Nothing can be more frustrating than enlarged pores around your nose and on your cheeks. Are you looking for a way to minimize the appearance of pores on your face? Glycolic acid for pores is among the most popular remedies. But is it helpful in shrinking pores? How does it minimize the appearance of large pores? Here’s everything you must know about the usage of glycolic acid to reduce pores.
Table of Contents
What are pores?
Before knowing how to use glycolic acid for pores, it’s essential to learn about the different kinds of pores. Pores are of two types: sweat-releasing pores and sebum-releasing pores. The pores that release the natural oil of the body or sebum are called oil-releasing pores.
Sometimes, the sebum-releasing pores appear enlarged and they become noticeable. How noticeable your pores are may also depend on your skin type. In such a situation, you can try some popular remedies to better the health of your skin.
Why are your pores enlarged?
Tiny hairs cover almost every part of your skin. There’s a pore at the top of every hair follicle. The hair follicle also has a gland and its role is to produce oil. This gland is known as the sebaceous gland. Whenever it releases oil, the oil will accumulate in the pore. According to several medical studies, the main reasons behind enlarged pores are:
Increased volume of the hair follicles
As oil keeps collecting in a pore, the oil combines with makeup or dirt and it gets blocked. This kind of blockage will stretch the pore and make it appear bigger. If you do not unclog the pores, pimples will develop
Less skin elasticity
When the elasticity decreases, the skin ends up becoming less supple. Your pores will also get enlarged.
Excessive sebum
If your skin is oily, you are already frustrated with excessive oil secretion. If your sebaceous gland is producing a lot of oil, your skin will always look oily. Naturally, the pores will become prominent.
Will having large pores affect your health?
As unappealing as large pores may seem, you must note that they aren’t a health concern. Pore size is an aesthetic consideration and it won’t affect the health of your skin. Moreover, genetics and skin type are the two things that determine the size of your pores. So, if your pores are large, don’t get alarmed. Scroll down to learn how to make use of glycolic acid for pores.
What is glycolic acid and what are its uses?
Dermatologists often recommend glycolic acid to people desperate to shrink their pores. However, you should explore the advantages of glycolic acid and understand its properties before using it.
Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) that is present in sugarcane. All alpha hydroxy acids are different types of natural acids and they come from foods. But you should not confuse glycolic acid with citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, or lactic acid.
When it comes to addressing skin issues, glycolic acid offers a range of benefits. It can remove the top layer of skin cells when they are dead. It can treat skin damage due to prolonged exposure to the sun. People also use products that contain glycolic acid to get rid of acne, acne scars, and aging skin. Teenagers having acute acne problems
Do you have stubborn stretch marks that won’t disappear? Glycolic acid can be of great help and many people massage it on their stretch marks. If dark skin patches make your face less attractive, glycolic acid can come to your rescue. Regular use of it will also improve the appearance and texture of your skin.
Glycolic acid for pores: How does it work?
Glycolic acid is a kind of exfoliant. Its job is to break down the bonds between dull and dead skin cells. It gets rid of dead cells easily, making your skin soft and glowing. This process does more than unclogging pores. It also removes the dirt and oil buildup that is responsible for enlarging your pores. In addition, glycolic acid also stimulates your skin’s collagen production and helps you fight signs of aging.
Rely on glycolic acid to reduce pores
Many clinical studies have proved that glycolic acid is an effective treatment for pores. Several renowned skincare brands design products enriched with the goodness of glycolic acid. If you read the product descriptions, you’ll see that it commonly features in creams. That’s because glycolic acid plays a key role in exfoliating your skin and decreasing the size of pores.
Wondering how to use glycolic acid to unclog pores? Incorporating it into your self-care routine won’t be a hassle. As a rule of thumb, stick to one glycolic acid cleanser at a time to keep skin irritation at bay. Here are some ways to ensure your face gets glycolic acid consistently:
Glycolic acid cleansers
Has your dermatologist prescribed a glycolic acid face wash to you? Then it must be the first step of your daily skincare routine. Cleansers have 1-2% of glycolic acid, which is why you can use them every day.
The best time to use a glycolic acid cleanser is in the evening or night. It will make your skin sensitive to sun rays. Hence, you should refrain from using it in the morning and stepping out of the house.
Glycolic acid serum
Does your skin tolerate a glycolic acid toner or face wash well? Then it is evident that it is not sensitive to glycolic acid. So, you may consider switching to a serum to make sure your skin gets more glycolic acid.
Since the concentration of glycolic acid is higher in serums, begin with small amounts. Clean your face with a gentle face wash and let the toner even out the skin tone. After that, apply the serum and top it off with a good moisturizer. You can even mix the serum with your moisturizer.
