HOW TO MINIMIZE PORES ON YOUR FACE & NOSE

Enlarged pores can form when dead skin cells, dirt, and especially oil fill up the pores, causing them to stretch and appear more noticeable. For that reason, the best way to minimize pores starts with a consistent cleansing/skincare routine focused on keeping the skin clean, reducing dead skin-cell buildup, and controlling oil.

When trying to reduce pore size, the products in your skincare routine are just as important as the steps in it. Seek out oil-free, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) formulas, as pores that are clogged can look bigger and more noticeable.

One superstar at minimizing pores is a chemical exfoliant with acids such as AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs. Meant to be used after cleanser, a chemical exfoliant helps loosen and dissolve dead skin-cell buildup that can clog pores. Thayers offers several toners that are excellent at minimizing pores, such as the Blemish Clearing 2% BHA Toner, Blemish Clearing 2% BHA Toner Pads, and Exfoliating 2% AHA Toner. When using a toner, incorporate it into your routine slowly, starting with a couple applications a week. If your skin doesn’t become irritated, gradually increase usage.

Even sun damage can contribute to enlarged pores, as it can break down collagen and elastin. This can make skin less tight and structured and lead to wrinkles, sagging, and stretched-out, larger-looking pores. So, never forget to wear sunscreen, and be sure to use a non-comedogenic formula that’s good for acne-prone skin. You’ll also want to wear SPF if you use an AHA, which can increase your skin’s sun sensitivity.

There’s a misconception that moisturizer makes skin oilier and that people with oily skin or combo skin should avoid using it. If you have either of those skin types and are dealing with enlarged pores, you should still use moisturizer (but in a lightweight, not heavy, formula).  Moisturizing helps regulate oil production, preventing the skin from producing excess oil to overcompensate for a lack of moisture. And, as we’ve explained, pores with too much oil can stretch out.

Besides products that contain exfoliants, there are additional products, shown below, with ingredients that can minimize pores on face. Use them on days when you aren’t using an exfoliating toner or other exfoliating products.

The best way to minimize pores involves salicylic acid. A type of BHA, salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve oil and debris. With consistent use over time, it leaves skin smoother and makes pores appear smaller. This ingredient is found in our Blemish Clearing 2% BHA Toner.

Continuing our list of ingredients to minimize pores is niacinamide, known for controlling oil, which, in turn, prevents enlarged pores. Regular niacinamide use also improves skin elasticity and collagen production, leading to smaller-looking pores in the long term. Additionally, niacinamide boasts anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-strengthening properties.

Kaolin clay soaks up excess oil and impurities on the skin, making it another excellent ingredient in a skincare routine aiming to minimize pores. Compared to other oil-absorbing clays, kaolin clay is gentler and suits many skin types. Find it in Thayers Oil Balancing Jelly Toner.

Pores are less noticeable on smooth skin. AHAs, a type of chemical exfoliant, refines skin texture by dissolving impurities on the skin’s surface and preventing buildup in and around the pores. AHAs also stimulate cell turnover and collagen production, helping tighten the skin. They’re very useful in a skincare routine centered on how to minimize pores on nose and other parts of the face.

Like AHAs, retinol also increases cell turnover and collagen production and provides a skin-firming effect. What’s more, retinol regulates oil production to prevent clogged pores and, by smoothing skin, helps minimize pores. Because retinol can cause skin irritation when used too often, this ingredient should be introduced slowly into your routine.

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that absorbs oil with its high amount of tannins. In soaking up oil, it can visually minimize pores. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is amazing at calming redness around pores, too.