Dealing with large pores can be a struggle. And there are so many people who are in an untold war against these mini craters on their faces. But the truth is, they won’t magically disappear. Except, of course, your wishes are granted by the magical fairy godmother. Just kidding by the way.
Large pores can be a thing of concern. But what if I told you that there are ways to reduce them? That’s right. There are a few tips and tricks that you can try to make those large pores become as small as possible. And I will share some of them with you in this article.
However, to start with, you need to understand what large pores are, and what causes them. So let’s start with that.
Why Do People Have Large Pores
You see, pores are like tiny air vents, letting your skin breathe and releasing oils to keep it hydrated. But sometimes, these helpful vents can become the center of attention for all the wrong reasons, appearing enlarged and noticeable. So, why is that?
Well, several factors can contribute to the visibility of your pores. And here are a few of them.
Oil Overload
Your sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oil that keeps your skin moisturized. However, sometimes, these glands get a little overexcited, producing excess oil that can clog pores and stretch them out, making them appear larger.
This is a very common cause, and you may notice this on the T-zone: your forehead, nose, and chin.
Sun damage
Sun damage can be a major problem for your skin. It breaks down collagen, which is like the scaffolding that keeps your skin firm and bouncy. And without this support, pores lose their elasticity and become more visible.
So, as you’re probably guessing right now, sunscreen may be your best friend in this fight against enlarged pores.
Clogged Pores
This is quite similar to the first point I mentioned, but there’s a bit of a difference. So stay with me.
While your face may look very clean and smooth, there’s still much going on there. Dead skin cells, dirt, and makeup can all team up to clog your pores, and this not only makes them look bigger, but it can also lead to breakouts.
For this reason, regular cleansing and gentle exfoliation are needed to prevent any clogging, and protect your pores.
Genetics
That’s right! Sometimes, our genes set us up for a lot of stress, and there’s usually nothing we can do about it.
You see, some of us are just predisposed to having larger pores, and it’s all thanks to our DNA, which determines the size and number of our sebaceous glands.
But don’t despair! Even if you have naturally large pores, there are ways to minimize their appearance. And I’m about to show you how.
So, place your hands in mine as I walk you through these effective methods to deal with large pores.
How to Shrink Large Pores Naturally
These are some of the ways to go about shrinking pores naturally. Ensure you Incorporate these best practices into your skincare routine for smoother, refined skin
Take your face cleansing routine seriously
Think of your pores as little dirt magnets that trap and hold dirt on your skin. Irrespective of how long you spend in the shower or how clean you try to keep your environment, you’ll always have some dirt particles on your skin. So, the first step to get rid of this is to cleanse properly.
Wash your face twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night, with a gentle and non-comedogenic cleanser – for those unfamiliar with the term, it means cleaners that won’t clog your pores and make things worse.
Exfoliate regularly
Dead skin cells can build up and make pores look bigger, so exfoliation is key. While your skin may look smooth and fresh, dead skin cells are always waiting to be brushed off.
So exfoliate two to three times a week, and ensure you’re gentle while at it. Also, ensure you don’t exfoliate too often, and avoid harsh scrubs as these can worsen the condition or irritate your skin.
Use Clay Masks
Once a week, treat yourself to a clay mask. This can act as a tiny vacuum cleaner sucking out all the dirt and oil from your pores.
Take it as a spa day for your face, and just chill with the mask on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off.
Trust me, if you’re consistent, this procedure can help you achieve smoother and tighter-looking pores!
Don’t be scared to moisturize
There’s this misconception that people with oily skin don’t have to moisturize so often. Well, here’s the surprising truth: even oily skin needs moisture!
Dehydrated skin can actually make pores look larger. So when you stop moisturizing just because you have large pores, well, that’s just a recipe for disaster.
Moisturize as often as you can, and use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog your pores but keeps your skin supple and hydrated.
Grab a Sunscreen
Sun damage is bad news for pores as it can make them appear larger and contribute to premature aging. And we don’t want that, right?
So, before you leave your home every day, apply that sunscreen (even on cloudy days). It’s like a shield protecting your pores from the negative effects of the sun.
Make Magic with Makeup
Let’s be real: makeup can be your secret weapon in defeating large pores. And I’m about to unveil the trick.
For primers, use ones with mattifying properties as these can help blur the appearance of pores. There are a few pore-minimizing primers that you try such as Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, or the Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer. Just find something that works for you.
While for foundations, those ones with silicone can fill them in for a smoother canvas. But just be sure to choose non-comedogenic options to avoid clogging those pores all over again.
Conclusion
Overall, large pores can be reduced if you put in the effort. But I must remind you that consistency is key! Sticking to a routine will help minimize the appearance of your pores over time, regardless of how you choose to combine these tips.
I must also add that if you’re dealing with super stubborn pores, please consult a dermatologist. They can offer professional treatments such as chemical peels or microneedling for an extra boost.
That being said. Let me know which of these tips you’ll be trying out. If there’s anyone you think should be on this list, do share them with me in the comment section.
And I’ll see you in the next one.
