Tips for Minimizing Your Pores

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We often blame our pores for our skin problems. These tiny openings in the skin contain hair follicles as well as sweat glands and sebum. They can easily become clogged, especially when dead cells from the skin’s outer layer don’t come off properly and stick together on the surface instead. This can cause bacteria to move in and release inflammatory factors that can lead to redness and pus. We often pick at our pores and apply creams and lotions but it is important that we wise up to common myths about them so we can minimize their size and improve our skin’s complexion.

It was believed that certain types of makeup can actually shrink pores. The right make up can only diminish the appearance of pores. To visually shrink pores, apply a primer with a silicone base to smooth the skin’s surface and fill in pores before putting on makeup. Make up will glide on very evenly over it. Once you apply the primer, you can apply foundation.

You should prevent pores from getting bigger by using a topical retinoid. These vitamin-A derivates are prescription only and can promote normal cellular turnover, breaking up existing clogged pores and inhibiting the enzymes in the skin that make the dead skin cells stick together. It is also important to keep your pores clean with a cleanser or scrub with alpha or beta-hydroxy acids.

Pore size is genetically determined. If one or both of your parents have large pores, there is a good chance you will too. If your skin is oily, your pores are probably on the larger size because oil collects on the edges of pores and makes them appear larger. The middle of your face-contains more oil glands than other areas and the pores may be more noticeable than those on your cheeks. Sun exposure can affect your pore size.

There is no magical process to open your pores and allow impurities out. Steaming your face causes blood vessels to dilate and the skin to swell slightly. Astringents and toners slightly irritate the walls of the pores and make them swell, making them look smaller. Neither makes them change in size. And their diminished appearance will not last more than 24 hours. For a longer lasting effect, you can help pores look closed and tight by keeping them clean. Wash your face at least twice a day.

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