It can be a constant uphill battle to get rid of pores and blackheads.
Blackheads form when pores get clogged with oil and dirt. For many years, we made the mistake of using ordinary pore strips on blackheads and large pores, which got rid of a few pores temporarily…but before we knew it, they would come back again, bigger than ever. Sigh. Who can relate?
TIP 1
The first trick to fighting large pores is first to understand that they aren’t just a result of oil clogging. Instead, they are also a product of the normal aging process! Unfortunately, our pores stretch and become more “saggy” over time just as the rest of our skin does - and this makes them “larger” and more prominent.
This is why it’s important to step up your anti-aging game in the fight against prominent pores. Taking simple steps like moisturizing to prevent dry skin and dehydration, and wearing sunscreen, will help you reduce the appearance of pores.
This may seem counter-intuitive, because you are adding more potentially pore-clogging substances to your skin.
That’s why it’s also crucial to choose a lightweight moisturizer if your skin is on the oilier side, such as the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (Style Korean)(Beautynet Korean)(Jolse) for your night time routine, and the Primera Soothing Sensitive Cream during the day time. Both these moisturizers are very hydrating but have a limited ingredients list that doesn’t break us out. However, note that the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (Style Korean)(Beautynet Korean)(Jolse) doesn’t sit as well under makeup or sunscreen, which is why we like using it at night.
Other than moisturizers, you can also rely on serums, essences and toners to keep your skin feeling youthful.
By the way…some of the skincare we recommend are available on iHerb, which we use to buy a lot of our organic skincare. You can use our code AEJ0519 at checkout to get 5% off.
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The second important point is that pore strips don’t necessarily help with eliminating pores in the long term, because they can only remove part of the blackhead - the part at the surface. But the remainder of each blackhead that is embedded deeper in the skin can just make its way to the surface.
This doesn’t mean you should never use pore strips though - just be aware of what their purpose is. Some pore strip kits help increase the performance of the strips through heating and masking, for example you can try out the Leaders Black Out Clear Step Kit Black Pore Heating Gel which consists of three separate steps: 1) a heating gel that helps to open up pores in preparation for; 2) the remover pad, which removes the surface layer of blackheads and whiteheads; and 3) a pore tightening mask to help minimize the appearance of the remaining pores.
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Keep toners, serums, and essence in the fridge. (Note it may not be good to keep moisturizers and oil-based products in the fridge though, as their individual components may separate).
Even though heat can help pores open up, which explain why clinics may use steam to help with blackhead extractions, clogged pores should only be extracted using these techniques by a professional.
Pores tend to get larger in conditions of heat, so it’s best not to try this at home.
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Make sure to double cleanse, using an oil cleanser as the first step. We find both the Heimish All Clean Balm and Farmacy Green Clean Balm effective at helping to remove grease while keeping the skin hydrated. Then go in with a gel cleanser as the second step.
Tip 5
Use a BHA exfoliant. Although we generally prefer AHAs over BHAs when choosing chemical exfoliants, you may need a BHA, which penetrates deeper than an AHA, to help fight blackheads.
Look for 2% BHA, and use it twice a week. For example, we find that the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (Style Korean)(Beautynet Korean)(Jolse) is great as an exfoliant for oily skin, and has an approximate BHA concentration of 2%.
Tip 6
If necessary, use absorbents like clay masks 1-2 times a week to help clear up clogged pores. Try the Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment, which we find is great at reducing stubborn blackheads and large pores. It contains four types of chemical exfoliants (both AHAs and BHAs) - glycolic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and salicyclic acid.
Tip 7
This is a makeup tip, but really important when it comes to making pores less prominent…dial down on foundation, and use the minimal amount of concealer you can get away with.
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P.S…this is probably obvious, but the information presented doesn’t constitute medical advice - always check with your own doctor!
