5 Effective Ways to Reduce the Appearance of Pores – unclog pores and remove blackheads instantly
Everyone deals with pimples, blackheads, and clogged pores, it’s just part of having skin and completely normal.
With some tips and tricks, we can help support the skin to reduce areas of concern greatly
While pore size is genetic and does not change, there are ways to reduce their appearance to help skin look smoother and supple.
We all want that soft, smooth, and healthy skin, especially in the summer when the heat and humidity are at an all-time high.
Find out how to decongest the face, remove blackheads, reduce the appearance of pores, and reveal soft glass skin today!
What Causes Blackheads
Blackheads are caused by a clog or plug developing a hair follicle on your skin.
These follicles produce oil normally, so when they are clogged, this oil can build up and even lead to acne, bumps, and noticeable blackheads.
What Causes Pores to Appear Large
Pores may appear larger due to being clogged, dirt, or higher oil production of the skin.
Many of these causes can be treated to reduce the appearance of pores and help us all get that glass skin look.
5 Ways to Reduce Pores Size and Blackheads
Here are 5 amazing ways to reduce the look of your pores greatly, unclog pores, remove blackheads, and reveal beautiful smooth skin!
Plus, keep reading to find out a bonus 6th tip that might be better than all 5 tips combined!
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the act of removing dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin.
While exfoliation can happen naturally, sometimes the skin clings onto too many dead skin cells which can lead to clogged pores, acne, and dark spots.
Exfoliating can reduce the appearance of pores and remove blackheads from the surface of your skin. You can choose from physical exfoliates, like scrubs, or chemical exfoliates such as lactic acid.
Start once a week and work your way up as needed work your way up to more times a week or a stronger exfoliate.
Try to avoid mechanical exfoliates, such as scrubs, as these can lead to physical da
Many recommend 2 to 3 times a week, though this depends on the strength of the exfoliate, and skin concerns.
Glycolic acid is stronger and may be used in your t-zone more often than the entire face.
2. Double Cleanse
The cleansing step of your skincare routine is highly important as it removes makeup, dirt, environmental impurities, or other products like sunblock from the skin.
If your skin is not clean and you add products on top, this can actually lead to clogged pores, inflammation of the follicles, and acne.
A double cleanse may be increasingly useful, even if you don’t use Makeup. Double Cleansing can break down hard to remove sunblock, oil on the skin, and any dirt.
Cleansing is a great way to regulate and support the skin, as it can have ingredients that benefit you suck as ceramides, and should be pH balanced.
This can help control the oil production of your skin, leading to fewer clogged pores and fewer blackheads!
3. Clay Mask
Clay masks are great for individuals with oily skin that want to remove excess sebum and reduce the appearance of pores.
They draw out impurities, and oil, and clear out the pores of the skin, as clay draws out these things from the skin.
Clay masks are not highly recommended for frequent use however and you should not use clay masks if you have dry, dehydrated skin.
If you do have dry skin and want to use a clay mask, apply it only in areas of concern (usually the t zone) and wash it off before it is completely dry.
4. Sheet Mask
Some sheet masks are useful, some useless.
Many that are mostly glycerin will hydrate a bit, but won’t do much more.
Some sheet masks can completely change your skin for the better!
For example, this sheet mask from rovectine uses a tannin complex that helps to tighten pores, remove oils, and control excess sebum.
*note, absolutely not sponsored*
Sheet masks with rice can also help support the skin. Instead of removing oils and sebum, rice can regulate the skin barrier to hydrate and nourish the skin and eventually reduce pore appearance and blackheads.
5. Use Serums with Actives
Serums with actives such as niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of pores greatly.
For example, niacinamide is an ingredient that regulates oil production, minimizes pores, and treats hyperpigmentation. It can also help to calm the skin and soothe redness.
Another great ingredient is salicylic acid, as serums with this ingredient offer acne treatment as well as oil control.
Serums may also have a leave-on exfoliating, such as lactic acid, that can help to control oil production long after it’s absorbed into the skin.
The Extra 6th Tip:
6. Use a Retinol Treatment
Retinol is the most studied and supported ingredient that can treat acne, reduce blackheads, and decrease the appearance of pores.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that, when properly absorbed into the skin, can increase collagen production and protects the collagen already in the skin.
It has strong anti-acne properties, can reduce dark spots, and visibly reduces wrinkles.
Quick retinol tips:
Do not combine with Vitamin C as it can lead to irritation (alternate use of days, or use Vitamin C in the AM and retinol in the PM).
Retinol is best in a nighttime skincare routine as it increases skin sensitivity.
Use a sunblock in the morning after using a retinol treatment.
Start on a low strength retinol and work your way up as your skin gets used to it.
The Takeaway
The skin is highly important and should be supported greatly.
Every skin concern has a treatment, even the appearance of pores and reduction of blackheads.
With proper cleansing, clay masks, and sheet masks, you can reduce blackheads and decrease the appearance of pores instantly.
Long-term treatment includes the use of Actives like salicylic acid and niacinamide to regulate the skin barrier.
The best, absolute best treatment however is retinol, as it will increase skin health exponentially when used properly.
Listen to your skin, try new products on the wrist before using them on the face to avoid adverse reactions, and have fun with it.
Skincare is about progress, not perfection, so enjoy the journey and remember, health starts from within!
