Large pores are a common skin problem for oily and combination skin. So what can be done about large pores? Smooth and firm skin is something every girl wants, and achieving it requires some effort.
Four bad habits that can lead to enlarged pores
1. Using too many skincare products
While skincare is important, moderation is key. Too many products and nutrients that the skin can’t absorb can clog pores, causing them to enlarge. To shrink pores, patience and proper skincare methods are essential to allow the skin to breathe again.
2. Wiping toner with dirty hands
Many people habitually apply toner with their hands, which seems fine, but if your hands aren’t clean, you can transfer bacteria to your skin. Therefore, it’s best to pour toner onto a cotton pad and wipe your entire face to moisturize. There are two reasons for this: firstly, cotton pads save on the amount of toner used; secondly, they allow for a full-face wipe. Using a cotton pad allows you to reach the area around your eyes, the contours of your face, and even the sides of your nose.
3. Not removing makeup thoroughly
Many women are very meticulous and careful when applying makeup. However, when it comes to removing makeup, due to work fatigue, laziness, or other reasons, they only wash their face with facial cleanser and do not use makeup remover oil or other makeup removal products. The whole process is incomplete, which will eventually lead to enlarged pores.
4. The powder is too thick.
Pores are vital channels for skin to breathe; if they become clogged, the skin cannot breathe properly. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be if we didn’t breathe for even a minute-the same applies to skin. Whenever skin becomes oily or sweaty, women who care about their appearance constantly reapply makeup. While they’re essentially applying foundation, this process of clearing out clogged pores only to immediately block them again.
How to deal with large pores
Blackheads form simply because sebum cannot be smoothly expelled from pores, accumulating over time and gradually forming keratin plugs that are “rooted” in the skin. Therefore, it’s essential to address the root cause, helping sebum to be expelled smoothly, reducing sebum secretion on the nose, and deeply cleansing pores. If you are already plagued by stubborn blackheads, ordinary facial cleansers are unlikely to remove them. It’s best to choose facial cleansers containing salicylic acid or fruit acids to dissolve the keratin plugs and dead skin cells with acidity.
Another way to remove blackheads is to use cleansing oil to cleanse the skin. This method works by using oil to dissolve oil and bring it to the surface of the skin for washing away. During use, avoid massaging excessively to prevent the newly surfaced oil from being re-entered into the pores, and ensure thorough emulsification.
After cleaning your nose, first apply a warm towel to your nose to open up the pores and prepare for the next step of removing blackheads. Next, pour an appropriate amount of blackhead-removing solution onto a cotton pad and apply it to your nose. Let the solution dissolve the oil and dirt in the pores, loosen the blackheads, and help them rise to the surface of the skin.
Next, gently pat a small amount of water onto your nose, apply the nose strip, and wait 10 to 15 minutes before peeling it off. The final step is very important: pat a suitable amount of astringent onto your clean nose to help shrink pores. You can also use an ice pack to enhance the astringent effect.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, topical derivatives of retinoic acid can be used. These derivatives promote epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and keratinization, thus addressing metabolic issues and stimulating cell regeneration. In daily life, avoid using cosmetics and topical medications containing strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients, and avoid using alkaline soaps to wash your face, as these can irritate pores. On the T-zone with enlarged pores, a gentle astringent toner can be used to refine the skin. Finally, you can use a high-quality deep-cleansing lotion, a blackhead-removing mask, or have your skin regularly deep-cleansed at a professional beauty salon. This not only removes dead skin cells and promotes skin metabolism and sebum secretion, but also removes deep-seated dirt, naturally shrinking pores.
