Enlarged pores can be a point of insecurity for those who want a smooth, supple complexion, and they can also be perplexing. You may wonder: why do my pores look so big when I cleanse my face every day? Is there any way I can minimize their appearance? Fortunately, you can!
At Isomers Skincare, we have a variety of products formulated to target pores, using powerful ingredients like azelaic acid, retinol, and niacinamide. Below, we’ll discuss what causes enlarged pores, what you can and can’t do to target them, and how Isomers can help you achieve minimized pores in your skincare routine.
What Causes Enlarged Pores?
In many cases, enlarged pores are the result of genetics. Some people naturally have larger pores, and during oil production, as oil-releasing sebaceous glands in our pores secrete oil, our skin naturally enhances their appearance.
Some other common causes of enlarged pores include:
Hair follicle size: Some individuals have larger hair follicles on their body, and yes, this includes your pores!
Increased sebum production: Hormonal fluctuations can cause an increase in sebum production. This is common for young people going through puberty and women during their menstrual cycle.
Comedogenic products: Many makeup and skincare products are “comedogenic,” meaning they contain oils that clog pores, increase their appearance, and make it harder for skincare products to penetrate.
Loss of skin firmness and elasticity: As adults age and lose skin elasticity, this can exaggerate the appearance of pores.
Sun damage: If your skin is overexposed to UV rays, this disrupts collagen and elastin, reducing skin firmness and increasing the visibility of pores.
What You Can and Can’t Do for Your Pores
Contrary to popular belief, pores are not the enemy; we need them to release sweat and sebum, which help us cool down, soften our complexion, and benefit our overall skin health.
So, the goal isn’t to get rid of pores (which is impossible), but to reduce their appearance and give your skin a smoother, rosier look.
You CAN’T…
- Get rid of your pores completely: Pores cannot be removed as they are a key part of our skin’s epidermis and perform vital functions in our complexion.
- Physically shrink them to a smaller size: Pores cannot be permanently shrunk to a smaller size, due to our individual genetic makeup.
- Open and close pores: Technically, pores do not open or close. They stretch and dilate, and treatments like steaming can help soften your skin, making it easier for the build-up to slide out of your pores.
You CAN…
- Minimize the appearance of pores
- Soften your complexion to remove pore build-up
- See results with regular skincare practices
Skincare Practices and Ingredients that Target Enlarged Pores
One of the best ways to target enlarged pores head-on is to make a few adjustments to your daily skincare routine. There are many skincare ingredients and practices that can help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and give your skin a soft, smooth, refined look. These include:
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is one of the more soothing acids in the skincare world! This dicarboxylic acid is known for its exfoliating capabilities and is one of the go-to ingredients for targeting enlarged pores.
In addition to unclogging pores, this ingredient helps refine the skin’s surface and texture, reduces the appearance of acne scars and discoloration, and provides a calming feeling to soothe irritation (unlike most skincare acids). You can use ingredients like tretinoin with azelaic acid to boost its effect even further!
Our 14% Azelaic Acid Booster Complex Serum from Isomers Skincare is formulated at the highest concentration available without a prescription. With continuous application, using azelaic acid at such a high percentage can deliver dermatologist-level results.
Exfoliants
Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are ideal for thoroughly exfoliating the skin by clearing out excess oil and dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover in the process. Our Exfoliating Cleanser features salicylic acid (BHA) and glycolic acid (AHA) and is ideal for everyday use.
SPF
Protecting your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays is a critical part of maintaining its health, including minimizing the appearance of large pores. Applying broad-spectrum SPF to your face on a daily basis, even during the winter, will help prevent your skin from losing firmness, which directly affects the look of your pores.
Love Your Pores with Isomers Skincare
With the right skincare routine, you’ll see a significant reduction in the appearance of your pores. You can find the right skincare products for your skin type with pore-targeting ingredients like azelaic acid from Isomers Skincare!
Not sure which products will work best for your skin type? Take our Build My Routine quiz to learn which ingredients work best in your skin!