The Key to Healthy Pores

by Emily Linehan on November 05, 2021

Pores. We all have them and I think it's fair to say that we all have a love-hate relationship with them. If you haven't quite found the "love" end of that spectrum, there are a lot of things to love about our pores!

Why Do We Have Pores?

Pores most often show up on the nose, cheeks, and forehead, but we all have them all over our face (and other parts of the body!). Our pores are hair follicles. Each one contains a sweat gland (to cool the skin off) and something called a sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland is an extremely important part of the skin, as it produces our natural oil (known as sebum).

When functioning at their finest, pores do a lot for us. The sebum that the sebaceous gland makes lubricates the skin to protect against irritation caused by friction. It also delivers antioxidants, produces anti-inflammatory properties, helps heal wounds, and helps regulate moisture. Wow! After the sweat gland and the sebaceous gland create sweat and oil, the pore sheds its inner lining and pushes the sweat and oil out. This is good!

However, on the downside, when pores are not functioning optimally, this whole process goes awry. Pores are self-cleaning and shed a single inner lining. When they're not functioning normally, the pore doesn't shed just one single inner lining...it sheds multiple layers. When this happens, the weight of the sweat, oil, and dead skin cells is too heavy to be pushed out, causing clogged pores, oily skin, and breakouts. Luckily there are many products out there that treat this!

What Causes Large Pores?

Most of us have been there. In front of the mirror, poking and prodding at our nose or cheeks, asking ourselves "ugh why do I have such large pores? Why is this one larger than the others?" This skin concern is so very common!

There is one thing that causes "large pores" more than anything else and that's:
Genetics.

Some of us have larger pores because that's just how our skin is. However, this isn't a death sentence! The appearance of large pores can be reduced with these tips!

How to Reduce the Appearance of Pores

First thing's first, even though many skincare products make claims that they will reduce your pore size, the size of your pores actually cannot be reduced. Don't let that get you down though, because the appearance of your pores can absolutely be minimized with the following tips:

1. Clarify

In short, pores clog due to a buildup of sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. This is often caused by genetics, but is triggered/worsened by many external factors as well. When the pores are clogged, they are far more noticeable on the skin. Keeping the skin clear and the pores clean is a must when looking to reduce their appearance.

If you want to read about how pores function and why this build-up occurs, read this post here.

To keep pores free of excess sebum and dead skin cells, it's important to get acne-bacteria and oil production under control. The best way to do this is to fill out my consultation (it's free!). I'll suggest the right products (such as the ones I am about to mention below) for your skin's unique needs. This consultation is so important because not only will you know which products will work best for your skin type, but I'll explain the best way for you to use them to get the results you want...like reduced appearance of pores!

With that being said, there are products and ingredients that target this specifically.

Clarifying Serum - Clarifying Serum is formulated with L-Mandelic Acid. This alpha-hydroxy acid works to unclog the pores by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. When this happens, your pores are cleared of all of that nasty build up I mentioned before!

Clarifying Serum

$50.00

Clarifying Serum is a multi-tasking serum on a mission. Formulated with anti-aging and brightening Mandelic Acid, this serum reveals clearer skin with a more even tone by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together for smoother skin and reduced pore size while tackling the root cause of acne breakouts.

With the help of Niacinamide, this amazing fruit acid also stimulates collagen growth to reduce the appearance of fine lines and helps to correct hyperpigmentation by fading sun damage, pigmented acne scarring, and melasma. They say you can’t have it all… with Clarifying Serum, we’ve proven you can.

Pro-Retinol Serum - We don't often think of Retinol as an acne product, but our Pro-Retinol Serum was designed to pack a (gentle!) punch. Formulated with Niacinamide, a topical form of B3, Pro-Retinol Serum reduces redness, irritation, and minimizes pore size. It also contains a retinol (retinyl propionate) which decongests the pores (among other things...). Learn more about the Benefits of Retinol in Skincare here!

Pro-Retinol Serum Treatment Serum Emme Diane

Pro-Retinol Serum

$80.00

A standout in its league, this corrective retinol serum with a boost of skin-firming peptides combats the common signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin dullness, but it doesn't stop there. Specially formulated for adult acne-prone skin, this targeted serum also helps to clear blemishes and fade acne scars, for a clear, even-toned, and youthful complexion.

Acne Eraser - (Tip: Start with the consultation to ensure sure you purchase the right level of Acne Eraser) A pro at preventing clogged pores, Acne Eraser is formulated with Benzoyl Peroxide, which encourages the skin to shed more effectively (preventing clogging). It also releases oxygen into the pores to suffocate acne-causing bacteria! Bye acne!

