Enlarged pores can be a nuisance to anyone who has them. Large pore sizes are more prone to breakouts and irritated skin. People who have enlarged pores are often self-conscious about their appearance. Having pores of this nature can be the result of genetics or clogged pores. Here are some strategies to help minimize the size of pores.
Clean the Skin Daily
Use a mild cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt and oil. This should be done twice a day. Not cleansing the skin can cause dirt and oil to build up and enlarge the pores. Do not use a harsh cleanser. These cleansers remove too much oil and dry out the skin. Ironically, the skin will start to produce more oil to compensate for the dryness.
Exfoliate
Use a light abrasive scrub that contains ingredients like salicylic acid to exfoliate skin. The scrubs reduce the size of the pores by removing the dead skin cells that cause the pores to clog. Exfoliants should be gently used. Overzealous scrubbing could damage the blood vessels and result in irritated skin. Exfoliating twice a week will produce visible results.
Moisturize
Moisturizers help to prevent the skin from drying out as a result of cleansing and exfoliating. Oil-free moisturizers will keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores. Using a moisturizer with SPF helps to eliminate the effects of skin on the pores. Overexposure to the sun makes pores appear more visible. Drinking water is another form of skin moisturizer. Water helps to keep skin well-hydrated.
Increase Vitamin Intake
Some vitamins are known to help minimize pores. Vitamin A and vitamin B5 are two vitamins that reduce pores. Vitamin B5 assists in the formation of nails, hair and skin. It slows the production of oil in the body, allowing the pores to gradually decrease in size. Vitamin A shrinks oil-producing glands and helps to unclog skin pores. Some of these vitamin treatments require a prescription, while others are available over-the-counter.
Microdermabrasion and Steam
Steaming the face for five minutes will remove any excess dirt, oil and makeup that cleansing may have missed. Microdermabrasion can be done at home or at a dermatologist’s office. During the microdermabrasion process, the top layers of skin are removed using tiny crystals. This results in smaller pores and a clearer complexion.
While large pores may be unsightly for some, they can be made smaller. A change in beauty routine can help remove impurities from the skin. Over time these strategies will eventually lead to healthier and smoother looking skin.
