Can pores shrink? Not really. But the good news is that even though these tiny holes don’t change in size, it’s not that hard to make them invisible.
The fact is that sebum and dirt accumulate in the pores – this is how they turn into the notorious “blackheads”. So the best way to “minimize” pores is to work hard to unclog them, and here are three things you can do to help you do just that.
Step One: Use BHA in the Morning
BHA acids (or beta-hydroxy acids) are substances that easily penetrate the sebaceous plugs, destroy bacteria and cleanse the skin. How are they different from AHAs? As aesthetic medicine specialist Joey Tavernis explains, AHA works on the surface of the skin, while BHA works underneath.
Dermatologist Scott Walter says he applies the BHA serum to his face every morning, but people with sensitive skin shouldn’t use this exfoliator as often. Scott also recommends choosing products that combine BHAs with oil-regulating niacinamide to help prevent the recurrence of blackheads.
Step Two: Use Retinol Three Times a Week
At night, Walter recommends using products containing retinol, a form of vitamin A that helps facial skin cells renew themselves faster. For those who are just trying to add retinol to their beauty routine, it is best to apply it between two layers of moisturizer, and for those with sensitive skin, use it once or twice a week, explains the dermatologist.
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Third step: once a week make a clay mask
“The clay acts like a magnet, drawing dust and oil from the pores and making them appear smaller,” says Scott. However, it also has a downside: clay masks dehydrate the skin more than others, so women with dry skin should use them no more than once every two weeks.
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