Acne Eraser Acne Treatment Emme Diane Acne Eraser 5%

Acne Eraser Acne Treatment Emme Diane Acne Eraser 2.8%

Acne Eraser Acne Treatment Emme Diane Acne Eraser 10%

Acne Eraser

$20.00

Formulated with the most effective acne-bacteria fighting ingredient, micronized benzoyl peroxide, Acne Eraser quickly clears the skin by suffocating acne-causing bacteria in the pores. Our unique micronized form of benzoyl peroxide, which is more effective and less irritating, also reduces inflammation on the skin and helps to prevent clogged pores which lead to new breakouts. If you are acne-prone, Acne Eraser is essential to get you clear and keep you clear.

Sulfur Refining Mask - As you could probably guess by the name, this mask contains Sulfur, a naturally-sourced ingredient that effectively draws out oil and impurities from the skin, decongesting your pores. It is also formulated with a natural clay called Kaolin, which absorbs excess oil, which in turn purifies the pores.

Sulfur Refining Mask

$45.00

When the skin is in need of a purifying deep cleanse, this fast-acting, therapeutic mask refines pores, clears blemishes, and enhances overall clarity for a refreshed complexion in just 3 minutes. Formulated with sulfur to fight acne-causing bacteria, this skin-smoothing mask also gently exfoliates, allowing for the regeneration of fresh, refined skin. Detoxifying bentonite clay and skin smoothing kaolin clay draw out impurities while zinc oxide and glycerin help to soothe.

2. Exfoliate

Regular exfoliation is another effective method of clearing the pores and preventing future clogging. During exfoliation, dead skin cells are buffed away which helps to keep the skin clear and reduce the appearance of pores.

Sensitive skin? No sweat! At Emme Diane, our exfoliation products are designed for sensitive skin while still being extremely effective.

Skin Smoothing Polish - This exfoliant is gentle enough to be used daily if you'd like! Formulated with environmentally-friendly natural silica beads, Skin Smoothing Polish unclogs the pores, which in turn reduces their appearance. Just use a nickel-sized amount after cleansing and massage onto the face in gentle circular motions for one minute.

Skin Smoothing Facial Polish Exfoliant Emme Diane

Skin Smoothing Facial Polish

$38.00

Skin Smoothing Polish gently exfoliates the skin to instantly reveal a fresher, glowing complexion. Formulated with environmentally friendly natural silica beads, this facial exfoliant gently buffs away dull skin and refines the appearance of pores for skin that is visibly softer, smoother, and more radiant.

Pumpkin Enzyme Mask - Another gentle exfoliant, our Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is a facial mask that contains Cucurbita Pepo...aka pumpkin! Pumpkin contains natural fruit enzymes that gently dissolve dead skin cells - and all you have to do is sit back and relax while it happens! This mask can be used as often as you'd like. Cleanse your skin and apply four pumps of Pumpkin Enzyme Mask to the face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes.

Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

$45.00

This purifying enzyme mask, powered by pumpkin puree, exfoliates, brightens, and plumps the skin for a smoother, more radiant complexion. Perfect for all skin types, our Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is formulated with skin-firming, hydrating botanicals that rejuvenate to instantly unveil healthy, naturally glowing skin that everyone will notice.

3. Protect

Believe it or not, sun impacts the appearance of large pores, by making them appear larger. Collagen keeps our pores tight and firm, but UV rays are known to weaken collagen which loosens our pores, making them more visible. These rays do not make the pores larger...they make pores appear larger.

Protecting the skin from harmful UV rays is a must for minimizing the appearance of pores.

Note: Some sunscreens can be pore clogging. Ensure you're always using an acne-safe sunscreen, like the two below.

Tinted Mineral SPF40 - Formulated in a universally flattering tint with a sheer, natural finish, this sunscreen is our bestseller. It's completely acne-safe (meaning it won't clog your pores!) and it's water and sweat resistant for 80 minutes.

Pure Protection Antioxidant SPF 40 - Lightly tinted and delivering a flawless finish, this all-physical sunscreen formulated with anti-aging antioxidants blurs imperfections for radiant, healthy-looking skin.

4. Know Your Body

I'm going to throw a couple quick facts at you.

Men typically have larger pores than women.
If you are someone who menstruates, the appearance of your pores will change depending on where you are at in your cycle. Changes in hormones have a big impact on the skin, including when impacted by birth control methods. Read more about birth control and the skin here.
Pores may appear larger as we age, due to a decrease in skin elasticity.

5. Become an Expert about Your Own Skin