When it comes to skincare, there’s a new trend constantly on the horizon – think glass skin and mochi skin – but what remains a constant for many people is trying to find solutions to pesky skin concerns like enlarged and very visible pores.
Before we dive deeper into pore minimisation, we wanted to take a second to acknowledge that having visible pores is just a part of being human, and is absolutely normal. We know that airbrushed photos taken in artificial lighting seem to be more and more prevalent, but oftentimes, what you’re seeing isn’t ‘real’ skin.
That’s why we’re proud to share what real skin looks like on our Instagram. While some people may want to minimise the appearance of their pores, it’s important to remember that beauty and worth are not determined by the size of your pores.
Pore minimising ingredients
For those who are interested in minimising your pores, look out for these key pore minimising ingredients.
1. BHA salicylic acid
One of the best pore minimising ingredients is beta hydroxy acid (BHA), an organic mild acid usually referring to salicylic acid. It is a widely used exfoliant and acne targeting ingredient that penetrates deeply into the skin. Dissolving excess sebum, BHAs also help to control the skin’s production of oil.
BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they can penetrate into sebum (oil) filled pores. Due to the keratolytic nature of BHAs, they can break down the keratin which often ‘plugs’ pores.
Product pick: Hydrating Face Toner
A balancing and protecting toner, this product is infused with BHA salicylic acid to help clear pores and keep blackheads at bay. Leaving skin feeling plump and hydrated, our face toner helps the skin appear bright and refreshed.
2. Peptides
Peptides are strings of amino acids which occur naturally in the body and act as the building blocks for proteins such as collagen. These proteins, including keratin and elastin, play a significant role in keeping your skin healthy and happy.
Peptides stimulate collagen production, and increased collagen helps to improve the skin's structural integrity. This in turn helps the skin around pores stay tight and firm, which makes pores appear smaller.
Product pick: Peptide Serum with Custard Apple + Blood Orange
Clinically proven to improve skin elasticity by 29% over the course of 14 days, our peptide serum is an expert at brightening skin, as well as having regenerative properties that can help heal scars.
3. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is the scientific name for vitamin B3, which is an essential nutrient for your skin. Nourishing the complexion, niacinamide builds proteins in the skin, and helps to prevent dryness
Water-soluble, niacinamide can be applied topically to the skin in a water-based carrier, like a moisturiser or night cream, in order to reap the benefits.
This ingredient is able to reduce the production of sebum in the skin, meaning there will be less oil and debris on the skin to fill the pores and stretch them, making them appear enlarged.
Product pick: Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
Working to replenish the skin’s natural barrier, the niacinamide in this night cream helps to minimise the appearance of pores. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin and rosehip oil promotes overnight skin regeneration to support the skin barrier.
4. Alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are organic acids that are typically used as chemical exfoliants, removing dead skin cells to reveal newer, brighter skin. They are water-soluble and can penetrate the upper layers of the skin.
By breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, AHAs slough off these cells, revealing newer skin underneath. Removing the outermost layer of dead and damaged skin cells also helps to increase cell turnover.
Product pick: Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
AHA citric acid is used in our eye cream, as well as hyaluronic acid and coffee to brighten, refresh and renew, reducing the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.
Helping to firm and protect the delicate eye area, this eye cream also reduces puffiness and brightens dark circles.
5. Charcoal
Activated charcoal helps pores appear smaller by deeply cleansing the skin. The porous structure of charcoal acts like a magnet to bind to and draw out dirt, oil, and other impurities from deep within the pores.
Clean pores appear smaller because they are free of debris that can stretch or clog them.
6. Kaolin clay
Kaolin clay gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin, removing much of the dead skin cells and impurities that can clog pores. The ingredient also helps to control excess oil on the skin, drawing out excess sebum which can help pores appear less prominent.
Product pick: Kaolin Clay Face Mask
Gently detoxifying, our kaolin clay face mask helps to draw out impurities from the skin. Multi award-winning, this gently-detoxifying clay mask fights blackheads, minimises pores and works to prevent breakouts. Skin is left feeling cleansed, refreshed and balanced.
7. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil helps to minimise the appearance of pores through its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and oil-controlling properties.
As well as this, the oil is anti-inflammatory, soothing redness, swelling, and irritation around pores. Calming inflamed skin can help to reduce the visibility of enlarged pores and promotes an even skin tone.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C works to regulate sebum production, which therefore helps to prevent excess oil buildup that can clog pores. By balancing oil production, vitamin C helps to minimise the likelihood of congested pores.
Minimising pores takes consistency with your routine, and we always recommend using natural products and ingredients to support your skin’s natural barrier.
Discover our full range of cruelty-free skincare at UpCircle.