Did you know that the average adult has around five million pores? In this article, we'll explore what pores are and provide tips on how to reduce their visibility if you're looking to address this common skincare concern. 

What are pores? 

Pores serve as small openings on the skin, mainly responsible for facilitating hair growth and allowing sebum, oil, and sweat to be released. They are a natural part of the skin and are typically not visible without magnification. It's important to remember that while you may be hyper-aware of your pores, others are not as observant. However, if you're looking to minimize their appearance, the following tips may be helpful. 

Why can I see my pores? 

When pores become clogged, they can appear enlarged. This is commonly seen in individuals with naturally oily skin and those prone to blemishes, or due to factors such as increased sebum production, pollution, or the use of non-comedogenic makeup. Other factors like sun damage and genetics can also play a role in the appearance of pores. 

What can help to reduce my pores? 

Face Scrubs

Scrubs can really help to reduce the size of pores. Ones that contains AHA or BHA as a key ingredient would be an ideal choice as this specifically tackles oily skin . 

Our Salicylic Acid Anti-Blemish Face Scrub would be a great addition to your skincare regime, it’s combination of acid and biodegradable microbeads open up the pores and deep cleanse the skin, exfoliating out dead skin cells. 

It’s recommended to exfoliate 1-3 times a week if you have oily skin. Anymore could cause irritation as you skin could be stripped of its natural oils. 

Retinol 

Retinol has been a buzzword in the beauty industry for years and continues to be popular for its anti-aging benefits and ability to deep clean pores, minimizing their appearance. Our Super Facialist Anti-Ageing range features Retinol as a key ingredient, along with other scientifically-backed compounds. However, it's essential to handle this potent ingredient with care. While Retinol can significantly benefit the skin, prolonged use of high concentrations can cause skin thinning and irritation. We recommend starting with a low percentage and gradually increasing it as your skin adjusts and develops tolerance. Additionally, it's best to use Retinol as a treatment, applying it for 6-8 weeks a few times a year for optimal results. 

Face Masks

When it comes to targeting excess oils and pesky pores, a clay-based face mask can be a game-changer. Our award-winning Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Pore Purifying Clay Mask is specially designed to remove excess oils from the skin quickly. It features a combination of oil-absorbing Sea Mud, skin-enhancing Niacinamide, and Salicylic Acid, which work together to provide the skin with a five-minute detox. 

Say good-bye to those pores. 

In need of more info? Here’s some general tips and tricks: 

• It’s really important to apply SPF daily. Sun exposure can damage the pores and cause them to be enlarged. 
• Try not to touch your skin apart from when you’re doing your skincare regime. Your pores can become aggravated if bacteria gets in. 
• If you're struggling with excess oils and clogged pores, a cleansing oil may be worth trying. While it may sound counter-intuitive, oil-based cleansers can remove excess oils more effectively than their water-based counterparts. For optimal results, follow up with a traditional cleanser with a gel, foam, or creamy consistency to remove any oil residue as part of a double-cleansing routine. 
• If you've tried the above steps and still notice enlarged pores, consider using an oil-free moisturiser, such as our Super Facialist Vitamin C Sleep & Reveal Night Cream, which can help to balance the skin's oil production.