How to minimize the size of your pores

If you’re wondering how to shrink pores, you certainly have also contemplated how these dark marks on your face got there in the first place. When your pores are clogged, they expand in size, which is why you can notice these craters more (hello blackheads!). Your pores get wider and deeper the more often they get clogged and as your skin ages, which is why you may have noticed them more in recent decades.

Help is on the way. When you minimize your pores, your face looks smoother, healthier, and younger. Learn below how to shrink your pores and the steps to take for fresher skin.

Your Pores and Collagen

Sadly, your skin loses collagen and elastin as you age. When your skin loses its firmness, your pores can become more noticeable.

Using a retinoid product can increase your skin’s collagen production, resulting in fewer blackheads, pimples, and tighter pores on your face. That’s because retinoids increase cell turnover and exfoliate your clogged pores. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines, which means they can effectively treat both acne and wrinkles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

How to Shrink Pores

In addition to using a product with retinol in it, regularly exfoliating can help minimize the appearance of large pores. By stripping away the top layer of oxygenated sebum and other dirt and oils, you’re making your pores appear less dark, effectively improving the way they look and making them less noticeable. Talk to your dermatologist about establishing the right exfoliating routine for you, as some people, like those with dry skin, will need to be careful how they care for their exfoliated skin.

The downside to using these over-the-counter products and exfoliating is the results are temporary and it can sometimes take weeks to see a real difference. For these reasons, you may want to consider laser-based therapy for younger-looking skin that glows. PicoSure^® revitalizes your skin and can reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles with virtually no downtime.

Preventing Future Clogged Pores

The first step is to establish a skin-care routine that works well with your skin type. Make sure the products you’re using on your skin, including moisturizers and sunscreens, are noncomedogenic. This means they won’t clog your pores with oil.

Make sure you’re washing your face every day or twice a day if you have oily skin. It may seem counterintuitive, but washing your face right before bed (as opposed to in the mornings) is a great way to avoid acne and blackheads, as you’re removing all the dirt and oil that have accumulated on your skin over the course of the day. Make sure you follow up your cleanser with a good moisturizer that has a retinoid in it to boost collagen production and tighten your skin.

If you’re prone to acne, talk to your dermatologist about the best way to treat it so your pores are less noticeable. Additionally, consider making improvements to your diet. After all, you are what you eat! The AAD has indicated that a healthy diet of lean protein, vitamin c, and limited sugar (to name a few) and drinking water regularly can help your skin glow.

Lastly, and most importantly, take steps to protect all the effort you’re putting into your skin by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day, rain or shine. Sun damage can cause wrinkles and pigmentation issues, according to the AAD, so the best way to keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful is to protect it.

With these techniques and skin-care tips, your pores will be less noticeable, boosting your confidence and allowing you to feel carefree.