Although enlarged pores are largely due to genetic causes, there are other contributing factors, including sun damage, lack of sufficient cleansing and poor exfoliation. In order to reduce your pores’ appearance, make efforts to lessen the amount of dirt, dead skin cells and oils that are in the pores, according to DERMADoctor.com.
Topical Vitamin A
Vitamin A treatments help enhance the skin’s own exfoliation capabilities. When applied to the skin, Vitamin A penetrates the skin and works to prevent the cells that line the pores from sticking.
Most forms of vitamin A are available by prescription, including Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin and Renova. Retinol is an over-the-counter vitamin A treatment that is less potent than its prescription counterparts, but is still successful in promoting skin exfoliation that shrinks pores, says DERMADoctor.com.
Exfoliating Scrubs
Exfoliating facial scrubs can lessen the amount of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface and pores, which reduces pore size appearance. These scrubs can be purchased over the counter and have round or smooth beads.
Refrain from selecting exfoliating scrubs that have irregular or jagged areas that can cut or damage the skin. Please note that you should not exfoliate every day, as this can strip the skin of oils that keep the skin soft.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are derived from fruits or sour milk that have exfoliating properties when applied to the skin, according to MotherNature.com. Examples of AHAs include glycolic, citric, lactic or malic acids.
When applied, AHAs break up the chemical bonds that act like glue and bond dead skin cells to healthy ones. The dead skin cells are then released, which reduces the amount contained within the pores.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating procedure where a dermatologist or an esthetician utilizes a specialized wand to gently abrade the skin. When applied, the wand scrubs away dead skin cells. This is not considered an invasive procedure, but can feel like fine-grain sandpaper being rubbed over the skin. The treatment typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, reports DocShop.com.
