6 Tips for Insta-Worthy Pores

Did you know that for every single hair on your body, there's a corresponding pore that hair follicle lives in? Each pore acts as a tunnel or opening for these little hairs (hello peach-fuzz). Thanks to excess sebaceous (oil) production, dead skin cells and debris, these hair follicles can sometimes clog-up and overgrow inside of your pores, increasing in size and annoying the heck out of us🙅

Show of hands, how many of you would do just about anything to fix your large pores? Well, before you slap on some homemade tonic (a.k.a don't), here are 6 pore-worthy bits of information that will totally make a difference to not only your pores but the overall quality and glow of your skin.

1. Pore Size

The initial size of each one of your pores is already predetermined by genetics. That means shrinking your average-joe pore even further is next to impossible. Some are born with smaller pores, some with larger and honestly, we're all about owning the skin we're in💖 Remember, the goal isn't to completely eliminate your pores (leave that for photoshop) but to keep them clean and healthy.

2. Sun Protection

Even if your pores are already Insta-worthy, daily SPF is a must. Sun damage is proven to breakdown the skin which can start messing around with your pores. This is because when our skin becomes damaged from the sun's rays, it can cause the pore to expand and become even more noticeable. Additionally, using sunscreen can aid in mediating any excess sebum production during warmer months.

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3. Double Cleansing

Since pores can clog when too much oil is produced, a double cleanse is a great way to help clean them out. When looking for skincare to battle large pores, make sure to use a non-comedogenic skincare line. These types of products are specifically designed not to clog your pores via acne-fighting, pore-cleansing ingredients like Salicylic Acid which will help dissolve away the debris🙌

4. Exfoliation

Remember when we explained that a clogged pore isn't actually filled with dirt but with dead skin cells and oil? That means a physical exfoliant won't necessarily aid in cleaning out your pores and could actually end up irritating any active acne you may have. What you'll need is a chemical exfoliant, like a Retinoid or Salicylic Acid treatment that will gently exfoliate away the debris that has plugged-up the opening of the follicles. These treatments are best to be done at night, right before bed and always require SPF in the morning.

5. Ageing

Oily-skin folk, rejoice! Although you may not reap the benefits during your younger years, as you age, oil-production can significantly diminish which in turn may lessen your chances of a clogged pore (‼️). The downside? Since ageing slows down your skin's natural exfoliation process, the excess skin cells could also cause future clogged pores. That is why exfoliation is so important in your skincare regimen. However, make sure not to over exfoliate and always use products with quality ingredients matched for your skin type.

6. Skincare Experts

So, you've literally tried everything under the sun to help manage your pore-situation and still, nothing has worked? It's time you visit the pros. Treatments and extractions are definitely a possibility for those who are suffering from a major pore-takeover. It's very important to note that physical extraction should only be done in a clean environment by a skincare professional. Attempting to extract your own clogged pores could lead to damaged skin and making matters worse.

BONUS TIP

The next time you're having an at-home spa night, try steaming your face. All it requires is hot water and a towel and it's such a simple treatment to open those clogged pores.

First, begin with a clean face that's free from any dirt or makeup. Next, boil a pot of water and pour it into a closed-drain sink or bowl (just make sure it's not plastic!). Lean your face over the bowl and drape the towel over your head, enclosing the steam so it can't escape. If you need a quick little breather, go ahead and peak out of the towel for a few seconds at a time. Stay steaming for about 5-10 minutes, tops.

After your timer goes off, pat dry your face with the towel. Now that your pores are open, you're going to want to clean them out. We love using a clay mask which will pull out all of the impurities from your skin. Alternatively, you could skip the mask and use a mild-toner infused with those pore-busting ingredients.

Last but definitely not least, you'll want to close up those freshly cleaned pores by splashing your face with cold water. Seriously, the colder the better. Some people even swear by weekly ice-bath facials (which is exactly what it sounds like). Follow this bonus tip once a week and your skin will sincerely thank you.