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.
"Retinoids clear clogged oil and dead skin cells to make pores appear smaller," Dr. Feely says. That explains why women noted improvements in their pore size when they applied a retinol every night for three months, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Apple cider vinegar is known to cleanse the skin and also shrink the pores. It acts as a toner and tightens your skin. In a bowl, dilute 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of water. Using your fingertips, massage this solution on the enlarged pores and let it dry naturally.
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.
In-office glycolic or salicylic acid peels are also helpful for enlarged pores, blackheads and acne. More aggressive and long lasting treatments include a series of Clear + Brilliant Laser resurfacing treatments, which help increase collagen around the pore, thereby tightening it.
Retinoids like OTC Differin Gel can reduce the size of pores that have been enlarged as a result of clogging and sun damage. "By applying a topical retinoid solution, you can dissolve bacteria that causes acne and treat sun damage at the same time," explains Engelman.
"Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, tea tree oil, and zinc help exfoliate the tops of pores and shrink the oil production, making them stay small throughout the day."
Hyaluronic acid serum tightens skin and minimizes pores so they shrink and become invisible over time. Smaller pores mean fewer clogs and breakouts.
A good Vitamin C serum can help fade discolorations, even out skin tone, shrink pores, and make dull skin more bouncy and radiant.
The answer to this question is yes. Microneedling with PRP can help shrink pore size and promote a smoother complexion. The procedure combined with the regenerative powers of PRP causes faster skin cell turnover and new collagen to form. Over time, this can reduce the size of your pores.
The researchers concluded that the hyaluronic acid fillers may be a solution for large pores. Not only does this filler have the power to decrease pore size, but it can also improve the texture and radiance of the skin. What's even better is that the injections are safe.
How does it help to shrink large pores? Niacinamide has been found to help balance sebum (oil) excretion rate and also improve elasticity to tighten up the skin around pores, making them look smaller. And it's gentle so even extra-sensitive skin types can reap its benefits without the risk of irritation!
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.
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. During hormonal periods, the overproduction of oil can make pores appear larger, when excess sebum collects on the skin's surface, magnifying these small openings.
Simply put, hyaluronic acid injections cause an increase in collagen production. Collagen, that impressive substance that makes up the skin (and makes it radiant), holds the pores in place and prevents them from being more pronounced.
Salicylic acid can be an effective ingredient in skin care products to help treat acne. Salicylic acid can help unclog blocked pores by breaking down and removing dead skin cells and oil. Salicylic acid may produce mild side effects, such as skin irritation or peeling.
"Prescription Accutane [which targets severe acne] shrinks pores during the time you are on the medication, as it shrinks the oil gland and dries the skin out," says Dr. Jaliman. "When you stop taking Accutane, often the pore goes back to the original size.
Adapalene gel (either Differin or Effaclar) – needed a prescription 10 years ago but is now over-the-counter. It works well to shrink pores and decrease comedones (blackheads/whiteheads).
Lactic acid, red clover flower extract and ribose are three of the best ingredients to shrink large pores - and happen to be found in Eminence Organics proprietary Lactic Acid Complex.
Salicylic acid penetrates into your skin and works to dissolve the dead skin cells clogging your pores. It can take several weeks of use for you to see its full effect. Check with your dermatologist if you aren't seeing results after 6 weeks. Your skin is affected by more than what you put on it.