How To Effectively Minimize Your Pores

Whether or not you have large pores is determined by your genetic makeup. Other factors are age and skin type. All things we can not change. Collagen and elastin which support skin cell strength start to decrease as you age. Without collagen and elastin, pores are more suseptible to stretch or sag around the edges making them appear larger. This is especially true if you have had lots of sun exposure.

With all the different skin care prodcuts available today finding the best ones to effectively minimize your pores can be overwhelming. It ends up being just another product added to our nightly beauty regimes we hope leads us to the fountain of youth. Billions and billions of dollars are spent each year on skin care products promising to erase lines, plump lips, and reduce pore size. Unfortunately the majority of these products alone do not deliver. Many women are left with a condition one dermatologist calls "porexia" or the constant search for impossibley small pores.

But who can blame us right? Look at any magazine cover and you will see a beautiful girl with flawless skin. The girl in the magazine doesn't have any visible pores and we do not want them either. Beauty is and has always been associated with perfect skin and when your pores are smaller or visible tighter, light reflects better giving an overall appearance of youthful, supple healthy glowing skin.

Over-the counter or drug store pore minimizing products WILL help your pores look clearer which makes them look smaller. This along with professional products and treatments can keep your skin clear and pores less noticeable. But this is only temporary. The minute you stop using these products or treatments your pores will revert back to the way they were before. Focus on using the correct cleaners, moisturizers, products, treatments and or procedures.

Cleansers - You want a gentle yet effective exfoliating cleanser with low concentrations of BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid) or moderate concentrations on AHAs, (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) depending on your specific skin type. These ingredients stimulate cell renewal and help to keep pores clean. The less dead skin cells you have built up on the surface the clearer you skin will become. Exfoliation is an ongoing process and needs to be maintained regularly. If you have oily skin stick with oil-free products.

Moisturizers - To help minimize the appearance of your pores use a moisturizer that's oil-free and also contains vitamin C or Retinol and of course a sun screen with a minimum SPF 15 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.. Vitamin C and Retinol stimulate collagen and help the connective tissue around pores become stronger. Over time your pores will appear smaller and tighter.

Products - Prescription or professional creams containing retinoids like Tarzac, Retin-A, and Differin are recommended to reduce the appearance of pores.

Treatments - At home masks or professional peels will work over a long period of time. You will notice changes right away but to maintain the changes you need to continue using them. At home peels containing BHAs and AHAs should be used only once per week. Clay masks are recommended for oil absorption and can be used 2 to 3 times a week depending on how oily your skin is.

Procedures - A round of procedures from your Dermatologist or Esthetician like lasers, chemical peels, and light treatments are also used to minimize the appearance of pores. You and your Esthetician can find the procedure that works for you. Once found your pores can be maintained with yearly visits using chosen procedures. Facials are also a great relaxing way to improve the look of your skin. Plus you can never have to many facials.