When oil collects in the pore and combines with dirt or makeup, the pore can become blocked. This blockage stretches the pore, making it look bigger. If the pore remains clogged, breakouts may develop. Though it may not be possible to get rid of large pores, there are ways to make them look smaller, including keeping the skin supple and stopping the pores from becoming clogged.
Below are 8 ways to assist with reducing the visibility of congested or enlarged pores.
1. Choose water-based products
Moisturising products contain various active ingredients, including oils. Using oil-free products, including water-based makeup is recommended! Oil-based products contain petrolatum, coconut oil, and other kinds of oil. They effectively moisturise the skin but may not be suitable for people with oily skin and large pores. The excess oil that collects on the skin can make pores appear larger. Water based toning mists are great to use after cleansing, to clear pores and balance the skin's PH levels. Try Environ’s concentrated Alpha-Hydroxy Toner.
2. Wash your face both morning and night
Wash your face twice a day, or more after sweating due to sports/gym and always remove makeup with a good makeup remover (such as Dr Grandel Eye Makeup Remover) and then cleanse before going to sleep. Sleeping with makeup on overnight can cause the pores to become blocked due to a buildup of makeup, oil, and bacteria. When cleansing try Environ Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser or Nimue Gel Cleanser with triple AHA complex.
Free Eye Make-Up Remover Gel worth R385 with all orders over R750 while stocks last or 23 June 2022.
3. Use Face Friendly Acids
Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove matter that can clog the pores, such as dirt, dead skin cells and excess oils. Opt for exfoliating enzymes rather than scrubs. For deep exfoliation - suitable products may contain fruit acids such as:
- beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid for oily skin types
- polyhydroxy acids, such as lactobionic acid and gluconolactone, which help strengthen the skin’s barrier function
- mandelic or glycolic acid, for sensitive, dry skin types
Over-the-counter (OTC) products usually contain 7–10% of the active ingredient. A tonic or pre-soaked cotton pad containing an alpha hydroxy acid is your best option for a quick, easy exfoliation. Try Environ’s Concentrated Alpha Hydroxy Acid Toner 200ml. Or opt for OTC peeling masks such as the Environ Bio-Botanical Revival Masque 50ml or Dr Grandel AHA Peeling Index.
5. Moisturise Skin daily
The idea of moisturising oily skin may be counterintuitive. However, an oil-free moisturiser can help reduce pore enlargement. First wash and pat the skin dry, then gently apply a moisturiser to help hydrate and soften the skin. That allows the oil from the sebaceous glands to penetrate more deeply into the skin, rather than staying in the pores on the surface. Moisturising prevents pores from becoming clogged with oil, reducing their appearance. Try the Nimue Moisturiser Lite or Dr Grandel Hydroactive Moisturiser.
6. Apply a clay mask
Using a clay mask once or twice a week can help remove additional oil from the pores. This is because clay absorbs sebum. Removing that oil can help prevent pores from becoming enlarged and make them less visible. It is advisable to do this on a different day than exfoliating, as over-treating the skin may cause irritation. Irritation can cause pores to appear enlarged and can lead to blemishes. Use Environ Balancing Masque or Dr Grandel Elements of Nature Cream Mask as they both help remove excess oils from the skin preventing congestion and build-up.
7. Remember your Retinol
Retinol can be your best friend when it comes to shrinking pores – but be warned against using it too heavily. Retinol helps to minimise oil production and congestion build-up in the pores that could potentially be a reason for enlarged pores. However, as with most active ingredients, too much of a good thing can have the opposite effect. When using retinol, dermatologists recommend three months on, two months off for a maximum period of 18 months. This will ensure optimal results as well as skin safety.
You can apply a retinoid serum or cream such as Environ Retinol Serum, it’s designed to assist in improving the appearance of uneven skin tone and helps to refine the skin texture, giving the skin a firmer and smoother appearance.
Use The Dr Grandel Timeless Retinol Balm as well as its special focus is to reduce fine lines and wrinkles noticeably and visibly. This balm can be used in both the morning and the evening.
8. Maximise with Facial Treatments
Having a deep cleanse facials, peels and micro-needling are great treatments to have done in the winter season as your face is less exposed to the sun. Chemical peels are great for reducing the size of your pores when the root cause is dirt and debris while micro-needling assist best with pores when the cause of enlarged pores is due to ageing and loss of collagen. Upgrade with LED facials for an overall 30min facelift!
Deluxe Laser & Spa offers an array of these types of aesthetic treatments which can be purchased online with Deluxe Shop and then redeemed at your nearest branch. 
