Enlarged pores can feel like an ongoing battle, especially if you have oily, acne-prone skin. While you can’t completely erase your pores (everyone has them, and they’re necessary!), there are ways to make them appear smaller and less noticeable. Use this quick guide to shrinking your enlarged pores to achieve a clearer, smoother complexion in no time.
Why Do Pores Appear Enlarged?
Before jumping into solutions, it helps to understand the cause of enlarged pores. This pesky issue is often the result of excess sebum production, skin congestion from debris and dead cells, or reduced elasticity due to aging.
Hormones, genetics, and sun damage can also play a role—if your skin feels overly greasy or looks bumpy, these factors may be at play. Luckily, Jil Goorman Beauty’s products offer the perfect skincare for oily, acne-prone skin that will help shrink your pores.
Step 1: Cleanse Daily To Prevent Build-Up
Dirt, excess oil, and makeup can settle into your pores, making them appear larger. However, a gentle, salicylic acid–based cleanser can help to clear out impurities and target acne. Make sure you cleanse twice daily—morning and night—to keep your skin fresh without overdrying it.
Step 2: Exfoliate, but Don’t Overdo It
By sloughing off dead skin cells, you prevent clogging and help your pores stay clean. Look for chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid) to gently exfoliate within the pore.
Remember to limit exfoliation to only two to three times per week to avoid irritation—a little goes a long way.
Step 3: Use a Clay Mask Weekly
Clay masks are your go-to treatment for oil control and pore refinement because ingredients like bentonite or kaolin clay absorb excess oil and detoxify your skin.
Apply a mask once or twice a week for maximum results, and enjoy that refreshing, matte finish.
Step 4: Apply a Retinol To Boost Skin Renewal
Widely valued for its anti-aging properties, retinol is also incredibly helpful for shrinking the appearance of pores over time.
By increasing cell turnover and reducing oil production, retinol can improve skin texture and prevent clogging. Start with a lower concentration to allow your skin to adjust and always apply it only at night.
Step 5: Hydrate and Protect Your Skin
Many people with oily skin skip moisturizer, but hydrated skin helps maintain your barrier and control sebum production. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin balanced.
Finally, always apply a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. Sun damage contributes to reduced elasticity, making those pores look even larger over time.
Pore Perfection Requires Patience
Now that you have this quick guide to shrinking your enlarged pores, you have the tools to achieve the glow of your dreams.
While there’s no quick fix for enlarged pores, consistent care can significantly improve their appearance. Stick to a routine tailored to your skin’s needs and remember that perfection isn’t the goal—healthy, balanced skin is.