Causes of large-looking open pores
high levels of oil (sebum) production. reduced elasticity around pores. thick hair follicles. genetics or heredity.
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties and it consists of acetic acid and alpha hydroxy acid. This means apple cider vinegar can exfoliate the skin, absorb excess oils and unplug blocked pores. It also has the power to restore the proper pH levels to your skin.
The more water you drink, the better balance of oil and water on the surface of your skin. This can help reduce your pore size, decrease acne breakouts, and reduce blemishes.
The bad news is that pore size is genetically determined, so you can't actually shrink pores. However, some products and treatments can minimize the appearance of pores, but none of them are permanent solutions. Pore-minimizing products work by stimulating and plumping the collagen that surrounds pores.
A good Vitamin C serum can help fade discolorations, even out skin tone, shrink pores, and make dull skin more bouncy and radiant.
To make matters worse, high glycemic foods also boost sebum production, the oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that can clog pores and cause acne. Some common foods that fall into this category include french fries, white bread, white rice, pastries, and potato chips.
Studies show that applying retinol cream reduces pore size and keeps them cleaner, emptying the impurities that otherwise give an oversized appearance. Retinol is most effective when used as night cream. While there are plenty of over-the-counter products available, a dermatologist-prescribed retinol is most effective.
“Since cold water tightens your pores, bacteria and debris can get trapped and won't clear out as easily as using warm water,” explains Knapp. She recommends washing your face with lukewarm water first as a way to remove any makeup and pollutants from the day.
Hold the warm washcloth over your face to steam out your pores. The steam helps loosen dirt, make-up, and such in your pores. Repeat the process. As the washcloth cools, continue to heat up the washcloth with new hot water, and hold it over your face, up to three or four times.
Cold water or even cold air both contract the pores on your face, making them appear smaller. You can also constrict the pores on your face by using products with a mildly acidic pH (around 5.5).
Large pores are those that are more visible to the naked eye. Pore size is often genetic, but factors such as sebum secretion and skin elasticity may make them larger. Large pores are best treated by exfoliation, and treatments that help regulate sebum production and counteract skin aging.
"Retinoids clear clogged oil and dead skin cells to make pores appear smaller," Dr. Feely says. That explains why women noted improvements in their pore size when they applied a retinol every night for three months, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Lactic acid, red clover flower extract and ribose are three of the best ingredients to shrink large pores - and happen to be found in Eminence Organics proprietary Lactic Acid Complex.
Eggs are full of progesterone, which is an acne-triggering hormone. Since your body creates its own progesterone, consuming extra hormones can obviously disrupt your body's natural hormone levels. Excessive progesterone levels may trigger acne, so it is better to keep a check on your consumption of eggs.
Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for your skin, along with vitamins C, E, and K. Making sure you get enough vitamins can keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.
Hyaluronic acid serum tightens skin and minimizes pores so they shrink and become invisible over time. Smaller pores mean fewer clogs and breakouts.
Laser Treatments
Several treatments are available at Dermatology and Laser Centre. Fractional ablative laser skin resurfacing decreases the appearance of pores and acne scars. For enlarged pores, Dr. Gallacher uses the Vbeam laser as well as fractionated CO2 lasers.
"Salicylic acid is oil soluble, meaning it's able to get inside pores to gently push out dead skin, bacteria, sebum, and any other pore-clogging debris." By removing that debris from your pores, your pores will appear smaller.