Ah, pores! A sometimes pesky, but necessary feature of your skin. Pores themselves are not to be feared, however, when they become enlarged, it can have a less than desirable beauty result.

What many people don't realise is that pores are naturally occurring and are actually tiny hair follicles.  They also help to sweat our toxins and allow the skin to breathe. So you cannot (and don't want to) get rid of them altogether, per se. The good news? If you're struggling with large pores, blackheads and so on, you can definitely minimise your pores naturally without disrupting the skin microbiome and protective outer layer. The result is a smoother and more refined complexion. 

The Edible Beauty secret to achieving smaller pores quickly and naturally is by following our 12 beauty commandments for minimising them. Read on to discover our golden scripture for almost pore-less, flawless skin.

THE 12 BEAUTY COMMANDMENTS FOR MINIMISING PORES

1. Use salicylic acid and natural AHAs.

When a pore seems to be enlarged, it’ is actually because it is temporarily being stretched out, usually by dead skin cells, dirt, oil, or other gunk on the skin surface. So minimising pores is all about unclogging pores and reducing bacterial build-up. Our No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk contains a small amount of salicylic acid, enough to unclog pores and reduce bacterial build-up. It also contains naturally occurring AHAs from lime, apple and strawberry extracts which work to refine pores and reduce bacterial build-up.

2. Commence a gentle exfoliating ritual.

Exfoliating with a gentle exfoliant rich in natural AHAs is what will ultimately help to sweep away the matter that gets stuck in pores—dead skin cells, oil, dirt, makeup. Cleansing and exfoliating in the right way unveils fresh, unclogged skin beneath can make an enormous difference in the way your skin looks and feels. Our & Desert Lime Flawless Micro-Exfoliant contains gentle rice enzymes along with Strawberry and Lime fruit extracts that get in between cells to remove dead skin and oil without stripping the skin of its natural oils (which can actually lead to an overproduction of oil and hence perpetually clogged pores).

3. Commit to a pink clay mask.

Pink clay along with zeolite in our & Sleeping Beauty Purifying Mousse work as a magnet specifically targeting dirt, impurities, and excess oils which lead to larger pores, making them clearer and less immediately visible. Use the mousse as a sleep mask after cleansing and exfoliating two to three times a week.

4. Religiously tone.

Using a toner provides an extra bit of physical exfoliation, balancing oil production whilst also hydrating at the same time. Our No.2 Citrus Rhapsody Toner Mist contains oil balancing fruit extracts along with anti-ageing nutrients such as bilberry, fig and guava extracts.

5. Make the right food choices.

Eating an abundance of collagen-boosting nutrients can ensure that your skin’s collagen is not being depleted and that you are able to reduce the appearance of pores. Increasing your omega-3 intake via healthy fats (chia, flaxseed along with walnuts are good choices) will reduce the skin’s inflammatory response along with the build-up of flaky skin which will assist with keeping pores under control.

6. Use a vitamin C-rich serum.

Using vitamin C topically helps to increase levels of collagen and elastin which in turn prevents pores from stretching and expanding. We always recommend using products with naturally occurring vitamin C such as our No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum. This ensures that the skin does not become more prone to UV sensitivity as can occur with serums containing synthetic vitamin C. We also recommend adding in our Broccoli Blue Light Revitalise Serum and Turmeric Brightening Serum for an extra dose of anti-inflammatory "skin food" to help balance oil production and combat large pores.

7. Shun harsh scrubs and peels.

Whilst it may be tempting, harsh scrubs and other more extreme treatments are in fact pro-inflammatory, leading to damage of the skin acid mantle and thinning avoid time. Opt for a gentle micro-exfoliant rich in natural AHA’s such as our & Desert Lime Flawless Micro-Exfoliant.

8. Avoid sun damage.

Sun damage can not only contribute to premature ageing, it can also make your pores to look larger. It causes inflammation and the thickening of flared up skin cells which can cause tiny cells to collect around the edges of your pores making your pores appear larger than life. Using our Basking Beauty Natural Sunscreen SPF 50 daily ensures that your collagen is kept in tact and that your pores look and feel normal! 

9. Avoid sleeping with your makeup on.

This is a recipe for clogged and unhappy pores. If you need an incentive to remove makeup after a long day, just visualise larger unsightly pores and this will get you cleansing in a flash.

10. Quit refined sugar and high-GI foods.

Sugar, processed foods and high glycemic index (high-GI) foods can cause a spike in insulin levels which creates an inflammatory cascade at a cellular level leading to a significant worsening in acne along with all of its signs, such as enlarged pores, clogged pores. Reach for foods high in fibre along with plenty of greens and cruciferous vegetables to reduce blood sugar spikes.

11. Stop squeezing.

Whilst squeezing may feel productive, it is actually spreading bacteria and clogging pores. Be patient - the hard work you put into your skincare and diet will dramatically pay off!

12. Turn away from pore-clogging makeup.

Whilst covering up may feel like a good strategy, using oily makeup can worsen a clogged pore issue. Use a light mineral makeup instead and your skin will look and feel better for it.