Let’s Talk Pores! 

When it comes to skin care concerns, it seems that pore size tops the list. This is because pore size seems to be the main focus of many people's insecurities. Despite products being marketed towards “shrinking pores”, the actual size of your pores is not something you can shrink. Your pore size is genetically determined and something you were born with. However, on the bright side you can actually reduce the appearance of large pores using proper care.

What are Pores Anyways? 

Your pores are surprisingly just the opening of hair follicles that extend further through several layers of your epidermis. Each pore has its own sebaceous gland that produces oil and could be the reason behind pores appearing more visible, angry or inflamed. While you can’t actually ‘shrink’ your pores or make them fade away, you can work on drawing less attention to them and preventing expansion with proper care. 

How to Make Your Pores Appear Smaller:

The truth is that it is impossible to actually shrink your pores, but by following these skincare steps you can minimize the appearance of your pores.

1. Cleanse Properly.

Ensuring you have a solid cleansing routine will help your pores stay clean from dirt, oil and makeup that tend to get stuck in pores. When your pores are full this actually makes them appear larger, darker and can also stretch your pores over time which will eventually cause loss of elasticity. We recommend using the double cleansing method as part of your skin care routine to help decongest pore build up and deliver a deep cleanse. This method includes cleansing first with an oil cleanser such as the Essential Oil Cleanser by Sahajan on dry skin, followed by a foaming or gel cleanser such as the White Willow Gel Cleanser by Om Organics (which contains Salicylic acid, a hero ingredient that unclogs blocked pores while reducing inflammation and redness)

2. Exfoliate. 

Use a gentle exfoliant product such as a glycolic acid serum. We like the Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum by Consonant Skincare. This serum is clinically proven to exfoliate without any irritation. This glycolic acid serum gently exfoliates dead skin cells without causing irritation while unclogging pores and preventing breakouts. Glycolic acid is considered a keratolytic which means it has the ability to break apart dead skin cells on the skin's surface and open any clogged pores.

3. Retinol is Your Friend.

Use a botanical retinol to slowly break down and remove dead skin cells which can build up and make pores more noticeable. One of our favourite’s is the Full Moon serum by Graydon Skincare. This water-based retinol alternative will help promote a faster cellular turnover while soothing, smoothing, and protecting your skin for a more radiant complexion. 

4. Wear Sunscreen DAILY- But you already knew that ;)

Believe it or not- sunscreen has pore-minimising effects making it just another reason to make it a priority in every routine. The sun breaks down skin's collagen, which is responsible for keeping your face firm and elasticized. Which means after repeated exposure to the sun your pores become larger and lose elasticity. By using a minimum of SPF 30 every morning such as The Perfect Sunscreen by Consonant Skincare, you are also preventing your pores from becoming larger. 

5. Invest in a Clay Mask 

Clay helps draw out impurities from pores, to leave it fresh, smooth, and clean. This makes it the perfect solution to helping your pores appear smaller. However, a deterrent for many when using pore-fighting masks is that they can feel harsh and uncomfortable on the skin. That’s why we suggest reaching for The Mermaid Mask by Leahlani Skincare when your pores need a deep reset. This emerald superfood smoothie for the skin nourishes, purifies, and revitalises the complexion on a cellular level. It's filled to the brim with pristine, nutrient-dense Hawaiian spirulina, raw honey, cleansing sea clay, and the most cleanly-sourced chlorella on the planet, leaving you with a radiant aloha glow.