The (futile) quest for 'Porefection'
That’s not a typo in the title, we’re not talking about the quest for pERfection (if you’re a perfectionist like me, let’s save that for a therapy session!), but rather pOREfection. One of the most common skincare questions and concerns from young people is about the appearance of their pores and how to get rid of them.
Well let me hit you with the first ugly truth - you can’t get rid of them. Everyone has them and they are important! Pores are tiny openings on the surface of the skin that allow sweat and oil to reach the skin's surface. The oils help to prevent our skin from drying out and sweating helps us thermoregulate (maintain our body temperature within a tight range). If you see photos of “poreless” people, I can tell you they have either been photoshopped, have used a filter, have mastered the makeup tricks to create a flawless complexion; or a combination of the above.
Why do some people have bigger pores than others?
Many factors determine pore size, the big one being genetics, but age, sun damage, and having an oily skin type also play a role. Types of hormones called androgens control oil production in our skin so when our body undergoes hormonal changes (i.e. puberty), this can lead to more breakouts and congestion in our pores which can make them more visible.
When I say congestion, I’m talking about your pores getting clogged with excess sebum (oil-like substance produced in your skin, dead skin cells, and a multitude of other things that your skin is assaulted by on a daily basis! Clogged pores can appear brown/black if they are open to the air due to oxidation of the contents (blackheads) or if they are closed at the surface they will have a whitehead. Enough explanations, let's get to the big question:
Can you Actually Shrink Your Pores?
The short answer is no – Whammo, ugly truth number 2. While it is not possible to physically shrink the size of your pores, there are steps you can take to make them appear smaller.
Before I proceed, let’s also remember that you are probably scrutinising your face in VERY close proximity and with a critical eye. Others around you will not be holding a magnifying glass over your T-zone while talking to you, so cut yourself some slack 😊
By keeping your skin clean and well-moisturized, you can prevent the buildup of dirt and oil that can make your pores look larger. Additionally, exfoliating regularly can help remove dead skin cells and unclog your pores, giving them a smoother appearance.
7 Tips for Minimising the Appearance of Pores
Here are some tips to help minimize the appearance of your pores:
1. Be gentle with your skin. Trying to squeeze and pick at your pores will only inflame your skin, potentially damage your skin barrier, and lead to bigger problems
2. Keep your face clean. This point has 2 parts:
a. Cleaning your face - Find a cleanser that suits your skin and cleanse your face once (in the evening) or twice a day (morning and night) to remove sunscreen, makeup, dirt, and oil. Clean pores will naturally appear less prominent.
b. Preventing the addition of extra filth to your face from dirty hands, phones, dirty pillowcases or towels etc!
3. Make exfoliation part of your skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. There are SO MANY different exfoliating products on the market so find one that suits your skin and your routine (might be once a day, once every other day or once a week). Remember, consistency is the key but don’t overdo it. Start low and go slow
4. Use a cleanser or toner containing ingredients like salicylic acid or witch hazel to help clean out the pores and reduce their appearance.
5. Moisturise your skin morning and night. If your skin is on the oily side, you might prefer a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won’t further clog your pores but never skip this step!
6. Skincare products that have a dewy finish may make your pores more obvious so look for matte finishes for your creams/foundation/sunscreen or use a translucent powder to mattify
7. Protect your skin from sun damage by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (ideally SPF50).
Conclusion
After a couple of ugly truths, hopefully you now appreciate the importance of your pores…..but have some tricks up your sleeve to keep them on the down-low. Number 1 thing to remember – no one is looking at your skin as closely as you are in the mirror. If prominent pores are a concern for you, take some time to find the right products for your skin and then stick to the routine. Having healthy skin is a marathon, not a sprint so keep consistent and the results will come. If you have persistent concerns about your pores, it's always a good idea to get professional advice.
References:
1. Sharkey, Lauren (2018). You Can’t Actually Shrink Your Pores — 9 Tips to Try Instead. Accessed 6 February 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-shrink-pores
2. James, A. G., & Lwin, S. M. (2012). Common skin conditions of the face: identification and management. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 73(3), 168-175.
3. Baumann, L. (2008). Skin ageing and its treatment. Journal of Pathology, 214(2), 161-171.
4. Rawlings, A. V. (2006). Ethnic skin types: are there differences in skin structure and function?. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 28(2), 79-93.
5. Flament, F., Francois, G., Qiu, H., Ye, C., Hanaya, T., Batisse, D., ... & Bazin, R. (2015). Facial skin pores: a multiethnic study. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 8, 85.
