How To Minimize Pores 12 Different Ways (That Actually Work)

Wondering how to shrink pores? The size and appearance of your pores depend on several factors: Factors such as genetics, skin type, sun exposure, and age are part of the equation. And regardless of their size, they do serve an important purpose. “The pores allow the skin to breathe and are the passageway between the inside and outside of the body,” says  lifebloombeauty  dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, MD.

Okay, pores are absolutely essential for our skin, but we can make them less visible and reduce their appearance is not as difficult as it sounds! We spoke with  futuretechexpert   Dr. Frank and other dermatologists for expert advice on how to tighten pores. Here are 12 tips to make your pores flawless.

1. Remove the magnifying mirror.

First of all, you need to say: no one sees your pores the way you see them in the mirror. What is for you is a dazzling game in which the dots on your face connect with all the rest - normal skin. So, the first step in treating pores is mental: relax! But the following   naturalbeautytrends  steps are very real and produce very real results, shrinking your possibly slightly visible pores to a level that you will definitely need a microscope to see.

. 2. Clean up daily

“Daily cleansing and regular exfoliation is the best  techsmartinfo  way to keep your pores clean,” says Dr. Frank. It makes sense - pores that are free of dirt will be much more difficult to detect. But first, you have to convince these suckers to open up so you can spit it out. According to Dr. Frank, heat or steam is the best way to get the job done. Try placing a warm washcloth on your face before wiping off your skin. "

You can clean twice a day or once a day, but if   smarttechpros  you do it once a day, choose an evening schedule. At the end of the day, dirt and/or makeup build up on your skin, and it's important to cleanse it all before bed.

3. Add a scrub to your weekly skincare routine.

“Incorporating a scrub into your skincare regimen is also beneficial. Just be careful not to exfoliate your skin excessively - a scrub once a week will work, ”says Dr. Frank.

With that said, look for a gentle scrub. “While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells, it can end up irritating your skin (if you use a coarse scrub), which can lead to puffiness that makes your pores appear even larger,” adds Neil Schultz. M.D.

4. Keep your hands away from your face.

Stay out of your hands unless you are cleaning or doing any other skincare routine! Bacteria from your fingers can transfer to your face and enter your pores, so it's best to minimize the time you spend touching your face, let alone touching it. Plucking clogged pores can be tempting, but ultimately it usually results in acne, blood, crusts, and even more evil scars.

5. Apply primer with SPF.

Remember to always use sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. "Ultraviolet rays and pollution cause free radicals to form, which break down collagen and elastin in the skin, making the skin less dense and [making] the pores larger," says dermatologist Zipporah Scheinhaus, MD.

However, many sunscreen formulas are great and it only makes the pores more visible. Primers containing SPF are ideal as they multitask, smoothing pores and providing sun protection.

6. Pamper yourself with a chemical peel.

Another solution, how to close the pores? Chemical peeling. This in-office procedure will improve the appearance of your pores over time. A new generation of peels that work under the skin's surface to give you instant radiance without sacrificing the appearance of your skin before it gets better.

7. Use a retinoid cream.

Prescription and over-the-counter retinoid creams can help stimulate skin cell renewal for happier pores. After a few weeks, you will see noticeably smaller pores.

8. Cleanse the pores with a clay mask.

Clay masks are another secret weapon to shrink pores because they quickly cleanse the pores by absorbing all the oil. According to Dr. Schultz, oil build-up can make the pores look five times larger, so removing dirt is very important.

9. Look for foods with glycolic acid.

“My favorite ingredient for treating enlarged pores is glycolic acid because it dissolves dead cells best and absorbs fat,” says Dr. Schultz, whose second competitor is lactic acid. "Lactic acid is the weaker sister of glycolic acid and can be just as effective."

10. Avoid oil-based creams.

Foaming with heavy oils or oil-based creams (which contain natural oils like coconut and olive!) Is a recipe for clogging pores, even if you have dry skin. “These oils mix with dead skin cells and clog pores,” explains Dr. Schultz. It is best to avoid this by choosing water-based products.

11. But don't be afraid of oil-based cleaners.

Don't be afraid of oil-based cleaners! Facial oil dissolves better in oil than water. For oily to combination skin, look for a cleansing milk. For dry skin, try using a small amount of a balm that moisturizes and unclogs the pores. And of course, it's always a good idea to talk to your dermatologist about the best pore-shrinking products right for your skin.

12. Avoid bright makeup.

While this is not the best way to narrow your pores, cutting out bright makeup will definitely improve your appearance. “I often see patients wearing 'fluorescent' makeup all over their face, which accentuates large pores. Only use bright makeup on areas of your face that naturally have small pores (upper cheekbones, upper bridge of the nose, forehead, hairline, and eyelids), and use matte products on areas with larger pores. This will draw attention to the softer areas of your skin, ”advises dermatologist Noel Scherber, MD.