HOW TO MINIMISE PORES AND MAKE THEM LOOK SMALLER

If you’ve ever gotten up close to the mirror, you’ve probably noticed tiny pores on your skin, especially in areas where the skin is oilier like your forehead, nose and chin. Like many people, you may have wished they were smaller and the skin smoother. Although you can’t get rid of pores, you can minimise the appearance of pores. Read on to find out how!

WHAT ARE PORES?

Your body is covered with millions of pores. They are small openings in the skin for your hair follicles. Each pore contains a sebaceous gland that produces oil, which helps keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated.

Does sweat come out of there too? No. Sweat is released from the sweat glands, which are sometimes referred to as sweat pores. They’re different openings in your skin, but there are also many of them.

Pores are actually an essential part of your skin and, no matter what some products might claim, you can’t get rid of pores or close them up fully. You wouldn’t want to! Your pores are actually the outlet for hair, sweat, oil, and dead skin cells to reach the skin’s surface.

WHAT CAUSES LARGE PORES?

Although we all have pores, for some people they become more visible when enlarged. Here are some of the causes of visibly larger pores:

• Genetics. If your parents had large pores, you’re more likely to have them too.

• Skin tone. Larger pores are more visible with medium or darker skin tones.

• Skin type. If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, you may also have pores that appear larger.

• Clogged pores. When sebum and dead skin cells become trapped in the pore cavity they can get clogged and stretch out. This is more likely for those with oily skin.

• Age. Over time, collagen production can slow down and this can result in larger-looking pores because the skin loses some of its support structure.

• UV rays. Sun exposure can weaken the collagen and elastin in the skin and this can lead to sagging and consequently larger-looking pores.

HOW TO UNCLOG PORES AND MAKE YOUR PORES LOOK SMALLER

While you can’t get rid of your pores or close them up entirely, you can shrink pores, which makes them appear smaller and gives your skin a more even complexion. Try these great skin care tips to reduce the appearance of pores:

• Cleanse. It should always be the first step in your morning and evening skin care routines to remove make-up, dirt, oil and pollution from your skin. Cleansing can help prevent pores from getting clogged. Try Olay Cleanse Detox & Glow Daily Polish Cleanser, which helps you lift away dirt and caked-in make-up, leaving your skin clean and refreshed, thus decreasing your chances of clogging pores. Once you’ve chosen a cleanser, discover what makes an effective cleansing routine.

• Exfoliate. Regular exfoliation can help get rid of dead skin cells, preventing them from settling into pores.

• Try a mask. Our masks are designed to draw out impurities from deep within your pores, reduce the appearance of pores and leave your skin soft and revived.

• Add Niacinamide to your regimen. It reduces the appearance of oil, and if pores aren’t clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells, they’re less likely to look dilated. Try Olay Niacinamide 24 + Vitamin E Day cream, for superior skin firmness and visibly reduced pores.

• Add Retinol to your regimen. This ingredient has many skin benefits, including evening your skin’s texture while minimising the appearance of pores. We leveraged all of its benefits in our Retinol24 collection and created our proprietary Retinoid Complex formula with Vitamin B3 that works throughout the night to transform your skin’s appearance. Choose Olay Retinol24 Night Face Moisturiser or Olay Retinol24 Night Serum for an effective treatment with the added benefit of reduced pore size.

• Stay out of the sun. Up to 80 percent of the visible signs of skin ageing are caused by the sun’s UV rays, so protecting your skin is a must when it comes to minimising the look of your pores. Say yes to SPF every morning with the ultra-lightweight Olay Vitamin C SPF30, and always practice sun safety by wearing a hat and staying in the shade whenever possible.

• Get the glow. A great BB cream helps diffuse and reflect light as it hits your skin, making your complexion look beautifully smooth. Refine the look of your pores with Total Effects BB Cream SPF15, Fair to Medium. It evens your skin’s complexion while giving it a radiant glow.

• Hands off. Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. Your hands can transfer dirt and grime to your skin causing the pores to clog, and clogged pores look larger and can be more obvious.

THE BOTTOM LINE ON MINIMISING PORES

All in all, pores are an important part of your skin and everyone has them! If you have enlarged or visibly noticeable pores, there are steps you can take to minimise their appearance. Simply get in the habit of an effective skin care routine that involves cleansing, exfoliating and applying SPF, and look for ingredients like Niacinamide and retinol when choosing your moisturiser.

Want personalised advice? Get a tailored skin care regimen with just one selfie with the Olay Skin Advisor, and discover exactly which products are right for your skin!