Ways to make pores smaller.

Mar 16, 2017

Porsha M.

I have enlarged pores. Looking for ways to reduce or get rid of them.

Mar 16, 2017

Leuca S.

Good news and bad news.

Bad news first: You cannot get rid of your pores appearing at all without the use of makeup.

The good news: finding the right product can absolutely help with reducing their size and appearance, hopefully to the point where you don't really pay attention to them anymore.

Typically, the product you should be looking for is a salicylic acid solution in a base/formula appropriate for your skin type. Paula's Choice has the best range of BHA/salicylic acid on the market imo, with something for dry to oily skins. My personal favorite as somebody with oily skin is her Clear Body Spray, which is appropriate for face usage as well (just don't spray it directly on; use your hands or a cotton pad)

You'll often find betaine salicylate products on the Korean skincare market. It functions similarly, but is a bit less intense than traditional salicylic acid. I've tried one by CosRX, named BHA Power Liquid, and I find it works well.

What you want to make sure is that if you are using a salicylic acid product, that the brand/manufacturer has the correct PH (you're looking for something between 3.2-3.8 ideally), and that the formula doesn't have irritating ingredients added such as fragrance, essential oils, high % of solvent alcohol, etc., as these will be counterproductive and you won't see the true potential results.

Mar 18, 2017

Lia L.

You can not get rid of large pores because technically they are scar tissue. All you can do is keep them clean so they do not get bigger and keep them shrunk by washing your face with cold water and using some minimizing pore formula. In the long run you can get rid of them by gently and continuously exfoliating the skin and using something that helps speed up the regeneration of your skin like hyaluronic acid or retinol. I've found a good combination for me, I wash my face with an activated charcoal cleanser (biorè) then I use the Idealist pore minimizing skin refinisher (esteè lauder) and I love the Cerave moisturizer for oily skin. It's a good moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. To exfoliate I use the Aveeno positively radiant skin brightening daily scrub (I exfoliate when I shower😁🙈) At this point my pores are almost unnoticeable. I stoped used the pore minimizing serum because I don't need it anymore. Keep the skin clean and use a good primer and foundation (no oil based).

Mar 19, 2017

Fillimena B.

Leuca and Lia are both correct except I have a bit more bad news for you. My dermatologist told me there is no way to permanently change your pore size. Temporarily you can shrink them a bit and keep them that way if you are religiously performing your Skincare. The use of products containing Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid can do the job. If you stop using these products the pores will return to their original size. What you can't shrink you will have to hide with makeup. I have large pores by virtue of being 57 and Have found out for myself to be true