Pores: We all have pores, and we’ve all been frustrated by clogged pores. At some point, we may have even tried using a pore vacuum or pore minimizing product to reduce their appearance.
"Clogged pores are caused by increased sebum production (the oil produced by the skin), dead skin cells, and dirt (from outside sources, even cosmetics)," says dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., a clinical associate professor at Yale University.
If you think you have enlarged pores, they may just be clogged and causing more concern. "The size of your pores doesn't change," says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Think of a plastic shopping bag - when empty it's tight and sticky; When you fill it up, it expands. The same thing happens when the pores are full.
So if you want your pores to appear smaller, keep them clean. Here are the safest and most effective methods.
1. Use salicylic acid. To remove dirt from your pores, you need the best dirt remover - salicylic acid. "The salicylic acid-type Gentile exfoliating cleanser is great because salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)
that penetrates sebum and breaks it down," Dr. Gohara. If you use a cleaner, let it sit a little longer than usual before rinsing it off so it has more time to work its magic.
2. Use a charcoal or clay mask once a week. It's no surprise that these OG acne heroes are great ingredients for unclogging pores. "One of my favorite ways to unclog pores is to use a clay or charcoal mask, which can help remove impurities, bacteria, and sebum/oil from your pores," says Dr.
Shari Marchbein, dermatologist, member of the American Academy of Dermatology. However, she warns that face masks are only a temporary solution and should be repeated at least once a week to truly help your skin and minimize pores.
3. Buy a pimple remover. As satisfying as squeezing blackheads is, it's hands down the worst way to treat clogged pores. However, using a comedone extractor is not only safe and effective, but it’s also recommended by dermatologists.
"Comedone extractors are often used in dermatologist offices for extraction treatments, so they are a good and safe tool for treating clogged pores," says Dr. Xiangyuan. However, be sure to clean it thoroughly with alcohol after each use.
4. Use retinol in your daily routine. For those prone to breakouts, or even those who don't have acne but don't have insecure pores (hat tip to my big-pore people!), Dr. Marchbein recommends using a prescription retinoid (like Retin A) or an over-the-counter option ( Such as Differin Gel).
"Over time, retinoid creams can build collagen, strengthening the walls of pores and making them appear smaller. They also have an exfoliating effect on the skin," she says.
5. Treat yourself to a pore cleansing strip once a week. Turns out, these super-saturated pore strips are actually skin-approved! PhD. "Pore Adhesive Strips can temporarily improve clogged pores by using an adhesive to remove residual dirt and oil,"
Marchbein says. "However, these treatments need to be repeated at least once a week as the pores naturally refill."
Remember: This It may be satisfying, but Dr. Marchbein says using these patches won't cause any permanent changes or improvements to the skin.
6. Choose an in-office acne facial. Acne facials are an effective and great way to unclog pores. Just ask your dermatologist.
"In-office treatments like hydrofacials and microdermabrasion are good examples of less aggressive in-office treatments that can improve the appearance of pores by mechanically exfoliating the skin," says Dr. Marchbein.
They also allow pore-cleansing ingredients like salicylic acid to penetrate deeper into the skin, "which can further promote radiant skin, even hyperpigmentation, and shrink pores." she added.
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