Most people do not realize pore sizes are largely predetermined by genetics. So with many products on the market advertising that they will shrink your pores the question is do they actually work? While you can’t really alter your genetics there are certain products that can treat the symptoms that may affect the end result. Whenever I meet people who have seemingly the smallest size pores and yet they wash their face with hand soap, it makes me want to throw something. While genetics may be on these people’s sides with their skin seemingly unaffected by environmental disruptors like stress and smog, we can’t all be so lucky, myself included. So what can the rest of us do?
Commonly, pores become larger due to blockages and buildup of excess oil, makeup, dirt, etc. that eventually clog them. Over time, if the pores are not cleared or the dirt is not extracted it can create irreversible, and unsightly damage. Therefore, immediate attention should be given to your skin when you start to notice these blockages. Here is what you can do to help treat “symptoms” of enlarged pores…
- If you would consider your skin to be on the more oily end of the spectrum, especially in your T-zone, you may be noticing that your pores are larger in this area. While overproduction may be annoying, oil is more your friend than enemy because it helps your skin stay supple, soft, and flexible- dry, cracking skin will wrinkle faster and is more likely to show expression lines. So--you don’t want to strip your skin, but you do want to balance it. Oilier more youthful skin tends to shed more dead skin cells as well. Try using products with ingredients that lift all the junk off your face and break down the tacky “glue” that binds dead skin cells to your complexion. Thyrst Beauty Serum 11 is a great option for this because it includes ingredients such as salicylic acid which help dissolve debris that clog pores, Retinol and Bakuchiol [similar compound to Retinol but less irritating] help with cell turnover, and lastly glycolic and lactic acid promotes the removal of the outermost layer of dead skin cells. It is great to apply this at night and really allow your skin to reap all the benefits while you sleep and your skin recharges. You can apply Moisturizer 12 and Oil 10 immediately afterwards particularly to soften and hydrate as well as seal in and prolong the delivery of ingredients.
- Next you need to exfoliate the skin the following morning to physically remove everything that has been primed for removal. Try our Exfoliant 07 for this because it has tiny Volcanic Perlite beads derived from volcanic rocks which have a sand like texture. It is formulated to really get to the smaller nooks and crannies of the face (like the sides of your nose) and really buff out those sticky dead skin cells. It also includes an alpha hydroxy acid which assists with lifting the dirt and debris assisting with a deeper exfoliation. It is best to apply and leave on for a minute before you begin scrubbing to get the full benefits of the AHA.
- Lastly, after your skin is clean, clear, and primed from the scrub it is open and ready for maximum absorption of ingredients that repair, rejuvenate, and protect. Reapply Serum 11. Rich with antioxidants, Vitamin C, and B12, and E help brighten and protect the skin from environmental pollution (which in turn reclogs pores) as well as calming any inflammation including cystic acne.
Remember your skin is like a piece of wood furniture. If you set a wet glass on an unsealed table, you are likely to see a ring. The mark will not go away because you paint over it, you must strip it and then sand it before you re-stain it. Similarly, clogged pores, bumps, acne, scarring, etc. on your face are not going to go away until you lift and buff.