Enlarged Pores 101: Everything You Need to Know on How to Get Rid or Minimize the Appearance of Pores

Have you noticed the skin on your face has small openings? These are pores that typically are more noticeable in the t-zone (forehead and nose area). Pores can really make skin look uneven and make you look older. Most of us would love to get rid of pores as they can ruin our hopes for a smooth and even complexion, however, pores have a purpose. Continue reading to learn more about pores and why you need them.    

What are pores?

Pores are small openings on our skin that release sebum. There are two types of pores, oil and sweat pores. However, typically oil pores are the ones responsible for the noticeable openings. While this sounds something you want to avoid, the oil released by pores moisturizes the surface of our skin to keep it healthy.

What causes enlarged pores? Are pores genetic?  

Enlarged pores can be caused by different factors, but unfortunately, at the top of the list is genetics.  

• Genetics: Genetics will determine your skin type and the size of your pores. There is not much you can do to prevent it, but you can minimize the appearance of pores.
• UV rays: UV rays can weaken collagen. Collagen is what makes our skin supple and healthy. If the skin loses elasticity, pores will look enlarged.
• Aging: As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, making pores appear larger.   
• Thicker hair follicles: If you have thicker hair, your pores will probably be larger.
• Hormonal cycle: During your menstrual period, oil glands tend to produce more sebum, especially if you have oily skin. Pores will swell appearing larger.

How can I get rid of pores?

You can’t. No treatment can get rid of the pores. Pores help release oils that keep skin healthy and moisturized. Without pores, the skin would be dry. Instead of getting rid of pores, you can minimize its appearance to keep your complexion looking healthy and more even with the right skincare routine.

How to minimize the appearance of pores? 

A good and consistent skincare routine with the right products can help you to diminish the appearance of pores. How?  

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleansing the skin is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, especially if you want to diminish the appearance of pores. If you apply makeup, remove it with a gentle cleansing oil. Afterward, take a warm shower to help dilate your pores and cleanse the skin with TOUCHBeauty’s dual-mode facial cleanser brush. The bristles and the brush motion (oscillation or rotation) will remove debris, dead skin cells, and pore-clogging impurities. This device will leave your skin feeling clean, smooth, and radiant. Cleansing your skin properly will also help to prep the skin for the next skincare steps.

Step 2: Exfoliate

You don’t need to exfoliate your skin every day. If you have oily/combination skin, exfoliate two times a week, if you have dry or sensitive skin, exfoliate one time every week. Use TOUCHBeauty’s Ultrasonic Scrub Device to clean pores deeply. The science behind this technology? The spatula of this device emits ultrasonic waves that transform water into ultra-fine mist. This mist gently penetrates pores removing impurities, you can even see makeup residues being flushed out of your pores. The spatula just needs light pressure to work its magic on your skin. But seriously, this device is a game-changer when it comes to reducing the appearance of pores, and if you are into blackhead removal this is amazing. Check out this YouTube on how to exfoliate and remove blackheads with the Ultrasonic Scrub Device.  

Step 3: Rejuvenate

One of the main reasons your pores may look enlarged is because the skin is not producing enough collagen and is losing elasticity. Use a good serum with pore minimizing ingredients and an anti-aging tool treatment to increase the production of new collagen and firm the skin. TOUCHBeauty’s 3-In-1 Facial Beauty Device is the ultimate anti-aging device. It features three attachments for face massage, eye/lips-wrinkle smoother, and light therapy. The face massage attachment diffuses microcurrent into the skin to tone the face and boost the production of new collagen. The red light therapy is perfect to use after the face rollers massage attachment as it also helps to boost collagen. If you have oily skin and enlarged pores, and acne seems not to leave you alone, you must try blue light therapy. This light is commonly used to treat these skin concerns because it is anti-inflammatory. It kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces acne breakouts. It also helps to keep your oil production under control. Light therapy is not one treatment cures acne and enlarged pores must be used consistently for better results.  

Step 4: Moisturize & Lock Nutrients

After using the microcurrent device, moisturize your skin with your favorite skincare products. You can start by applying a pore-minimizing serum, followed by your favorite moisturizing cream. You can use a hot & cool therapy device to boost the absorption of skincare products, lock in nutrients, and minimize the appearance of pores.

Step 5: SPF

How many times have you read that sunscreen is essential? It is a bit controversial about whether to apply the sunscreen before or after moisturizer. To make things more complicated there is still the question of using chemical or mineral sunscreen. Because moisturizer creates a barrier on the skin, chemical SPF cannot penetrate the skin properly if you use a thick moisturizer. So ideally you would apply a very light and thin layer of moisturizer, and apply the SPF afterward. The SPF is also moisturizing, so it will complete the moisturizing process. You can also skip this step if you choose a moisturizing cream with SPF (minimum SPF 30 to protect your skin - apply in the morning only).    

Step 6: Extra | Face Mask

Apply a face mask 1 or 2 times a week. If you never used a face mask, we highly recommend you to try one. Face masks are a nice way to instantly give your skin a boost of moisture and radiance. If you have a big event and want your skin to look at its best, apply a sheet mask the night before, your makeup will go on like a dream.

PRO TIP - use the flat side of the ultrasonic scrub device to massage over the sheet mask. The spatula will help to infuse mask ingredients into the skin. The massage will also help to stimulate the skin keeping it plumped and gorgeous.   

The best thing you can do for your skin is to accept your pores as they are and put some effort into your skincare routine. It can really help to minimize pores and supple your skin giving you a beautiful and radiant complexion.