How to Minimize Pores in Two Steps
Yes, you can minimize the appearance of pores. This page will help you shrink your pores and improve your skin overall. Because refined, small pores are clear pores.
To minimize pores follow the steps on this page. They also help balance oil production so are also beneficial for preventing breakouts, acne and blackheads.
And don’t miss the video at the end on how to make any sized pore instantly disappear (using makeup… but it works!)
A Quick Note About Pore Size
Actual pore size is determined by genes -this is what contributes to your underlying skin “type.”
- If your pores are small or barely visible you have a dry skin type—and most likely struggle with hydration, sensitivity and/or fine lines.
- If your pores are visible with an oily or combination type you likely struggle with acne, breakouts, shine and blackheads. The larger a pore is, the more oil it produces…
Natural pore size can be enlarged by factors like excess sebum from unbalanced skin, sun damage and aggravation (more details below). Minimizing this unnatural enlargement is the aim.
Naturally larger pores may not disappear altogether – but you can make a significant improvement in their appearance by refining them and keeping them clear.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: How to Clear Clogged Pores
How To Minimize Pores
The most important tip in minimizing and refining pores is consistency.
Improvement can happen quickly (sometimes in one week), but long term changes only happen with consistent steps.
BUT the results are cumulative so your skin will continue to get better and better!
See also: Enlarged Pores that Look Like a Hole
The Two Steps to Minimize Pores:
- Clear your pores and keep them clear – this is simple but in reality can be hard to achieve!
- Use products that work to refine your skin daily with consistent exfoliation. This reduces, refines and strengthens pores.
Details on these steps below!
How to Minimize Pores STEP 1:
Clear your pores and keep them clear.
Oil and dirt build up make pores appear larger as it stretches them.
Blackheads are also very common – and as they are essentially a ‘plug’ they can cause a pore to enlarge.
This is why after squeezing a blackhead you can be left with a hole that doesn’t shrink!
Here is how to clear your pores and keep them clear:
- Do a double cleanse in the evening. The first will remove make up and the day’s build up. The second will really clean your skin!
- Massage your cleanser in for at least 30seconds, and concentrate on congested and oily areas
- Use a cleanser with AHA’s and/or BHA’s that dissolve oil and dead skin cells. These acids also get right into and deeply cleanse pores – not just the surface of your skin.
- IMPORTANT TIP – your moisturizer may be the hidden culprit. The best cleansers and exfoliators can’t do their jobs properly if the wrong moisturizer negates their benefits. Often by getting this step right, you will finally clear your skin…
- Use an oil free, non comedogenic moisturizer and see the difference this can make to your skin quickly
How to Minimize Pores STEP 2:
Use consistent exfoliation to refine and minimize pores.
This step refines pores and helps to prevent breakouts, get rid of blackheads, and brighten your complexion!
- Use Glycolic Acid consistently – preferably daily depending on your skins tolerance
Glycolic acid dissolves the “glue” between cells and provides an even, thorough exfoliation of your skin.
This refines pore – the more often it is used the better!
It also helps to prevent the pores from “refilling” with oil and dead skin cells which causes blackheads and enlarges them.
Glycolic acid also increases healthy skin cell turnover!
> This helps to tighten and refine pores, improving their structure and appearance.
Here’s how to use it:
How to Use Glycolic Acid:
- Use a high enough percentage that can be used frequently (see our Glycolic Daily Exfoliator 7.5% here> )
- With this consistent but gentle exfoliation, pores will clear quickly and continue to refine as you keep using it
- This also helps prevent breakouts and blackheads.
- Optional – a heavier peel done monthly can also make a big difference in the appearance of pores, acting like a “boost” to clear skin by sloughing off a good layer!
Other Factors That Can Enlarge Pores…
- Sun damage breaks down the structure of skin and dries it out. The rays get deep into the structural layers and affect collagen – skin loses flexibility, support and ‘springiness’ – so pores can’t “bounce back” as well
- Squeezing blackheads that aren’t ready to be removed or using the wrong technique will damage pores and may leave them “open”
- Too much heavy make up – this can sit in pores and make them appear larger, drawing attention to them! Plus if not removed thoroughly it will lead to blockages.
- Heavy, rich moisturizers – already mentioned above. Always use a good oil free non-comedogenic moisturizer
- Same goes for sunscreen – it is important to wear it, but choose one that’s formulated for the face as body creams are generally thicker and oilier
These steps on how to minimize pores may seem simple, but they do work!
Once your skin is refined and clear and pores are smaller – they are much easier to make disappear with a few tricks.
Watch this video to see how (Gossmakeupartist is excellent!)… It’s a quick demo that can make a big difference in the appearance of your skin!