How to best treat enlarged pores is a problem that has plagued the skin since the beginning of time -- maybe not that long...

While there have been lots of remedies and products claiming to reduce pore size, few, if any, have proven effective.

There has also been a lot of clinical research on the cause of enlarged facial pores, and an accompanying lack of empirical and formation on how to treat this condition.

Skin Oil Production

Prior to recent findings, common thought was that enlarged pores were related to photo-aging, gender, genes, acne and seborrhea.

However, recently, in the first study focusing solely on enlarged pore size, it was found that the most significant factor that affects poor size is sebum output.

Reducing sebum output levels is highly beneficial in decreasing pore size.

The study also indicated that the severity of acne or even acne itself were not dominating factors that control pore size.

Over-Drying

There are many different schools of thought regarding the most effective method to normalize sebum production. The most common way for many has been to use products that dry out the skin.

These products are often harsh and cause the skin to become drier and thus stimulate more oil. This can create a vicious, never-ending cycle.

The treatment of enlarged pores should focus on normalizing sebum output, not eliminating it. There is little efficacy and sense in one product claiming it is a panacea for reducing pore size.

However, a good skin care regimen, with the right ingredients and followed with discipline, can reduce excess sebum production.

When coupled with monthly professional facials, the results are even better.

Nightly Treatment Plan

Step 1:

Thoroughly cleanse the skin using a cleansing gel, not soap. Add an oil-based pre-cleanser such as coconut oil or our Chamomile + Calendula Flower Balm.

While using coconut oil for oily skin may seem controversial, it attracts the skin's oils through absorption. This makes it easier to remove the oil on skin.

[Have you ever tried to wash oil away with water? It doesn't work.]

A clay face mask, especially one with Kaolin clay, can be added to the pre-cleanse step, again absorbing excess oil without drying the skin.

Step 2:

A toner should be used next, and ideally an alpha hydroxy-based toner or alternatively a salicylic acid toner (applied to area where there are enlarged pores) that will enhance penetration of the next step, the application of a vitamin B and A based skin care product.

Step 3:

For day time, use a niacinimide-based product. Vitamin B3, offers multiple benefits to address overall health of the skin:

• stimulates new collagen
• increases ceramide production
• improves barrier function and reduces water loss at the skin.
• reduces hyperpigmentation
• improves acne-related skin issues and
• provides potent anti-inflammatory activity.

Niacinamide is an ingredient with an extraordinary breadth of skin benefits, which makes it an ideal ingredient for enlarged pores.

For night time, vitamin A is one of the most effective, long-term ways to normalize sebum production.

Step 4:

[optional] Honey mask [2-3 times per week]

Recap:

Morning - cleanse & moisturize (Mineral Earth & Vitamin B Hydrating Gel)

Evening - cleanse, tone, serum, & moisturize (ME, Tonic Active or Lactic, Vita A Complex & Vitamin B).

If you have any questions, leave them below 👇🏽 or send us an email.