Skin Care Products That Minimize Pores

Enlarged pores are a cosmetic concern that occurs chiefly on the nose, according to Dr. Neal Schultz, a dermatologist on DermTV.com. What you see are shadows cast by the pores that can easily become filled with oil to create blackheads. Knowing what products are best for your large pores can help you to reduce their size.

Significance

Your skin's pores contain a sebaceous, or oil, gland that coats the hair follicle contained within. This oil helps to keep your skin soft and smooth. However, these sebaceous glands can contribute to enlarged pores, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin, a dermatologist writing on DERMADoctor.com, a skincare resource website. When the pores become clogged with oil, they can appear larger. Other contributors to enlarged pores include genetics, sun damage and a poor skincare routine. If you experience enlarged pores --- pores that are highly visible --- skincare products are available to minimize them.

Physical Exfoliators

Physical exfoliators are products that you rub onto your skin in order to encourage exfoliation. Examples are scrubs or granular cleansers, which feature small beads or seeds to exfoliate. Dr. Schultz recommends utilizing a granular cleanser at the end of your shower when your pores are more open. Gently massage on areas where you experience enlarged pores for 15 seconds. Exfoliating scrubs can be used once per week for deeper exfoliation to remove dead skin cells that can cause pores to enlarge.

Chemical Exfoliants

Compared to physical exfoliators, chemical exfoliators do the work for you. Examples of chemical exfoliators include salicyclic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid and topical vitamin A, according to Dr. Kunin. These ingredients come in skin gels and creams and can be applied to the skin after cleansing. Then, the ingredients work to slough off dead skin cells and excess oil in the pores. Because less oil is filling the pore, the pores are able to shrink. Chemical exfoliants can be harsh to the skin when initially applied. You may wish to apply a moisturizer to reduce irritation.

Pore Minimizers

Products specifically marketed to reduce pores can contain a combination of chemical exfoliants and other products to cover over the enlarged pores, according to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women." Many pore minimizers contain a product that suspends powder in a liquid. When you apply the liquid to the face, it becomes a powder that smoothes over the pore. The book likens this to a person utilizing putty to fill in a hole in a wall. Because your pores are filled in, their appearance is reduced.

Expert Insight

Even with regular treatment, your enlarged pores may not completely go away, according to a Cosmopolitan.com expert. "Regular use of a pore-minimizing cream will keep them clear and less oily," said Dr. David Ortenreich, a New York City-based dermatologist, "which will make them appear smaller." Manage your expectations when it comes to pore treatments --- they can help, but may serve as only a temporary fix.