The perfect, flawless complexion we see in glossy magazines or on social media is, unfortunately, an illusion. Even supermodels and influencers usually have skin imperfections or visible pores that are only made to disappear through photo editing. On the face alone, every person has an average of 300,000 pores, and these are important for the body. But of course, it’s essential to cleanse and care for your skin properly. Korean skincare, with high-quality products from brands like Cosrx, can help improve your skin’s appearance.
Why are pores still important?
Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat. Pore size is genetically determined and can’t really be changed. But the good news is that there are still a few tricks you can use to make them less visible. First and foremost, it’s important to know that pores play an important role in our bodies. They’re located on the skin’s surface and produce sebum, which protects the skin and keeps it moisturized. Pore size also depends on your skin type. People with oily or combination skin tend to have larger pores. If the skin isn’t cleansed properly, dirt and bacteria can build up in the pores, leading to pimples and blackheads. To prevent this, the face should be thoroughly cleansed twice a day. It’s important to use products that are suitable for your skin type. Additionally, pores become more visible as skin elasticity decreases. This is another reason why it’s important to maintain a good skincare routine and use adequate sun protection.
How can you make pores less visible?
Even though the myth that pores expand when exposed to hot steam or contract in the cold persists, it is simply untrue. But that doesn’t mean you’ve already lost the battle against large pores. While pores can’t actually be made smaller, there are definitely certain active ingredients that can significantly reduce their visibility. In particular, salicylic acid and glycolic acid—the active ingredients in BHA and AHA creams—can help create a smoother complexion. How? Just like an exfoliant, except these work chemically rather than through friction. The acids they contain remove dead skin cells, resulting in a radiant complexion and smooth skin. But these aren’t the only secret weapons in the fight against large pores. Niacinamide and retinol can also help. These active ingredients are true miracle cures for reducing the appearance of pores. They do this by normalizing sebum production, which means less sebum builds up in the pores. What should you do if you want your pores to become invisible right away? In that case, only makeup will help. Silicone-free products are best for this, since otherwise the pores will quickly become clogged, leading to the opposite effect.
Here's Why Adequate Sun Protection Is So Important
Too much sun can also have a negative effect on the visibility of pores. Why? Because UV radiation accelerates the skin’s aging process, causing it to produce less collagen. The skin loses its elasticity, so to speak, and this makes the pores more visible. That’s why you shouldn’t just protect your skin from the sun in the summer. The skin on your face, in particular, is especially sensitive and is almost never covered by protective clothing. The right sunscreen not only helps keep your skin elastic but also protects against skin cancer. That way, you stay not only beautiful but also healthy!
