Whether your large pores are a result of age, genetics, environmental factors, or other causes, their appearance can be dramatically reduced by a good skincare routine, including regular exfoliation, cleansing your face twice a day, applying sunscreen daily, and more.
Products containing AHA or BHA are the most effective for minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores. These acids work by penetrating deep into the pores to help eliminate excess oil and dirt and exfoliate dead cells that build-up around the pores, making them appear smaller.
In the following article, we will explore the best exfoliators for large pores that really work, this should help you narrow down your selection when you are searching for the best pore-minimizing exfoliators.
Best Exfoliators For Large Pores
Perfect Image Salicylic Deep Gel Exfoliating Cleanser
Perfect Image exfoliating cleanser is an amazing exfoliant for people who want to unclog their pores through exfoliation or treat their comedonal acne, blackheads, or whiteheads.
This foaming deep exfoliating cleanser uses salicylic acid (BHA) and glycolic acid (AHA) to thoroughly exfoliate dead skin cells, lift away dirt, oil, and makeup trapped deep inside the pores, and promote collagen production.
The formula also includes tea tree oil and green tea that have been proven to provide powerful antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, and to effectively combat acne-causing bacteria.
Cucumber Extract, a natural astringent, is added for its gentle skin toning and tightening properties.
Use this product two to three times per week to maintain soft skin with clean pores. Dispense a small amount of the cleanser into your hands, and then gently apply to your skin using your fingertips before rinsing with water.
Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant
Dermalogica is a high-quality brand that is used in many estheticians’ offices. This popular cult brand’s products are not abrasive, so they are good for people that don’t like microbeads in their exfoliators.
Dermalogica’s Gentle Cream Exfoliant is a great exfoliant for people looking to smoother their skin and improve their skin texture without redness and irritation; we love the fact that it’s a mask and exfoliant in a single product.
The active ingredients in it are lactic acid, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and fruit enzymes. The product gently removes dead skin cells, reduces large pores, promotes cell turnover and skin regeneration, improves skin texture and tone, and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines to restore radiant and youthful-looking skin.
You just need to apply it over cleansed skin and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
You should use it twice a week for the best results.
Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
Another great exfoliating cleanser is Neutrogena pore refining cleanser; this dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic formula uses both micro-beads and alpha and beta hydroxy acids to deliver the best results.
Micro-beads will gently remove dead skin from the surface of the skin, while alpha and beta hydroxy acids will penetrate deep into the pores to draw out dirt, oil, and makeup that clog the pores. Right after using this product, your skin will instantly appear smoother, and pores smaller and less visible.
This exfoliating cleanser is soap-free, which is great for maintaining your skin’s pH balance and protecting your skin from hardening or getting rough.
Use this product daily to get the best results, start by wetting your face then use your fingertips to apply the product and massage it gently into your skin, then thoroughly rinse with water, avoid contact with eyes. If you experience any dryness or irritation, use the product less frequently.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
SkinMedica is a line that is frequently reviewed and written about by dermatologists.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a wonderful acid-based exfoliating cleanser that is especially designed to remove dead skin cells and other debris that are clogging pores from your skin to reduce pores, treat fine lines and wrinkles and bring back the luster to your complexion.
Along with different naturally-derived alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid, the product also contains jojoba oil that deeply hydrates, softens and rejuvenates the skin.
In order to use the product properly, start by moistening your skin with warm water, spread a small amount over the entire face using your fingertips, add a little water and lightly exfoliate your face in small circular motions. Rinse thoroughly.
You can use it every morning and/or every night.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice has become the favorite brand for many beauty enthusiasts, as well as beauty experts. Its products offer powerful and quality ingredients at very reasonable prices.
Unlike the exfoliating cleansers mentioned above, Paula’s Choice exfoliator is a leave-on exfoliator.
This gentle facial exfoliant uses a combination of 2% salicylic acid and green tea to powerfully unclog and minimize large pores, soothe redness, and treat blemishes and sun damage. The exfoliator also helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines, boost collagen production and brighten the skin tone to restore healthy and radiant skin.
The product is also lightweight texture, which means it absorbs quickly and easily into the skin.
In addition, this fragrance-free and paraben-free formula is suitable for all skin types, especially normal, oily or combination.
To achieve the best results, use it twice daily after cleansing and toning your face, when using it during the day, make sure to follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or above).
Tips For Properly Using AHA/BHA Exfoliators
- AHA/BHA exfoliators should be used after thoroughly cleansing the skin.
- If you are using an exfoliating cleanser, moisten your face with lukewarm water and apply a small amount to the face and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly.
- If you are using a leave-on AHA/BHA exfoliator, apply the product over a cleansed skin. Cover the entire face and do not wash it off.
- Follow up with your favorite moisturizer to prevent your skin from drying out.
- As AHA/BHA exfoliants increase skin’s susceptibility to sun damage, it is very important to use a high SPF sunscreen during the treatment period.
- If you are using a leave-on AHA/BHA exfoliator to get rid of your large pores, avoid applying the product to the area directly under your eyes.
- It is fine to use AHA/BHA exfoliators more regularly than physical exfoliators and scrubs. When it comes to the frequency of use, it is recommended to use your exfoliator once to twice a day; however, you should always follow the instructions and recommendations.
Conclusion: Best Exfoliators For Large Pores
We hope that this article has helped you find the perfect pore-minimizer exfoliator for you. All the above listed AHA/BHA exfoliators for large pores are highly recommended by experts, we recommend that you purchase any of them if you want to achieve quality and long term results.
Hi, it’s Judy!
I’m a blogger and fashion enthusiast. I have more than 7 years of experience as a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor, and I’m extremely passionate about what I do.