Can I Shrink Large Pores?
“They’re so glaringly obvious that whenever I look in the mirror, I want to cry. Obviously, I know I can’t really get rid of my large pores, but is there anything I can do to minimize them? Make them less noticeable?“ a Tumblr user asks. A question we've heard many times.
Although benign, large pores top the list of cosmetic concerns for many, especially women. A lot of people feel that their skin would look way more attractive without large pores. Many worry that enlarged pores make them look older.
What exactly are skin pores?
And what are they for?
Pores are simply openings at the top of hair follicles. These tiny openings contain oil glands which secrete oil to keep the skin from drying out (pores are not the enemy!). Others secrete sweat, which helps regulate the body’s temperature. Though frustrating in appearance, pores are an essential part of our skin. Without pores, our bodies would overheat.
Pores have a very important job. Small in nature, but they largely influence the quality of our lives.
Can I shrink pores?
Yes and no. The major cause of large facial pores is genetic predisposition. You can't change your genes.
But there are other factors that can affect pore size:
Sex Hormones
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect pore size. Pore size is significantly increased during the ovulation phase, researchers found.
Skin Aging and Sun Exposure
Cutaneous aging and photodamage cause perturbation in the collagen and elastin that support skin pores, making them larger. And microfibril-associated glycoprotein-1 (MAGP-1), a crucial component in elastic fiber assembly and perifollicular/pore areas, decreases in in aged and photodamaged skin.
High Sebum Excretion
Excess buildup of skin cells and oils can expand the follicles, leading to enlarged pores. Sebum, the oil that is produced by glands to waterproof our skin, can lead to enlarged pores if too much of it is excreted, clogging up pores. There seems to be a direct relationship between sebum output and pore size, particularly in men who generally have higher sebum output than women.
So How Do I Shrink Pores?
While you can't shrink the genetically predetermined size of your pores, you can slow down the process of skin aging that leads to decreasing skin elasticity and increasing pore sizes - by using sunscreen to protect your skin against photo aging and by using skincare products that promote collagen synthesis, like our 005-Fi Skin Firming Cream.
You can also minimize the appearance of your pores by cleaning up the sebum and debris that builds up in pores. Regular exfoliation and ingredients such as Salicylic Acid or Lactic Acid help unclog pores. And don't forget the Swiss knife of skincare ingredients, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - it helps shrink pores by balancing sebum excretion.
Our 001-Pu Purifying Face Cream contains both Niacinamide and Salicin, a natural precursor of Salicylic Acid, so if you want to make your skin look smoother and less porous, the 001-Pu Purifying Face Cream is a great option. Independent clinical testing has shown a 28% reduction in pore size appearance after 4 weeks of use.
Further Reading: