It can be embarrassing to suffer from large pore size, particularly on the face. Often, large pore size comes from either genetics or from a compromised diet. Although genetics is hard to counteract, diet is a bit easier to work with. Consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables is a natural beginning, but certain vitamins in particular have been linked with decreased pore size, including vitamins C, A and B5.
It is very important to work with a qualified healthcare practitioner before supplementing with any vitamin so as to not cause other health issues.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one vitamin that seems to help in shrinking pores. Vitamin C provides several benefits for the skin, according to Diane Irons in "The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets." These include fading age spots and other irregularities, and forming collagen that keeps skin from becoming bumpy and wrinkled. The way vitamin C benefits pore size is by helping oil-secreting glands to function properly, states Irons.
Refer to a licensed healthcare practitioner before adding vitamin C to the diet to determine need and proper levels of supplementation.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is another vitamin that is purported to help with shrinking pore size. Already used for acne in the prescription drug Accutane, James P. Meschino, author of "The Wrinkle-Free Zone: Your Guide to Perfect Skin in 30 Days," notes that vitamin A can unclog skin pores and shrink oil glands when taken at high doses.
Since vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is stored in the body and overdose is possible. Work closely with a trained practitioner who can monitor levels in the body when supplementing with this vitamin.
Vitamin B5
B vitamin complex helps in forming hair, skin, and nails. Vitamin B5 in particular may be helpful for shrinking pore size. Besides counteracting stress, in "Beauty and the Budget," author Sandi Brenner states that B5 slows oil production in the body, allowing for pore size to decrease.
B vitamin complex supplementation is generally considered safe because it is a water-soluble vitamin, which means the body excretes excess vitamins. Nonetheless, it is important to work with a healthcare practitioner to determine need and amount of supplementation, and for how long.
References
- The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets; Diane Irons; 2005
- The Wrinkle-Free Zone: Your Guide to Perfect Skin in 30 Days; James P. Meschino; 2004
- Beauty and the Budget; Sandi Brenner; 2006
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