Can You Actually Shrink Pore Size? We Find Out!

Large pores are a common complaint, right up there with acne and dark spots. So, now arises the question – can you shrink large pores? The answer is both yes, and no. Let us find out more! 

What are pores? 

Pores are small openings on the surface of the skin that allow it to ‘breathe’. These openings release sebum or oil, and sweat. These are the little things that help maintain the health of our skin by moisturizing it from within and regulating our temperature. There are two different kinds of pores - oil and sweat. They cover our entire body, except our hands and feet. Mostly, enlarged pores are oil pores, and are most prominent on the face in the T zone area. 

What causes clogged pores? 

Some people have microscopic pores, giving them the appearance of the coveted ‘poreless’ skin, which is in reality, a misnomer - it is impossible to have poreless skin! Some people have large pores. This could be due to so many factors. Large pores are caused by oily skin, acne, the buildup of dirt, and genetics. Usually, as we grow older, our skin loses elasticity and therefore our pores appear larger due to sagging of the skin. Apart from this, sun damage also plays a role in making our skin look older than it actually is, as it thickens the skin and reduces collagen and elastin, making pores larger. Clogged pores are also a huge culprit. As dirt and oil build-up, the pores expand, making them look bigger. 

So, CAN you shrink pores?

Short answer – no. Pores never permanently shrink, though they may get larger over time. However, you CAN minimize their appearance.  Here are a few tips on how you can prevent blackheads and minimize pores!

• Keep your skin clean and get out the oil and debris trapped in your pores. Use an oil-based cleanser like the Mon Cherry Dirt Dissolving Balm. Oil dissolves oil! 
• Follow up with the Mama Cica Pore Clearing Exfoliating Face Wash to deep cleanse your pores and leave your face squeaky clean and smooth! 
• Exfoliate once or twice a week to get rid of any dead skin accumulation in your pores. Use a gentle exfoliator like the Mama Cica Oil Fix Exfoliating Gel Mask for clear skin
• Use non-comedogenic products to keep your pores clean. If you have sensitive skin, avoid products with pore-clogging ingredients, alcohol and fragrance
• Use products that have retinol as it promotes cell turnover and unclogs pores, leading to pores appearing smaller
• Some ingredients like vitamin C, glycolic acid or salicylic acid can help the skin shed dead skin cells and reveal fresher, brighter-looking skin. Glycolic acid can make your skin appear smoother and more supple, thus minimizing pore appearance. You can also try products with niacinamide like the Bravocado Intense Brightening Serum, as it strengthens the skin barrier and minimizes pores’ appearance
• You should also aim to stay hydrated throughout the day as water fills in pores, reducing the space between them, making them appear smaller
• Similarly, keep your skin moisturized to make your pores appear smaller. Try the gel-based Chialeader Oil Control Moisturizer, as it has skin-soothing ingredients like cactus water and bamboo! Use it once a week to give your skin a refreshing detox 
• Cleanse your pores using a clay mask. Clay masks suck out the dirt and impurities from deep within the pores, and it absorbs sebum as well. Try the innovative Mama Cica Mud Dipping Sheet Mask for Oil Control And Clear Skin for detoxed, yet moisturized and clear skin
• You can also opt for more extensive treatment with your dermatologist in the form of chemical peels and laser treatments

So, to conclude, you can’t really reduce pore size, but you can minimize their appearance. In this world of perfect, flawless skin, it may be tempting to focus solely on your perceived flaws. Remember, skin is supposed to have pores! They are there to regulate your temperature and to keep your skin healthy, and it is unrealistic to wish for skin that is perfectly smooth, even and ‘poreless’. So while following a skincare routine to keep your skin healthy is perfectly fine, we can all benefit from accepting our flaws and being a bit more comfortable in our own skin!