The Pore Clarifying Products That Will Unclog The Gunk From Your Pores
Spring-clean your skin with products that decongest pores for a clearer and more refined-looking complexion
Let’s get this straight: There’s no way to permanently shrink or change the size of our pores. These tiny openings on the surface of skin do dilate or stretch to release oil and sweat — usually more so when skin’s sebum production spikes, or when the weather is hot. But their size is mainly determined by genes, with factors like hormones, ageing and sun damage further contributing to how big they look.
Dr Melvin Tan, medical director of Epion Clinic, says: “For younger patients in their 20s to 30s, enlarged pores tend to be the result of several things, including overactive oil glands and the clogging of pores by dead skin cells and other surface debris, which encourage the pore openings to remain dilated.”
He adds: “In more mature skin, these issues may play a role too. But there is also the degeneration of skin quality due to ageing to consider, with skin being unable to hold pores as tightly close as before.”
Still, even though pore size is something you’re born with, there are steps you can take to make pores appear smaller or look less obvious.
Related article: What Is The Difference Between AHA and BHA?
Dr Tan says a good way is simply to keep them clear of dead skin cells and sebum by exfoliating regularly, preventing pore openings from becoming clogged. Exfoliation also stimulates collagen production and skin renewal, thereby plumping skin and making its texture look smoother and finer.
“Products and treatments that regulate oil production and exfoliate skin using ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and retinol are very effective in minimising the look of pores, especially for younger users. Regular deep cleansing facials and light acid peels help too,” he says.
“As skin matures, however, open pores are more like defects in the skin, similar to a scar. Achieving significant improvement often requires treatments such as laser rejuvenation or skin resurfacing.”
It’s infused with hyaluronic acid to prevent dryness and discomfort, while it works to clear clogged pores. Besides watermelon enzymes, it also has BHA and PHA to exfoliate and refine skin. Finely-ground blueberry seed powder further boosts effects with a gentle physical polish.
A soothing moisturiser with blue tansy, this balances and hydrates oily-combination skin without leaving a greasy feel. White willow bark – a natural source of salicylic acid – purifies pores and refines skin texture, while zinc keeps shine in check.
This pudding-like clay mask removes accumulated gunk, not moisture, so skin won’t feel tight and itchy. It’s enriched with the skin-repairing antioxidant, astaxanthin, as well as brightening extracts from camu camu and grapeseed. Rosemary provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action to keep zits at bay.
Its minerals- and nutrients-rich clay is derived from the shores of Okinawa. For centuries, it’s been used by local women for its skin clarifying properties. Volcanic ash provides a subtle warming effect when applied, while Japanese konjac helps with exfoliation and decongestion.
For sensitive skin that doesn’t take well to exfoliators with AHAs and BHAs, this watery bi-phase serum with 7 per cent PHA might be the answer. It also packs moisturising panthenol and macadamia seed oil to lock in moisture and improve skin’s suppleness. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy.
Clarify, brighten and smooth dull, congested skin with this fast-absorbing gel, which features a powerful blend of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric and salicylic acids for highly effective chemical exfoliation. With its skin-friendly pH of 3.8, this sidesteps the potential side effects of AHAs like dryness and irritation.
Get the skin-smoothing and renewing effects of retinol without the irritation. Using liposome technology to deliver green tea ceramide, hyaluronic acid and extracts of centella and green soybean deep into skin, this can be used for all sorts of skin troubles.
A version of this article originally appeared in Her World