The best products and treatments to reduce your pore size.

Pores are one of the first skin concerns we begin to see amongst our younger customers, because their size and visibility increase during adolescence. However, from that point on for many adults they continue to be a pain point that never goes away. Their appearance and size are an obsession for some (we’re looking at you Regina George) and although we used to think their size was set, we now believe that they are dynamic structures that are able to be influenced.

Are pore size, acne and oily skin connected?

Yes they are. Pores tend to appear in adolescence and with them oil. Both are generally more significant in males as they are linked to hormones such as testosterone that occur in greater levels in males (though are still present in females). Pores are openings in the skin that allow the hair follicle to reach the surface. The hair follicle is responsible for bringing oil to the surface, when the follicle it gets blocked it can lead to acne and this is the reason enlarged pores are often associated with acne.

What are the best skincare products and ingredients to look for in order to reduce pore size?

Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide.

Niacinamide has been shown to help normalise oil production and while this doesn’t impact the size of your pores it does impact how obvious they are. Harder to understand is its ability to strengthen the pore lining which means pores don’t stretch and enlarge as much. As niacinamide is an antioxidant it also works hard at moping up free radical damage so is a key ingredient for keeping the skin functioning in a healthy way.

BHAs (AKA salicylic acid)

These acids work to promote the stimulation of new cell turnover and decongest clogged pores.  As mentioned above enlarged pores often go hand in hand with oily skin, which makes BHAs a great choice as they are oil soluble, meaning they can burrow deep into the oils of the sebaceous glands clearing the pore. By increasing cellular turnover you increase collagen production which improves skin texture, refines pores and ensures your skin is buffed back and smooth, without scrubbing.

Vitamin A, also known as retinol

Is now a well known ingredient and considered a bit of a super hero in the skincare world. It addresses pores in two ways, the first is to normalise cellular turnover which buffs back the surface making it appear even and smooth, the other is its ability to stimulate collagen production which thickens the skin reducing the appearance of pores.

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