If you’ve ever stared at yourself for a little too long in the mirror, you’re not alone. When it comes to pore size, it sometimes feels like it’s hard to notice. If you’re like most of the world, you’ve probably spent a lot of time trying to minimize the appearance of pores. The good news is that it can be done, even if you have oily skin or sensitive skin.
If you want to do something about your pores but you’re not quite sure where to start, here are a few tips to keep your pores looking their best.
1. Cleanse daily
It’s not enough to use the world’s best serum, moisturizer, or retinol cream if you’re not consistent. A daily cleanser is the first step to smoothing your skin texture and giving yourself the radiant glow you’re craving. Not only can it help prevent the buildup of excess oil if you’re prone to oily skin but it also works against blackheads that can make large pores stand out like a sore thumb. Keep in mind that your cleansing routine needs to include more than exfoliants. Incorporating masks and washes with citric acid or lactic acid can keep the look of pores to a minimum and help ease any impurities. It might also be a good idea to try a pore minimizer as part of your routine. If you’re not sure how a pore minimizer works, talk to your dermatologist.
2. Resist the urge to touch
While some of how your pores look can be due to genetics, a good portion of your skin tone stems from how you treat your skin. If you’re like many others, you probably unconsciously touch your face all the time. Even if you have small pores, this can lead to oily skin. This can cause increased oil production, acne breakouts, and a larger buildup of gunk and redness. Even though the temptation may be massive, try to minimize how frequently you touch your face.
3. Don’t forget the SPF
Even if you’re hesitant to wear sunscreen each and every day, you can still wear a primer with some SPF protection. This can help even out your complexion when you’re getting sun but it can also minimize pores. This is because, regardless of your skin type, most sunscreen and external use sun-care toners are shiny by nature. This means they’re essentially drawing a spotlight to your pores which can be frustrating, to say the least. Plus, everyone knows that too much UV exposure causes fine lines and wrinkles which won’t help your skin.
4. Try out a chemical peel
Even though many washes include salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, or beta hydroxy acids, these aren’t quite the same as chemical exfoliants. Beyond that, the continued use of some of these skin care products can cause redness and irritation. Chemical exfoliants and peels, on the other hand, are in-office treatments that are supervised by a dermatologist. They work under the surface of the skin and slough off dead skin cells which leaves your pores glowing and radiant.
5. Use a scrub
Even though micro-crystals feel great in general, they also have a way of smoothing out your skin. It’s always a good idea to look for scrubs that include collagen and are paraben-free, too. If you can find micro-crystals that dissolve in warm water, that’s even better. Scrubs can help your pores look and feel much better. Plus, since most scrubs aren’t intended for daily use, you’re getting added value when you buy one.
Don’t let your pores hold you back from feeling confident. Whether you’re trying out an alpha hydroxy acid product or you’re ready to up your SPF game, you can give your pores the treatment they deserve.
