Most people with large pores are simply born that way, likely having inherited their specific skin type. As we age and our skin loses its elasticity, it will often stretch or sag. This can cause pores to expand over time, making them more visible as we age.
Bad news first: You can't actually change the basic size of your pores. But here's the good news: You can do plenty of things to help minimize their appearance. Although your basic pore size can't be changed, there are plenty of ways to help minimize their appearance.
Retinol promotes skin cell turnover and unclogs pores.
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.
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.
Use retinol
Like hydroxy acids, it helps clear out dead skin cells, unclog pores and reveal fresh skin. Retinol also increases the production of collagen, which keeps skin supple. It's best to apply a retinol serum or moisturizer at night, as it can increase your skin's sun sensitivity.
Getting regular facial treatments can reduce the appearance of pores, as the esthetician will perform extractions to remove blackheads and debris in the pores and also exfoliate dead skin cells that cause pores to appear larger. Book your facials 3-4 weeks apart for faster and better results.
As you age, the skin's natural exfoliation process, known as desquamation, slows down - all while your skin is becoming more dry. The result is more dead skin cells, sitting on the skin's surface for longer and filling pores that are likely to stay stretched out.
If your pores appear larger, it may be because of: acne. increased sebum production, which causes oily skin. sun damage.
Chronically large pores, or pores that continually get clogged, can lead to breakouts and adult acne. Hyaluronic acid serum tightens skin and minimizes pores so they shrink and become invisible over time. Smaller pores mean fewer clogs and breakouts.
Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid can have a retexturizing effect on the skin. Using products that contain these ingredients may help to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores by helping to sweep away dead skin cells, oil and other debris that has built up inside pores and on the skin's surface.
Another interesting thing is, that Salicylic acid for open pores is very effective as it helps in refining and clearing these pores. It is great to use salicylic acid for blackheads and whiteheads concern as well, as it reduces their occurrence and helps you have clearer skin.
Overstimulating the sebaceous gland by using physical or manual exfoliants (like harsh scrubs) can actually increase the production of oil, which as previously mentioned can lead to enlarged pores.
Cucumber is a natural skin hydrant; the high water content of cucumber helps replenish the skin and tightens it. It is an excellent home remedy for open pores on oily face and skin. Both besan and turmeric are equally effective in shrinking pores. Mix 1 tablespoon of besan with 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.
Usually, genetics determine larger pores. But, oily skin, sun damage and aging can be other factors that make your pores look bigger. While you can't change the size of your pores, you can minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.
During the normal skin cell turnover process, your topmost layer of skin sluffs off every 30-40 days or so. As you age, this process takes longer, up to 50 or 60 days. Retinoids like retinol speed up the process, bringing your skin turnover back to 20-30 days as in your youth.
There isn't anything out there that's going to shrink pores instantly, but you can cleanse your pores to remove any dirt that can be making them more noticeable. You can cover your face with makeup to get a temporary impact, but oftentimes this will only clog your pores even more.
Pores can become clogged with excess oil, dead skin, or dirt, or they can appear more prominent as a result of too much sun exposure. Other factors that can influence pores becoming clogged include genetics and hormones.