Although there is no way to make your pores disappear, there are a number of skin care active ingredients that can help make them less noticeable.

Free radicals are a side effect of the natural repair process in our skin.  It’s why we have an innate antioxidant system but it is about balance.  Our built in antioxidant system can become overwhelmed and it also declines with age, so it may need some additional support.  Topical antioxidants help to shore up our intrinsic defense system, boost collagen and elastin to help pores be less visible.

1. Sunscreen:  Prevention is better than the cure.  Sunscreen prevents UV from breaking down collagen and damaging elastin.
2. Retinoids:  Retinoids help to improve fine lines, wrinkles, UV damage and skin laxity.  Vitamin A also reduces sebum production, increases cell turnover and boosts collagen thereby minimizing the appearance of the pores.
3. Vitamin C:  Vitamin C is a staple antioxidant known to promote collagen production.  In addition, vitamin C is mildly exfoliating to promote cell turnover.
4. Hydroxy Acids:  Alpha Hydroxy Acids exfoliate, increase cell turnover, promote collagen and elastin for a smoother complexion.  Beta Hydroxy Acids penetrate into pores to unclog and balance sebum production.  Just be careful not to over-exfoliate the skin as this will impair the barrier function.
5. Niacinamide:  Also known as vitamin B3, has been shown to visibly reduce and tighten enlarged pores.  Niacinamide balances oil production, improves moisture retention and increases the natural production of ceramides.
6. Green Tea:  A potent antioxidant filled with polyphenols, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, that reduce and balance sebum production.  Green tea is also a potent anti-inflammatory and beneficial for UV damaged skin.
7. Black Tea:  Balances excess sebum production and is an effective DHT inhibitor.
8. R-Lipoic Acid:  A universal, water and oil soluble antioxidant regulates oil production, unclogs pores, and gently exfoliates to reduce visible pores.
9. Hyaluronic Acid:  Boosting glycosaminoglycans, with their moisture binding ability, helps to plump the skin and provide structure to cinch enlarged pores.

TREATING DARKER SKIN TONES

Every individual skin is unique and all skin tones can react differently to skin treatments.  When trying different skin care active ingredients or skin techniques, darker skin tones need to be mindful as it can affect the way their skin pigmentation process responds.  Always test patch skin care or work with a skin care professional to reduce the risk of unwanted effects from skin care products and treatments. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WORK?

Depending on the active Ingredient, it can take several weeks to see the full benefits.  Working to minimize the appearance of your pores is an ongoing process that needs to become part of your skin care regime.  We can’t stop genetics or aging but with a consistent and thoughtful skin care routine, your skin can look its best.

COMINING UP NEXT...COSMETIC TREATMENTS TO REFINE YOUR PORES

When you forget what real skin actually looks like, it is beautifully imperfect, pores and all.  Flawless skin does not exist but a great skin care routine can get you close.  And stay away from magnifying mirrors, they’re not doing any of us any favours.  Stay tuned for Part 3 the best cosmetic treatments to include in your pore minimizing skin care routine.