The truth about how to shrink large pores might come as a surprise. After all, the internet is filled with tips and tricks that supposedly shrink pores with the simple power of cold water and hot water.
However, enlarged pores can’t shrink – and water temperatures make no difference in their long term appearance, either! Here’s our guide to precisely which factors shape pore size and appearance and how to make a difference in how your pores look.
Why Do Pores Look Enlarged?
First things first – why are some people’s pores more noticeable than others? While some people are just lucky and have great genes, for the rest of us, there are some factors to take into consideration. The most common ones are:
- Skin Type
- Acne
What makes pores more noticeable is whether or not they are full of facial oil. All skin types produce sebum, aka the natural facial oil produced by the skin. In fact, sebum is actually produced from pores – which is why those with oily and combination skin tend to have more visible pores1.
Another cause of enlarged pores is acne and congestion. When pores become blocked with a comedone – also called a blackhead or white head – this stretches out skin. This means that when the pore eventually clears, there’s a chance that the pore remains stretched and visibly more prominent than the others.
How to Minimize Enlarged Pores
So, now that we know what makes pores look larger than they really are, what is the best way to reduce the look of enlarged pores? There are several tips and techniques that can help effectively reduce the look of pores.
- Regular Exfoliation
This tip brings more than one benefit to the skin. Firstly, consistent exfoliation helps to reduce the chances of pore-stretching congestion occurring. Secondly, many exfoliating peels and pads are formulated with an ideal ingredient for minimizing enlarged pores: salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is a skincare ingredient that has the unique power to dissolve away excess sebum2. This means it’s an incredibly handy skincare ingredient to look for in products to help keep pores refined and looking smaller than they really are!
- Double-Cleansing Method
This deep cleansing method has a lot of fans, and for a good reason. It involves using an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup. The oil-based formula also grabs excess sebum on your skin, whisking it away for clearer, smaller-looking pores!
- Clay Masks
Clay masks have well-known benefits for skin! Namely, they mattify skin and instantly – but temporarily – shrink pores by absorbing any excess sebum that lingers on your skin. Used regularly, they’re also a great way to ensure that pores stay clear and clog-free, reducing any risk of pore-stretching blockages.
These three tips have the ultimate goal of reducing the amount of sebum lingering in your pores, which is what actually makes your pores look smaller!
Shrinking Enlarged Pores: Key Ideas
Methods such as using hot water then cold water on skin don’t impact your skin and how your pores look. The truth about what can make pores look visible is the presence of our skin’s natural oils, aka sebum. Consistently – yet gently – managing excess facial oil is key to keeping pores looking smaller than they really are for refined skin.
