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.
It Helps With Pores
Since it's an antioxidant, vitamin C serum manages to unclog the pores, clear out dead skin, and reduce the overall amount of sebum.
7 vitamin C serums to consider
Sometimes it can be too strong for your skin, causing it to react via purging, breakouts, or itchiness. You don't want the product to sting and itch even after you apply moisturizer.
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.
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.
"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."
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.
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.
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.
Microneedling minimizes pore size, addresses uneven skin tone, pigmentation, acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles on the face, neck, and even stretch marks. It is highly effective for all ages, skin types, and skin conditions.
However, oral administration of vitamin c has demonstrated the ability to improve skin texture and appearance of pores as well as increasing elastin and collagen levels.
Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne. The results are more pronounced when you use the vitamin topically. It, therefore, helps improve the appearance of acne wounds.
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.
For those with sensitive, reactive skin, certain forms of vitamin C can be shockingly irritating, leading to dryness, peeling, and redness. But you shouldn't bin your vitamin C serums or moisturizers right after reading that.
It adds a layer of protection. Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water. It acts like a moisturizer.
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.