So how do I deal with my pores?
3 useful tricks that’ll save the day (and your face)
While we’re fully aware that pores are essential for our skin to function, that doesn’t mean we can accept how annoying it is when enlarged pores mess with our perfect skin goals. Besides the whole texture issue, when those enlarged pores become clogged with dirt, oil and impurities, we then have to deal with pimples and blemishes, too. We can all pretty much agree that a rogue pore is more hassle than we’d like. And while we can’t completely shrink them out of existence (sorry!), there are definitely things we can do (easy things, promise) to reduce their appearance and minimise clogging to leave skin as smooth, soft and clear as possible.
So next time you’re ready to throw in the towel when it comes to your visible pores, try these easy skin care tricks instead.
1
Use a clay mask once a week
The more oil and impurities in your pores, the larger they look, so if you can ensure you’re keeping them as clear as possible, you’re on your way. Clay has a strong reputation for helping draw out toxins and impurities from your skin, so using a clay-based mask once (or even twice) a week is a good start. The Swisse Cranberry Pore Perfecting Clay Mask has two types of clay to help you here. Australian pink kaolin clay and bentonite clay work together to give your skin that deep cleanse to minimise the appearance of pores, help remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil, while drawing out all those impurities in your skin. The nourishing mask also contains some stellar natural ingredients that help the pore-refining cause. First, there’s cranberry fruit extract, which contains natural acids that can help prevent clogging. Then you’ve got white willow bark extract, which is a natural BHA that helps exfoliate, leaving skin looking fresh and radiant.
2
Add retinol into your routine
Retinol – a form of vitamin A – is well-known for its ability to improve cell turnover and collagen production. How does this translate to helping your pores? Well, it also helps manage oil production, and if you can reduce how oily your skin is, those enlarged pores are going to look a whole lot teenier. Just proceed with caution if you’re introducing retinol into your nightly skin care routine for the first time. Start slow (think: every three nights) and build your way up to nightly once you know your skin can tolerate it. You can also kick things off with a gentle retinol formulation, like Ultraceuticals Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum Mild.
3
Don’t ever, ever, EVER skip your sunscreen
We don’t have enough time to tell you ALL of the reasons you should be wearing sunscreen every day, but when it comes to your pores and their size, it’s good for you to know that the more unprotected sun exposure, the larger the size of the pore. See, sun damage can compromise collagen production, and less collagen means your skin will lose firmness and elasticity, which will lead to (you probably guessed it) larger pores. If you’re worried about layering makeup on sunscreen, you really can’t go wrong with La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid, or these sunscreens that our members highly recommend.
Keen to hear more about how cranberry fruit extract can help minimise your pores? Here’s how the natural ingredient works to keep skin clear and smooth.
Do you have a no-fail way to minimise the appearance of your pores? Please share with us in the comments section below.
Main image credit: Getty
