Ask about prescription medications “For patients who also have concerns about active acne, we can prescribe oral medications such as Accutane® (isotretinoin) or spironolactone to treat it,” says Dr. Wu. “These medications decrease oil production, which decreases the appearance of pores.”
Studies of oral isotretinoin (Accutane) and topical tretinoin (similar to Retin-A) and tazarotene have shown all three medications to be effective in decreasing pore size. Glycolic acid peels, with or without vitamin C, have been shown to decrease pore size appearance.
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.
niacinamide serum is probably going to be the easiest effective thing to add to your routine to make pores appear smaller. it reduces sebum production, which stops the pores from getting congested and makes them visually look smaller.
✔️ Exfoliating AHAs and BHAs such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid are often go-to ingredients in an acne skincare routine due to their oil regulating properties, and for the same reason, they help in reducing the appearance of pores as well.
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.
Retinol, a powerful derivative of vitamin A, is widely recognised for its ability to address various skin issues, including large pores. In this article, we'll address why Retinol should be an essential part of your skincare routine.
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. (Read: You'll burn faster.)
“The size of your pores is determined by your genetics,” says Dr. Roopal Bhatt of U.S. Dermatology Partners Four Points. “Over-the-counter lotions and other non-prescription treatments won't actually shrink pores, but there are some things you can do to make your pores appear smaller.”
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.
Take stock of your skin care products. Zinc and magnesium help restore your skin's oil balance and clear pores, which can make them look smaller. Products with soothing ingredients such as rosemary and lavender may ease irritation and prevent pores from stretching out.
Vitamin A deficiency is a common cause of open pores on the skin. Vitamin A plays an important role in promoting cell turnover, which helps keep your pores clear and free from debris. When you don't get enough vitamin A, it can lead to clogged and enlarged pores that are difficult to treat.
Pore minimizing tip #1: Double cleanse before bed. Pore minimizing tip #2: Make exfoliating a regular thing. Pore minimizing tip #3: Use non-comedogenic products. Pore minimizing tip #4: Add a retinol to your routine.
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.
As pore size is primarily the result of genetics and the above listed contributing factors, your pore size cannot be permanently reduced. However, there are ways to make your pores appear smaller to the naked eye.
The collagen pushes on the walls of the pore, which makes it look smaller. If you are really interested in shrinking pores, look for collagen-boosting skincare. Cooling treatments, such as refrigerated face masks, can restrict pores or reduce the inflammation of irritated blemishes, but pores will never fully close.
One popular method is chemical peels, which involve applying a chemical solution to exfoliate and rejuvenate the complexion. Another option is microneedling, which uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production.