6 Best Pore Shrinking Steps

Pores: Can’t live with ’em, literally can’t live without ’em. I do understand they have an important role in keeping my skin naturally lubricated and moisturized, but sometimes I find I am stuck in a love/hate relationship with them altogether. Am I stuck with these large pores forever or are there pore shrinking methods I can try?! 

Enlarged pores are simply small openings in the skin that release skin’s oils and sweat. Pores might seem like a teenage skin issue, but they’re actually a sneaky sign of skin aging, too. (ugh) Smaller pores can mean a smoother-looking complexion and a more even tone and makeup finish.

Did you know that pore size is actually determined by genetics, but they can look larger if the collagen around them weakens (from, say, age, sun exposure, or skin trauma) or if they become clogged (hi, blackheads) with dirt, oil, and bacteria? And although you can’t actually get rid of your pores, or permanently change their size (you’d need a new set of DNA for that), you can minimize their appearance to a degree.

But hey, there is good news too! There are solutions to shrink their appearance and make your appearance more youthful, most of the steps you can even do from the comfort of your own home. Follow the 6 easy steps below to get well on your way to poreless skin with products to minimize pores on the face and nose, plus solutions for reducing pore size permanently.

Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate –

Exfoliating can help remove pore-clogging dead cells and excess oil from the skin’s surface. Look for a toner, serum, peel, or mask containing chemical exfoliants (they’re gentler than scrubs) with AHAs (like glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid) or BHAs like salicylic acid. MintPear’s Pumpkin Enzyme Exfoliating Masque is a great exfoliating masque that gently exfoliates your skin, helps even the appearance of skin tone, smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and clarify to reveal skin that looks smoother, younger, radiant, and revitalized.

Use a Retinol –

Retinol is a highly effective way to act on pore size and congestion. Effectively resurfacing the skin over time, it can shrink the appearance of pores and is also scientifically proven to diminish the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles.

Use a Face Mask (once a week) –

When packed with cleansing, exfoliating, and clarifying ingredients like charcoal and clay, face masks are designed to clear out and break down the dirt, debris, and oil sitting inside your pores—all within a half-hour or less. And when they’re balanced with moisturizing and soothing factors, your skin won’t feel dry and tight once you wash them off.

Clarifying Charcoal is Your Friend –

MintPear’s Clarifying Daily Facial Cleanser with Activated Charcoal is the dirtiest looking, but cleanest-cleanser. Makes sense right? It is a deeply purifying cleanser that gently sweeps away pollutants and impurities whilst respecting the skin’s natural oils. Activated charcoal, when used in a face cleanser, helps bind the oil and dirt in your pores and pulls them out. This clears your pores and makes them look smaller. helps pull out the excess oil from your skin, leaving it clean and smooth.

Try Microneedling –

Microneedling is a safe and effective method for reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. The micro-injuries to the skin caused by microneedling trigger the skin’s own wound healing response. The skin naturally produces new collagen and elastin. Collagen creates the appearance of smaller pores and tighter skin.

Wear Sunscreen – ALWAYS –

The sun breaks down your skin’s collagen, which is responsible for keeping your face firm and elasticized, so you’re left with larger pores and stretchier skin after repeated exposure. Slather on a minimum of SPF 30 every single morning. No excuses! Check out the 411 on Sunscreen.