Do you want flawless, porcelain-like skin? Uncover the secrets to achieving smaller pores and refining your skin texture with this in-depth guide.
Are open pores keeping you from getting a smooth, flawless complexion? While these pesky little openings can be a source of frustration, you cannot completely eliminate them; they are vital for healthy skin and a functioning skin barrier. So, although it is impossible to alter the actual size of your pores, there are multiple techniques to make them look smaller and improve the overall texture of your skin.
What causes open pores?
While genetics heavily influence pore size, according to a 2016 study, here are some other causes of open pores:
- Excessive sebum: When your sebaceous gland produces extreme amounts of oil, it leads to oily skin and clogged pores.
- Decreased elasticity around the pore: This is when the skin becomes less supple.
- Increased hair follicle volume
- Sun damage or overexposure to the sun
How can you get smaller pores?
As we discussed earlier, pore size is primarily determined by genetics and cannot be permanently changed. You may, however, take the following steps to reduce the appearance of pores and improve overall skin health.
- Cleanse thoroughly
If you want smaller pores, it is imperative to cleanse your face thoroughly twice a day. This ritual will help remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities that can clog your pores and exacerbate the appearance of the pores. I recommend opting for a gentle cleanser (Try Dr G Gentle Facial Foam) that does not strip off the natural oils of your skin.
- Don’t forget to exfoliate
If you are on the quest to achieve smaller pores and a refined complexion, exfoliation must be an integral part of your skincare regimen. It will help slough off dead skin cells and dirt that can accumulate and make your pores appear bigger. I recommend picking products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to encourage cell turnover.
- Detoxify with a clay mask
Treating your skin with an occasional clay mask is another excellent way to get smaller pores. Packed with minerals, clay masks do an excellent job of removing impurities from the skin and soaking up excess oil to keep your skin looking squeaky clean and fresh. I recommend choosing contemporary formulations that combine the advantages of high-performing clays like bentonite, kaolin, fuller’s earth, and rhassoul with moisturising ingredients in soothing textures, making it a win for all skin types. For a more refined complexion, use them twice a week, don’t let them dry completely, and don’t keep them on for more than fifteen minutes.
- Apply ice cubes
You must have come across multiple videos of celebrities dunking their face in ice water before putting on their makeup. While rubbing ice cubes on your face or dunking your face in them sounds bizarre, this traditional wisdom is backed by research. Applying ice to the skin tightens and calms the skin by causing blood to rise to the surface. It is one of the most effective open pores treatments since icing your skin regularly helps you get smaller pores and could be used to clear pores that have become clogged with dirt and excess sebum. Since this chilly facial tones the face, it gives your skin a smoother, flawless appearance.
- Seek professional treatments
If you are looking for more advanced solutions to enlarged pores, consider professional treatments like microneedling, laser resurfacing, and customised chemical peels at ISAAC Luxe that can significantly improve the appearance of open pores and overall skin texture.
To learn more about how to get smaller pores, schedule a consultation with me here.