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.
Like glycolic acid, salicylic acid has an exfoliating effect on the skin. It can also remove excess sebum (oil) and reduce sebum production, making it an excellent ingredient for unclogging pores. Plus, salicylic acid has mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Some laser treatments such as Fraxel laser skin resurfacing can shrink pores permanently while also increasing collagen production. Fraxel uses fractional laser technology to penetrate beneath the skin's surface to eliminate damaged skin cells.
When it comes to reducing large pores, a leave-on exfoliant with Salicylic Acid (a BHA i.e. beta hydroxy acid) is your best friend.
"Salicylic acid is oil soluble, meaning it's able to get inside pores to gently push out dead skin, bacteria, sebum, and any other pore-clogging debris." By removing that debris from your pores, your pores will appear smaller.
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.
Though it may be hard to apply makeup over an area you have spot-treated with vitamin E, it may be best to avoid doing this treatment overnight. Vitamin E's consistency can clog pores, especially in areas that are prone to acne.
Glycolic acid is also killer at reducing pore size, thanks to its ability to boost collagen production. When collagen breaks down from aging or UV damage, “pores begin to look stretched around the edges” (i.e. larger) according to Jennifer Linder, MD.
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.
Apply a facial pore cleanser with salicylic acid nightly. "It's a beta hydroxy acid that has increased solubility in oil and can travel deep within pores," Dr. Feely says. You can also talk to your dermatologist about a stronger in-office chemical peel to further clear out pores.
Vitamin C
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.
A tell-tale sign of vitamin c over-use can be increased blackheads or a development of blackheads. General skin irritation and breakouts can also occur if you are using your vitamin c too much or too often. We recommend using your serum 1-2 times a day and 2-4 drops is all that is needed.
Your skin care specialist can recommend certain procedures to help with enlarged pores, such as microneedling and laser treatments. If severe acne is a contributor to your large pores, your skin care specialist may prescribe antibiotics or retinoids to help clear your skin.
Salicylic acid is an FDA approved skin care ingredient used for the topical treatment of acne, and it's the only beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used in skin care products. It is best known for its ability to deeply clean excess oil out of pores and reduce oil production moving forward, making it a great option for oily skin.
Retinol has similar benefits, but it's stronger than niacinamide. It's also known to cause irritation, redness, and dry skin. Pairing the two ingredients is safe and can make retinol easier to use. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin, which reduces the risk of irritation caused by retinol.
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. Retinol is most effective when used as night cream.
Salicylic acid works best for mild acne (blackheads and whiteheads). It can also help prevent future breakouts.
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.
Salicylic acid is a favorite among dermatologists when it comes to treating acne. While it does not help kill acne-causing bacteria, it helps unclog the pores (being a Beta Hydroxy Acid, an exfoliant) and removes excess oil from the skin.
"If salicylic acid is an ingredient in your cleanser, it is fine to use it every day." However, if you are using an exfoliant that salicylic acid in the formula, Dr. Hu advises only using the product three times per week, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.
Salicylic acid and vitamin C are both effective products on their own but, when combined, they can be even more beneficial. Whether you're looking to brighten your skin, reduce the likelihood of blemishes or just help slow down the skin's natural aging process, these ingredients may be just what you're looking for.