How to
reduce pore size
How to
reduce pore size
Pores. We all have them, in all shapes and sizes, and whichever way, they're completely natural. If your pores are on the larger side, you might wonder how to get rid of large pores or if there are products you can use on them.
Larger pores can increase the likelihood of blackheads, and makeup might sit differently on your skin than if you had smaller pores.
There are several things you can do to help reduce the appearance of large pores on your face. Read on to discover tips and tricks from NIVEA to suit your skin's needs and help you feel more confident in your own skin.
How to get rid of large pores:
what causes them?
Your pore size is largely determined by how much sebum your body produces, and this can differ greatly from person to person. Sebum is the oil produced by the sebaceous glands in your skin, and its role is to lubricate the skin and hair on your body. Some of us produce more sebum than others, and our pores need to be able to accommodate the amount we produce. So the more sebum you produce, the bigger your pores will be.
Sun damage and other environmental factors can cause your pore size to increase as you get older. This is because your skin becomes less elastic and bouncy, so your pores become less able to hold their shape, causing them to grow larger and more dilated.
That's why it's so important to use sun protection on your body in the spring and summer months, and facial SPF year-round. This not only helps your skin stay healthy, but can also help if you want to reduce how much your pores grow over time.
Using a toner before you apply moisturiser effectively cleans and closes pores before you put any heavier products on your face, while giving your skin an essential hydration boost to keep it looking healthy. Read our guide on what toner does for more information and to find one that suits you.
Oil Free Moisturiser will provide your skin with the hydration it needs without adding excess oils to your face that later clog your pores, causing them to become enlarged.
Steam treatment opens your pores and lets you deeply clean them to remove dirt. You can easily do steaming at home. Place a bowl of boiling water on a level surface in front of you.
Drape a towel over your head, place your face above the steaming water and hold for about 5 minutes. After you've cleansed, you could apply a cold compress to your face to help close the pores and prevent dirt getting stuck in them again.
Please make sure you're comfortable with the temperatures. Very hot or very cold temperatures can be damaging to some skin types.
Excess oil on your skin can come from lots of places. It might be caused by factors like under- or over-hydration, a genetic predisposition, or even what you've eaten recently. A good cleanser won't always guarantee reduced pores, but cleansing is still important. Avoid drying formulas, as these can lead to even more excess sebum. Instead, try NIVEA Soothing Micellar Water, designed to leave no residue on the skin and leave it feeling fresh.
Makeup tip 101: always remove your makeup with a gentle face cleanse before bed to prevent build up. Try to focus on the areas you already know are a problem for you and this will help to reduce pore size on your nose and chin, often two of the main areas where pores become clogged.
Using a clay mask means excess oil is absorbed from the skin while also drawing out dirt from large, congested pores. The NIVEA Stop Pimple Wash Scrub is perfect for cleansing and uncloging pores and is an easy step you can add to your weekly self-care routine. Read more about clay masks here.
Products designed to dry out your skin will only increase the amount of oil your skin produces as it tries to counteract this and re-lubricate the skin, so try to stay away from anything that might cause this to happen. The more oil you produce, the bigger your pores will look.
Aloe vera contains natural pore-tightening properties and doesn't contain harsh chemicals that might irritate your skin. It also has excellent soothing qualities that can make your skin feel rejuvenated, which makes it perfect if you're prone to sensitive skin too.
