, however, clogged pores are the main culprits behind the appearance of large pores. Excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells, makeup debris, and non-comedogenic beauty products can block the hair follicles and stretch out those little openings.
The bad news is that there is no way to make your pores shrink or completely disappear. But what you can do if you want to minimize their appearance is to make sure that your pores are clean. These tips should help unclog your pores.
How can I get rid of my clogged pores?
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Always cleanse your face
Your skin will always produce oil that will lead to clogged pores when left unchecked. This is why cleansing is an important skincare step that should never be skipped. Not only will it help rid your face of dirt and excess oil, but it will also prevent the formation of acne and other skincare problems.
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓watch nowChoose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type and make it a habit to wash your face every morning and before going to bed. Needless to say, you’ll also need to avoid sleeping with your makeup on so it doesn’t leave debris that gets trapped in your skin. Trust us, being diligent about cleansing your skin will work better than any product that claims to shrink your pores.
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Add acids to your routine
Acids are chemical exfoliants that can help dissolve oils and buff off dead skin cells that clog your pores. The easiest way to incorporate them into your routine is to use a toner or serum with AHAs like glycolic acid or lactic acid, or BHAs like salicylic acid. If you have skin that’s on the oily side, you’ll want to use a chemical exfoliant three times a week to see the difference in your skin.
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Use a charcoal or clay mask
Charcoal or clay masks can help give your pores a deep clean. Even better: Using one once a week can help minimize excess shine and rid your skin of blackheads. Just make sure to not schedule it on the same day you’re exfoliating your face as the combination of both can be harsh on your complexion.
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Consider retinoids
Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives that offer a ton of skincare benefits. These include dissolving oils and dead skin cells to unclog your pores. Be careful when introducing retinoids to your skin for the first time though. Start with a lower concentration and wait for your skin to adjust to the ingredient. Also, never mix retinoids with Vitamin C and acids.
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Book a facial
There’s nothing quite like a professional treatment to help unclog your pores. A good facial will not just remove those nasty buildups, but it can also exfoliate your skin to reveal a fresh layer. In addition, some treatments can also help address other skin concerns like blackheads or acne.
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Choose your beauty products wisely
All the acids, masks, and facials in the world will do little in keeping your pores clean if the products you use are comedogenic. Comedogenic products are those that contain ingredients that tend to clog the pores and cause acne. When choosing makeup or skincare essentials, always look for the non-comedogenic label and avoid certain ingredients that tend to block the pores like isopropyl myristate, silicone, and coconut oil.
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