Glycolic acid mask/ peel
Peels and masks generally have the highest percentage of glycolic acid. So, they are the best way to get the ingredient’s strongest dose to work on your pores. You can opt for a light glycolic acid peel for enlarged pores. However, you should not use the peel more than once a week.
Additionally, always go through the directions carefully as each product may differ. Ideally, you should apply the glycolic peel or mask after you are done with cleansing. This way, it will absorb better on your skin.
Glycolic acid pads and toners
Another excellent way to make the most of the healing properties of glycolic acid is by buying pads or a liquid toner. Like cleansers, pads and toners have low concentrations of the acid. So, you can let the product remain on your skin overnight. Cleaning is necessary before proceeding with a pad or toner.
Glycolic acid lotion
A glycolic acid-enriched lotion contains the lowest concentration of it. So, you can leave it on your skin for hours. Applying a night cream infused with its skin-friendly properties will also give impressive results. You should use it if your skin is dry as it will deeply nourish and rejuvenate the skin. The best way of applying the lotion is after a night serum.
Is glycolic acid safe to use?
When applied to the skin, glycolic acid won’t cause any serious issues. You can use it even when you are breastfeeding or pregnant. But if you have sensitive skin, skin irritation can be one of the side effects of using it. It can even worsen the situation if you are suffering from certain skin problems.
So, it is better to consult your dermatologist before using glycolic acid for pores. If your skin itches after application, wipe it off immediately. While there’s no harm in topical application for regular skin, oral consumption won’t be wise. You should also refrain from taking glycolic acid orally as it can have adverse effects.
Should you perform a patch test before applying glycolic acid to your face?
Before applying glycolic acid to the pores in your face, testing the product is essential. Apply it to the inner side of your elbow to see if there’s any reaction. If 24 hours have passed and there aren’t any rashes, you can use it on your face without any worry. Note that the area around your eyes is more sensitive than the rest of the face. So, apply Vaseline to prevent irritation.
Can you use glycolic acid daily?
It’s already clear to you that glycolic acid for pores is a perfect solution. Now here’s an important thing you must not forget about glycolic acid: It comes in diverse concentrations. So, how often should you use it?
Using glycolic acid daily won’t be an issue as long as you stick to the prescribed dosage. Most ointments or facewashes have 1-2% glycolic acid. The glycolic acid content in night creams may be higher: 10% or even more. Then you should not use the cream more than twice a week.
If the concentration of glycolic acid is more than 15% in your cream, you must not keep it on your skin for more than a few minutes. Any cleanser that has 20% or more glycolic acid should be used only after consulting a healthcare provider.
The best home remedies to make your pores less visible
While nothing beats glycolic acid for pores, there are some home remedies to make your pores smaller. Here are some tips that are devoid of side effects:
Choose water-based products
Many moisturizers contain oils that end up enlarging your pores. So, you should pick a water-based product if your skin is oily. Instead of oil-based makeup, go for products that have honey, urea, and other humectants
Wash your face twice daily
Washing your face every morning and before going to bed is compulsory. You should also do that after working out at the gym. Just use lukewarm water and clean gently with a mild face wash.
Take exfoliation seriously
Everyone should exfoliate their skin at least once a week. This step will unclog the pores and make the dead cells disappear. Don’t exfoliate too often or your skin will turn dry and lusterless.
Select gel-based cleansers
Gel-based cleansers are ideal for people who have oily skin. The cleanser will decrease the oiliness of the pores and make them look small.
Moisturize regularly
You may think that oily skin doesn’t need a moisturizer, but it does. An oil-free cream will heal your skin without expanding the pores.
Don’t go to bed without removing makeup
No matter how exhausted you feel, never sleep with makeup on. It will not just block the pores but also lead to breakouts. When in a hurry, keep cleaning wipes handy to remove makeup within seconds.
Wear sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun is of utmost significance. So, make sure you wear good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Additionally, you can take a wide-brimmed hat when you are under the scorching sun for long hours.
Final thoughts
So, if you are searching for a product to conceal your pores, glycolic acid is the answer you seek. It will stop the pores from becoming more prominent over time. Its other skincare benefits include improved texture, reduced scarring, smoother skin, and reduced pigmentation. Use it dedicatedly and your skin will be firm and youthful again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which acid is best for large pores?
Glycolic acid is the best acid to reduce the size of large pores. Dermatologists recommend it not just to shrink pores but to treat acne, and sunburns.
2. How long does it take for glycolic acid to unclog pores?
Skin specialists suggest glycolic acid for clogged pores as it keeps skin decongested and clear. How long it needs to unclog pores may vary from one person to another. Some products may give instant results while others may require 3-4 uses.
3. What is better for pores salicylic acid or glycolic acid?
Both glycolic acid and salicylic acid are effective when it comes to reducing pore size. While some people find glycolic acid more useful, others prefer salicylic acid.