We often hear: "How to reduce enlarged pores?" First of all, we will note that pores are a completely normal phenomenon on the skin and with the use of cosmetic products they will not open, close, physically shrink or disappear. This is especially true for small dots on the nose that are often mistaken for blackheads, when they really are not. Pores are a common, normal phenomenon on the skin, an essential part of its texture and functionality. However, with regular cleaning and proper care with certain ingredients, pores can be cleaner and visually smaller. Proper use of products compatible with your own skin type and needs, as well as daily proper skin care will significantly help in the visual reduction of enlarged pores.
What are enlarged pores and what are the possible causes of their formation
Our skin is daily exposed to external pollution and stressors from which it protects us, and the appearance of enlarged pores can occur for various reasons. Genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalance can be the first reasons. Clogged and generally more noticeable pores can also occur due to inadequate cleansing of the skin or simply using inappropriate cosmetic products.
Pores are very necessary for the skin because they allow the secretion of substances and sebum . If the entire process is balanced, the sebum will come out through the pores completely imperceptibly. Difficulties can eventually occur if the sebaceous glands secrete excess sebum, which can eventually lead to blockage and thus their enlargement. There are ingredients that will help keep your pores cleaner, you just need to decide to incorporate them into your existing routine.
Niacinamide and retinol help with enlarged pores
In addition to the much-needed daily cleansing of the skin, where we always warmly recommend the double cleanse method, there are ingredients that can additionally help to solve clogged pores, as well as their thorough deep cleansing.
Niacinamide is a globally known ingredient due to its multiple effects on the skin. In addition to reducing inflammatory processes, regulating sebum secretion and reducing the appearance of irregularities, niacinamide is very neutral and can easily be integrated into a routine with other active ingredients. These are retinoids or AHA and BHA acids. For example, you can use Vitamin Serum B3 in the morning on slightly damp skin before applying sun protection cream, and in the evening you can use retinoids or the aforementioned acids.
Vitamin A derivatives, or retinoids, are also an extremely useful ingredient in the fight against enlarged and clogged pores. Before using retinyl palmitate, retinol or retinal, it is good to know how the skin cleansing phase can occur. Retinoids are gradually introduced into each routine. It is good to start with the mildest version, namely the Vitamin Serum R2 , which contains retinyl-palmitate, resveratrol and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin Serum R2, unlike Vitamin Serum RA, is applied to slightly damp facial skin and then the moisture is locked in with a moisturizing cream. What distinguishes it from Vitamin Serum RA , a much stronger form of retinoid serum, is the mentioned method of application, in addition to its strength. RA vitamin serum is applied to completely dry skin and contains 0.1% retinaldehyde, which is the strongest possible form of retinoid available over the counter. Read more about the differences between these two serums here .
Exfoliating acids are also preferred
If you still want to start with acids first because you think they would suit your skin best, you can't go wrong with the Peeling Toner AHA PHA or Microexfoliant. Peeling tonic AHA PHA superficially removes dead skin cells, while Microexfoliant also works deep down, cleaning pores. The gentler AHA and PHA acids in the toner are an excellent choice for more sensitive and dry to normal facial skin, and the BHA (salicylic) acid in the Microexfoliant powder will suit mixed to oily skin types.
In both cases, we would advise only occasional use up to three times a week . The most important thing is to know that these products should never be used the same evening, and the skin should always be well hydrated afterwards.
Sun protection protects the skin and the results of the routine
The most important and often skipped step is applying sun protection. When using acids or retinoids, it is mandatory to apply SPF daily in the morning routine. Namely, these ingredients increase sensitivity to the sun's rays, and SPF preserves the achieved results. In case of direct exposure to the sun, it is good to renew the protection every two hours, and if you go to work in the morning, then it is enough to renew the SPF just one more time before going out again, ideally with the SPF product you normally use. Depending on whether you like lighter fluids or the mousse texture of the cream, you can choose between Professional Fluid SPF 30 or Professional Cream SPF 50 . Both creams have no added fragrances or dyes, and protect against a wide spectrum of UVA and UVB sun rays.
