Skincare Tips: How to Tighten and Reduce Large Pores?

Time and time again, we are reminded that we should let our skin ‘breathe’, especially if we are heavy make-up users. However, one may wonder, how exactly does skin breathe? The largest, and arguably, one of the most important organs is our skin, making up over 20 feet in area and contains around 300,000 tiny ‘holes’ which are known as pores. While they are generally invisible to the naked eye, some pores dilate and become more visible.

Causes of large and visible pores

The number one culprit that causes large pores is excess sebum. Brought on by aggressors such as pollution, UV rays, stress, dietary habits, ageing and smoking, excess sebum can cause pores to expand around the forehead and nose (the T-zone), as well as the cheeks. In fact, most would notice that these parts of the face tend to get oily.

How to reduce large pores

A good cleanser that is able to cleanse your face of all the excess oil and dead skin cells should be a staple in your skincare regime. A cleanser such as the Velvet Cleansing Milk, for example, not only gets rid of make-up and impurities, but with its soothing plant extracts that include Yellow Gentian and Lemon Balm, help to nurture skin’s natural flora while comforting and hydrating it — keeping it free from excess sebum.

When your pores are clogged by dirt and oil, they tend to look bigger and more dilated. Always exfoliate to clear up the dirt. Not only does it make your pores look smaller, it helps to remove blackheads and prevent blemishes. Look for an exfoliating scrub that exfoliates gently with natural beads. Another notable pore-reducing ingredient to look out for is volcanic rock, which helps to balance out the oil secretion in skin. The Pure Scrub is a great exfoliator that contains volcanic beads, aiding in sloughing off dead skin and removing dirt from the pores. Skin will feel smoother and mattified after use.

Next, an alcohol-free toner such as the Purifying Toning Lotion that’s enriched with organic Witch Hazel and Meadowsweet extracts will help to thoroughly cleanse skin and tighten pores while still maintaining the natural balance of skin flora—a crucial factor in ensuring your skin doesn’t overproduce sebum which are one of the main causes of clogged pores.

Some form of treatment would ideally follow after toner. Complete your skincare regime with your favourite non-greasy moisturiser, and you’re all set. The Hydra-Essentiel Cooling Gel moisturiser includes Ogranic Leaf of Life extract, which boosts the Hyaluronic acid levels in the skin, giving your complexion a hydrating boost. In the long term, this helps to reduce oil secretion and eventually reduce blocked pores.

However, if you need the extra help, be sure to rebalance your skin with the SOS Pure Face Mask once or twice a week, for only 10 minutes. This clay-based mask with Alpine Willow Herb extract helps to absorb excess sebum, counter shine, refine the skin’s texture, and most importantly, reduce the appearance of pores.

Swipe the shine away

Although you are treating your pores, that doesn’t mean that you should completely avoid makeup. The right type of product, such as the Instant Poreless makeup primer is the perfect complement to your makeup kit and skincare routine, as results are immediate yet long-lasting. Its matifying Organic Strawberry Tree fruit extract helps to blur the appearance of pores and imperfections, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. With just a swipe, its blotting effect instantly blurs pores, smoothes the skin and mattifies any shine. On top of that, its practical design (easily slipped into your handbag whenever you’re on the go) ensures that your skin looks flawless — wherever and whenever!