If you struggle with enlarged and/or clogged pores then you have probably been through the gamut of skincare gimmicks that promises to give you “smaller” pores. But, no single skincare product can truly alter the size of your pores. 

Skincare can definitely affect the way pores look but they cannot fully “close” your pores or get rid of them. 

For one, you need pores. They play a vital function in the way your skin works. Pores help get natural oils to the surface of the skin to keep your skin moisturized. So you can only imagine what would happen to your skin if you really got rid of them. Pores also release sweat which helps to regulate body temperature (again, a pretty important function). 

But while pores are vital we understand there can be some frustration with the way they may appear. For example, clogged pores and blackheads can make pores look larger. The gunk trapped in pores can stretch the pore making them more visible than you would prefer. 

How can I make my pores look less visible?

Now that we’ve established that pores cannot be closed or eradicated, we can get to how to really treat pores.  

Instead of shrinking your pores, topical skincare works to help improve the look of clogged and enlarged pores in various ways. 

Exfoliating 

Chemical exfoliants are often recommended to help unclog congested pores. A popular exfoliating ingredient is Salicylic Acid, which helps by breaking up excess sebum and dead cells trapped inside the pore. 

Often it’s the gunk (oil, dead skin, bacteria) that make pores far more visible. So, by exfoliating regularly you can prevent this gunk from accumulating in your pores. As a result, pores will look less visible, even if they are not necessarily smaller. 

Hydrating

Keeping your skin adequately hydrated also helps improve the look of pores. When you hydrate your skin regularly, you’re helping to keep the skin looking plump which can help lessen the appearance of large pores. 

When the skin is dry it loses its “plump” appearance making pores a lot more noticeable. And, if your skin is regularly dry, the skin may start to overproduce sebum to compensate thus making pores look bigger. 

Protecting 

The skin also requires protection to keep pores from becoming too large. Sun damage doesn’t only bring with it risks of skin cancer but also has some other undesirable effects. One such effect being larger-looking pores. 

Sun damage breaks down collagen in the skin, so if your skin is constantly exposed to the sun without proper sun protection you can break down the collagen that helps pores keep their shape. Daily use of sunscreen is vital to keep your pores protected. 

Starting a pore care routine 

It’s important to follow a proper pore care routine to keep your barrier looking healthy while also targeting your pores. 

Step 1: Cleanse

If you have oily skin (which often goes hand in hand with clogged pores) then foaming cleansers may be the best option to help wash away excess oil and dead skin. 

The Hanhoo Pore Cleanser contains Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, both of which work to improve the look of pores. Salicylic Acid helps gently exfoliate while Niacinamide reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. 

Our Pore Cleanser turns from a gel to foam consistency and can be used as a face mask for a bit of a deeper cleanse. Regularly cleansing the skin helps keep off debris that builds up including sebum, dead skin, dirt, and sweat. 

Step 2: Exfoliate

An exfoliant can come in a couple different forms: a physical exfoliating scrub, a liquid exfoliant, or even a cream. 

Exfoliants are often a leave-on style treatment to better infuse the skin with pore-declogging benefits from ingredients like AHAs and BHA. 

The Hanhoo Pore Serum with Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, and Glycolic Acid contains both AHA and BHA to help exfoliate deep in the pores but also the surface of the skin. Ingredients like Niacinamide and Panthenol on the other not only help improve the look of pores but also support the skin barrier. 

Our exfoliant is in a serum form to help nourish the skin with hydrating ingredients to prevent any dryness that some exfoliants can cause. But, its lightweight, non-sticky texture also makes it ideal for oily to combination skin types. 

Step 3: Target 

There are some treatments for pores that can really help reduce the excess sebum on the skin without drying it out, but that you may also not necessarily need to use on the daily.

For example our T-Zone Pore Patch is a hydrocolloid patch shaped to fit the nose, forehead, and chin. The larger shaped patch comfortably covers these areas to absorb excess sebum. Leave on the patch for up to 8 hours and watch as it turns white, showing all the gunk the patch has captured. 

Step 4: Hydrate

As mentioned above, hydration is a key element to make pores appear less visible. And, there are tons of moisturizers that are great for oily and combination skin that are formulated to hydrate without weighing down the skin. A lightweight formula can feel better on oily skin types. Our Barrier Support Moisturizer contains ultra hydrating ingredients including 6 types of Hyaluronic Acid and is a gel-cream style formula to nourish without being too heavy. 

Step 5: Protect 

As recommended for any routine (not just a pore care routine), sunscreen is non-negotiable. Always end your morning routine with your preferred sunscreen. 

Final tip…

As with many skin concerns, it typically takes a while to see results, so while you may feel like giving up after only a few weeks, consistency is really important to get your desired results.