Antioxidants like vitamin C, retinols, and exfoliating acids are all key ingredients in pore-minimizing serums because they can unclog congested pores, clear dead skin, and reduce excess sebum.
A good Vitamin C serum can help fade discolorations, even out skin tone, shrink pores, and make dull skin more bouncy and radiant.
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.
VItamin A can prevent large pores from getting worse by reducing sebum production. (4) It also helps keep the pores clear of debris by speeding cell turnover, which can help make pores appear smaller.
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, is known for fighting free radical damage to skin cells and may help treat acne. Topical vitamin C products may improve hyperpigmentation and reduce acne-induced inflammation, but further research is necessary.
This incredible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory nutrient is known to improve skin tone and texture, hydrate the skin, and reduce signs of aging. Adding vitamin C to your skin care routine can not only brighten your complexion but also protect against skin damage caused by sun exposure and harmful free radicals.
Look for products with glycolic acid
"My favorite ingredient for treating enlarged pores is glycolic acid because it works the best at dissolving dead cells and absorbing oil," says Dr.
Vitamin C is also effective in treating comedonal acne, specifically blackheads. By functioning as an antioxidant, vitamin C decreases the number of visible blackheads by reducing sebum oxidation (which causes the dark color of a blackhead).
According to a 2016 study , the main causes of enlarged pores are: Excessive sebum: This is when a person's sebaceous gland produces a lot of oil, leading to oily skin. Decreased elasticity around the pore: This is when the skin becomes less supple.
Retinol promotes skin cell turnover and unclogs pores.
Retinol helps with blackheads and whiteheads and evens skin tones. Studies show that applying retinol cream reduces pore size and keeps them cleaner, emptying the impurities that otherwise give an oversized appearance.
But does ice really help in closing open skin pores? According to dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad, ice cannot affect the opening or closing of skin pores.
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.
Niacinamide reduces inflammation , which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Minimizes pore appearance. Keeping skin smooth and moisturized may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time.
It is unlikely that vitamin C serums will cause acne. There is some evidence to suggest that using a vitamin C serum may make your skin more vulnerable to bacteria.
On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance.
Daily intake of vitamin C boosts immunity and helps your body keep the infection causing pathogens at bay. It is also known to work magically when it comes to skincare. It repairs your skin tissue and protects your skin cells from the harmful effects of free radicals caused by UV exposure.
Hyaluronic acid serum tightens skin and minimizes pores so they shrink and become invisible over time. Smaller pores mean fewer clogs and breakouts.
"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.
I don't have a scientific answer for you on this; but, in my opinion, it's because the oil and clogging in some people's pores acts as a sort of “spackle” visually. It makes the pores look more level and not as deep. When the microdermabrasion removes that clog, it reveals the pore more.
"Your pore size is largely determined by genetics, but pores don't usually become visible until adolescence, as it's often hormones that drive the skin to produce more oil and in turn, clog the pores," confirmed Dr Hextall. "Dead skin and oil build-up can make the pores far more apparent by stretching them somewhat."
Studies have shown that your diet can affect hormonal levels and sebum levels. Both which in turn can affect the app pore sizes. A low glycaemic diet has proven to help improve acne. Mature skin as a result of elasticity loss can elongate pores, making them appear larger.