If you suffer
from acne, you most likely have enlarged pores as well. Basically, enlarged
pores indicate larger oil glands, so there is an increased production of oil.
Unfortunately, individuals with oily skin typically have acne. Hormones,
particularly estrogen, control the oil glands’ size, but having large pores does not automatically mean that
you’ll have acne. However, since the two are interconnected, if you manage to
keep one under control, you might just get the other one under control as well.
Unclogging Enlarged Pores and Keeping Them Clear
A great way to keep acne at bay is to follow a gentle skincare
routine consistently, no matter your pore size. While oily skin coupled with
large pores can be more challenging, there are things that you can do to ensure
that your pores are clear of acne-causing bacteria and buildups:
- Cleanse – Always opt for a gentle
cleanser. Most people need to cleanse only once a day, but those with oily skin might need to cleanse twice a day. When cleansing, use lukewarm water and lightly massage your face with the cleanser. Pat dry with a soft,
clean towel.
- Exfoliate – The most commonly used
ingredients for exfoliating and controlling acne are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide controls acne-causing bacteria and oil,
while salicylic acid exfoliates the skin to improve skin texture, reduce
acne, and unclog pores. If you want a more natural option, try skincare
products such as the certified organic Erda Nature’s Gentle Exfoliator
Manuka Honey Peel by Origani
Philippines.
Manuka honey offers gentle exfoliation and draws out impurities to reveal glowing and clear skin. It also helps soften, smoothen, and reduce the
look of fine lines. It also contains bladderwrack extract for detoxifying the skin as well as aloe vera and lotus flower extracts for ample hydration.
- Nourish – Dryness is a common side
effect of using products for controlling acne, so make sure that you use
non-comedogenic hydrating serums, essences, and moisturizers to keep your
skin barrier healthy and plumped up.
Do Pore Minimizers Really Work to Minimize Large Pores?
Maybe—but
particularly if you address and control the problem as early as possible. The
best pore minimizing ingredient that can also do wonders for acne are topical
retinoids. These are derived from vitamin A and are known to fight acne and
increase cell turnover, which in turn makes your pores look smaller. If you’re
new to retinoids, however, do a patch test first to see if you experience an
allergic reaction. If your skin feels extremely itchy, inflamed, and red within
24 hours, you might need to buffer the retinoid or use a lower concentration.
As with all
skincare routines, patience, and consistency are very important. People too
often get excited when using a new skincare product, overuse it, experience
side effects, and then stop using it even before they see the effects of the
product. With that said, allow two to three months prior to seeing noticeable
results. If you need extra help, go to your dermatologist for in-office
procedures.