Dermatologists recommend 4 ways to reduce pores, brighten and smooth the face without lasers.
Do you feel like every time you look in the mirror, large pores stare back at you? If you’re wondering how to minimize the size of those visible pores, you’re not alone. Visible pores are a common problem as we age, says dermatologist Jane Wu. It seems like everyone wants the smooth, flawless skin of their younger years, when pores were barely visible.
But as you enter puberty and adulthood, your pores tend to become more prominent. The appearance of your pores varies from person to person and depends on a number of factors. Dr. Wu explains what causes pores to enlarge and how you can reduce their size.
Genetics mostly determines the แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ size of your pores. Pores are openings that allow sweat and sebum (oil) to drain from glands into the skin. So if your parents have large pores, you’re more likely to have large pores too.
But other factors can also contribute to enlarged pores, says Dr. Wu, including:
- Oil production: Pores will appear more prominent in the center of your face because there are more sebaceous glands that release more oil than other areas.
- Gender: People who are born male (AMAB) tend to have more sebaceous glands and oilier skin, which makes their pores more visible.
- Age: Collagen and elastin are proteins that give structural support to your pores. As you age, you lose collagen and elastin in your skin, which causes your pores to widen.
- Sun damage: Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays breaks down collagen and elastin, the building blocks of skin, reducing its firmness and causing pores to enlarge.
- Hormonal changes: Pores become more visible with the onset of puberty, when hormonal changes cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. People who are assigned female (AFAB) may notice that their pore size changes during their menstrual cycle, which is when they’re more likely to experience acne.
Does it reduce pore size?
Since your pore size is largely determined by genetics, you can’t permanently reduce the size of your pores. However, you can reduce the appearance of your pores by keeping them clear of oil and dirt, and by boosting the collagen and elastin in your skin. These steps can also help prevent your pores from getting any larger.
How to reduce visible pores
There are many suggestions on how to naturally reduce the appearance of pores. It’s true that applying ice or using a cold roller on your face can help, but the tightening effect only lasts for a few minutes and will diminish as your skin warms up.
1. Take care of your skin regularly. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening to keep your pores clear of excess oil. Make sure you only use products that are labeled oil-free and non-comedogenic.
2. Protect your skin from the sun. Sun protection is very important to avoid the loss of collagen and elastin from skin damage. Use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen in your daytime skincare routine. Hats and other physical protection can also help protect your face from UV rays.
3. Get a chemical peel. Cleansing your pores of dead skin cells and excess oil can help minimize the appearance of pores. Occasional at-home chemical peels can help. “You can use most over-the-counter peels every two weeks, and sometimes weekly, depending on the type of treatment and the depth of skin cells removed,” says Dr. Wu.
Exfoliation treatments use alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs or BHAs) to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. Hydroxy acids help unclog pores and stimulate collagen production. Look for:
- Glycolic acid, which is a common AHA
- Salicylic acid, a popular BHA
- Daily skincare products such as toners, serums and treatments contain smaller amounts of these acids.
4. Use retinol. Retinol is a multi-purpose skin care ingredient that’s famous for fighting acne and wrinkles. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Like hydroxy acids, retinol helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reveal new skin.
Retinol also helps increase collagen production, which keeps the skin soft. Use a serum or moisturizer that contains retinol at night, as it can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Start slowly by applying a thin layer twice a week, gradually increasing to daily use, as retinol can cause skin irritation at first.