Most dermatologists recommend skipping scrubs (they tend to be too harsh) and going the chemical exfoliation route, so using acids like AHAs, BHAs, and/or PHAs. These acids help dissolve the glue that holds together pore-clogging dead cells on the surface of the skin.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation is important for minimizing pores, especially on acne-prone skin, by removing dead cells and reducing bacteria buildup. Exfoliating products with ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, and azelaic acids can help clear pores and reduce inflammation.
One go-to ingredient for eliminating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores, says Saedi. Suozzi adds that the acne treatment can help dry active acne lesions because it is a mild chemical irritant. A wealth of research suggests salicylic acid helps treat acne.
If you are currently in search of an effective way to reduce pore size, popular products on the market advertised as "pore minimizers" may be tempting, but they are often too good to be true. Most of them do not solve the problem fundamentally, and can only make pores look smaller temporarily.
Chemical Peels: Chemical Peels help in removal of excess oil and dirt from the face and also in controlling the sebum production. Regular chemical peels such as Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peels, Salicylic Acid Peels and Vitamin A peels are recommended for Open Pores Treatment.
Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser, Salicylic Acid Acne Face Wash for Large Pores, Redness & Blackheads. This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications. Reduced air and/or water in the product or packaging for more efficient transportation.
It's not possible to close up pores completely but there are ways to reduce their size or make them less visible. This includes: washing the face twice a day to wash away oil and dirt from the pores. using an oil-free moisturizer to prevent the pores from becoming clogged with oil.
While Retinol can't physically shrink the size of pores, it can make them appear smaller. By keeping the pores clean and improving the overall texture of the skin, Retinol creates the illusion of smaller, more refined pores.
Consider lasers to shrink pores. Dermatologists can administer laser therapy treatments to resurface your skin. This in-office procedure can help with a variety of skin woes, including reducing the appearance of large pores. The laser exfoliates the top layer of skin and encourages collagen to form below.
Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are like a vitamin C power-up for your skin. Vitamin C is a superhero here, boosting collagen production and making your pores less noticeable. Plus, these fruits have natural acids that gently exfoliate, keeping your pores clear and happy.
Exfoliating acids are going to be your best friends when it comes to actively minimizing the appearance of pores. "AHA and BHA exfoliating toners both work well," says Butler. She likes to look for products with a high concentration of salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
"At-home pore vacuuming devices have only shown to help with blackheads that are already loosened in the skin,” says Dana Rice, master esthetician in the Department of Dermatology at University of Utah Health. “They can cause damage to the skin with excessive exfoliation and suction."
Earning perfect scores in all categories, our top choice is Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose, an effective, nonirritating, single-ingredient solution to clogged pores. If you're looking for something more affordable or just want to give pore strips a try, go with TonyMoly's Tako Pore One Shot Nose Pack.