Our skin is incredibly sensitive to change and reacts in unique ways to different stressors and stimuli. One of those reactions, enlarged pores, can impact appearance, making it harder to get that supple, glowing look. Luckily, it’s a problem we can control.
Given how common large pores are, it’s no wonder so many shelves are stocked with cosmetic products to treat them. While having so many options help, not all of them are effective at reducing pore size. So which ingredients should you look for, and what exactly do they do for your skin?
Here’s everything you need to know about managing pores in your skincare routine.
What causes large pores?
Large pores aren’t the result of one, specific condition. The causes vary from natural changes to lifestyle habits, which is a big reason we see them so often. Still, we can group the main triggers into three categories – genetic factors, environmental damage, and the aging process.
Naturally, these causes can stack on top of each other, making this condition more likely. Here’s how each one affects the size and appearance of pores:
- Genetics
Genetics tend to impact our overall health, but nowhere do we see this more than in skincare. We inherit genes that determine many things about our skin type, namely oil production, hormones, and hair follicle density.
Even though we want to keep them invisible, pores play an important role in healthy skin. Millions of them across the surface help the skin breathe, which means they need to stay clear and open.
However, each pore contains a hair follicle and sebaceous glands which produce sebum. Thick follicles and high oil levels clog the pores, causing them to look bigger as they try to stay clear.
- Sun damage
Outside of genetics, sun exposure is the biggest cause of most preventable skin conditions. Overexposure to the sun’s harsh UV rays ramps up the levels of free radicals. When the level exceeds the antioxidants in the skin, these harmful compounds react with skin cells, damaging them through oxidative stress.
While other sources of UV light, like tanning beds, have a similar effect, the sun tends to dry the skin out faster. Dehydrated skin isn’t as supple or “full”, making wrinkles look deeper and pores larger.
- Natural aging
Finally, we have the natural aging process. This isn’t the same as premature aging, which is mostly caused by a lack of sun protection, applying harsh facial products, and other habits. Our skin loses elasticity with time but it also thickens. Our pores start to look bigger as more skin cells develop around them.
Treating pores made bigger by age comes down to managing the natural decline of things like moisture retention and cell regeneration. So what should your next skincare purchase offer?
What to look for in skincare products
- Gentle enough for daily use
First, always aim for a product that’s gentle on your skin. Harsh chemicals like alcohol can make the underlying conditions worse. While physical exfoliators like sugar scrubs can clear some of the bigger particles that clog pores, they’re usually too abrasive for daily use.
Due to how sensitive facial skin is, physical exfoliators tend to work better as body scrubs.
- Moisturizing agents
Next, look for a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day. If you prefer an all-in-one option, lightweight creams with hyaluronic acid or retinol are amazing. These compounds boost moisture retention on a cellular level without heavy oils, which can clog pores and trap irritants on the skin’s surface.
- Tailored to your skin type
Finally, go with a product designed for your skin type. When it comes to effective skincare, higher concentrations don’t always lead to better results. Potency is relative – you want something strong enough to work without causing negative reactions.
Genesis by Hygieia is perfect because it's available in different strengths. It’s an anti-aging cream that nourishes the skin with B12 and amino acids, helping it reduce pore size at a cellular level for every skin type.
Best skincare ingredients to reduce large pores
When it comes to safe and effective skincare, three ingredients dominate the world of dermatology. The results speak for themselves, but what makes them so powerful?
More importantly, why should you prioritize them for pore size reduction?
- Retinol
Retinoids are some of the best anti-aging ingredients on the market today. A form of vitamin A, their ability to boost cell turnover helps combat everything from fine lines and hyperpigmentation to sun damage and large pores!
That said, retinoid is usually found in prescriptive products because of how powerful it is. Retinol, a gentler type of retinoid, is the ingredient you want in any over-the-counter product. Available in 0.5% and 2% concentrations, Hygieia’s Retinol cream gives you all the benefits of retinoids in a gentle formula that works with your skin.
- Vitamin C
It may not be responsible for that citrus smell we love in beauty creams, but vitamin C is a skincare agent like no other. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C works to neutralize free radicals that damage proteins like collagen and elastin.
If that isn’t enough, vitamin C’s photoprotective properties combat the effects of sun damage. With our Vitamin C Serum, you can target the skin directly, and nourish it with supporting agents like vitamin E and the third skincare staple…
- Hyaluronic acid
When we typically think of acids, we think of harsh reactions, but if there’s one our skin loves, it’s hyaluronic acid. A natural compound made in the body, hyaluronic acid is widely considered safe for all skin types and essential for soft, supple skin.
It works by binding to water, increasing moisture retention to keep skin hydrated for longer. But there’s another reason half of all the hyaluronic acid in our bodies is found in the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to stimulate wound healing and repair damaged cells.
Reducing pore size starts with proper hydration, cell repair, and protection against sun damage. Address all three with our Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and start your day with youthful, rejuvenated skin.