Pores- everyone has it. Where there is skin, there are pores but today we will be focusing on the area that many fuss over which is our faces. Undeniably, beauty standards have made skin with large pores an unflattering sight to see but understand that it is completely natural! Although we can’t get rid of pores, we can, however, minimize their appearance and that is what Beauty Insider will discuss today.

Let’s Talk Pores

Pores are tiny little holes that cover our skin all over our bodies. Although many of us don’t like its appearance, it does serve a good purpose. They are there to allow oil and sweat to escape through our bodies. Thus, helping us cool down while ridding bad toxins for healthier skin.

Despite that, the skin on our faces produces more oil than anywhere else on our body hence why pores on our faces tend to be even more visible. Therefore, those with oilier skin are prone to bigger pores due to the overproduction of sebum and natural oil.

Those with dry skin fret not to be complacent as you are prone to clogged pores! Clogged pores happen due to the results of dead skin cells (which most dry skin people have more) being trapped and mixed with oil and sweat. This can result in whiteheads, acne and blackheads- yikes!

How to Minimize Pores

Even if pores widen and get clogged it’s not the end of the world. There are many known solutions to help minimize pores. It is important that we unclog pores first before using anything to decrease its size. This will make the process much easier and avoid the skin being congested.

Pore Strips

We’re going to start with something a little on the controversial side. Pore strips definitely have people that either enjoy or refuse them. Despite that, they are still a method to help unclog pores even if they aren’t a fan favourite.

Essentially, they strip and remove the top layer of dead skin cells through a strong adhesive. What should be noted is that these strips will remove everything on the surface of our skin which includes oil, sebum and dead skin cells. However, it will not prevent build-up that will lead to clogged pores.

The idea is simply temporary to help keep your pores clear which will then help appear smaller and minimise. Simply dampen your skin and apply the strips to your pores and wait the required time. After that, just peel it off and look at the oddly satisfying but gross result that we are all guilty of enjoying it a little too much.

Under the Lasers

Now if you want to go to the extremes to minimize your pores effectively then why not just zap, zap them away? Yes, less-invasive lasers are an excellent way to instantly minimize the size of your pores! Lasers are known for helping target and treating texture on the skin and that includes large pores.

Most lasers used for these procedures stimulate the deepest layer of the skin to smoothen and plump it. The results are amazing and faster than using skincare products such as acids and retinol that usually take months to see slight improvements.

The downside to it is that it has a pretty price tag however it is worth it for a semi-permanent solution. You only need a few sessions and then maintenance once in a while. But hey, if you’ve got the money to splurge for the sake of beauty then we definitely recommend it as a great method to minimize pores!

Acids Will Be Your New Best Friend

Dousing your skin in acid sounds a little daunting but we’re talking about good, skin-friendly acids. Using an acid on your skin will do you wonders and the term “chemical exfoliator” is the most popular method to minimize pore sizes. Moreover, the way these acids help is that they penetrate the skin to clear out pores in a non-invasive way. When done regularly, they will shrink over time.

There are many great acids to implement into your skincare routine.

Alpha-hydroxy Acid (AHA): This acid will help exfoliate the surface layer of your skin that contains build ups of dead skin cells, sebum and dirt.

Beta-hydroxy Acid (BHA): This acid penetrates deeper into the skin and unclogs pores that can make them appear larger.

Poly-hydroxy Acid (PHA): Similar to AHAs, this acid is less irritating and has hydrating and antioxidant benefits. This is great for those with sensitive skin.

Retinoic Acid: This acid is what makes retinoids effective at smoothing skin texture, brightening the skin, treating acne and most importantly- it minimizes pores! Many use retinoids for their anti-ageing properties as it increases collagen production and decreases excess oil production.

Pore Minimising Products

1. Juliette Armand AHA Smoothing Cream

The Juliette Armand AHA Smoothing Cream is a great cream that rejuvenates the skin and is suitable for all skin types. Its main star is that it contains AHA which we explained will work amazingly at keeping our skin clear of dead skin cells and sebum that can clog our pores.

To add, this cream is soothing and hydrating that the act of clearing skin doesn’t seem much of a chore but instead enjoyable. Just make sure that if you’re wearing it during the day is to pair it with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Why we love it:

  • It will give you a rejuvenated glow
  • Makes skin firmer which helps to minimize pores

Price: $108.00

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2. Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid

The Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid is a great chemical exfoliator that uses primarily BHA. It will penetrate deeper into the skin and keep pores unclogged when used regularly. Additionally, it exfoliates your skin gently to give back a beautiful glow. Your complexion will look flawless from the appearance of pores and blackheads!

Why we love it:

  • Gentle even for sensitive skin
  • It rejuvenates the skin

Price: $23.90

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3. Juliette Armand Retinoid 3% Serum

As we mentioned prior, retinoids are great products to help firm the skin which in turn tightens and minimizes the appearance of pores! The Juliette Armand Retinoid 3% Serum is a great anti-ageing serum that infuses retinoic acid that is gentle yet strong enough. However, this serum is oil-based and will better suit dry skin.

Why we love it:

  • Gentle and doesn’t cause irritation
  • Improves skin texture

Price: $178.00

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