Enlarged pores are one of the biggest complaints people have regarding their skin. They can cause texture, an uneven appearance, and can make makeup appear cakey and unnatural. Unfortunately, you can’t get rid of your pores. They’re simply part of your skin’s natural texture and are necessary for keeping your skin moisturized. But there are things you can do to reduce their appearance.

An enlarged pore is usually the result of the pore being stretched because it gets filled with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that are on the skin. It’s also important to keep in mind that the size of your pores is mainly genetic; therefore, you will only be able to shrink them so much. However, if your pores are larger and more noticeable than usual, there are things you can do to fix that.

There are two primary ways of reducing the appearance of your pores: unclogging them and tightening them. Let’s look at the ways you can do both.

Laser Treatment

Hearing the word laser may freak you out, especially when you think about using one on your face. However, laser treatment is relatively quick and painless, and is safe to use on the skin when done by a trained professional. Body Clinic Skincare, a clinic that uses Clear + Brilliant laser in Toronto, notes that lasers can reduce the appearance of pores while also improving the look of fine lines, skin tone, and texture.

It’s essential to always consult your dermatologist before laser treatment as it won’t respond well with all skin types. Additionally, if you have any active breakouts, you should hold off on laser treatment until they’ve healed.  

Acid Treatments

The thought of putting acid on your face may also sound scary, but again, it is completely safe for the skin. There are two types of acids that are key for clearing out your pores and your skin in general: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). You can find these acids in serums, cleansers, and even face lotions to incorporate them into your daily skincare routine.

Look for products that contain the following ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid
• Glycolic Acid
• Retinol
• Lactic Acid

Cleansing

Washing your face every morning and night with a cleanser that works with your skin type is essential for keeping the skin clean. This will help clear all the dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and makeup residue hanging out on your face so they don’t seep into your pores and stretch them out.

Heat can temporarily expand your pores and make it easier to clean them out, so try steaming your face or applying a warm face towel to your face before your cleanser.

Sunscreen

Sun exposure can also cause pores to appear enlarged, which is one of the many reasons why wearing sunscreen daily is so important. Make sure you look for an oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage. You should also keep in mind that mineral SPFs are less likely to clog your pores than chemical SPFs.