From the Guidelines
To minimize pores, use products containing salicylic acid (1-2%) as it has been conditionally recommended for acne treatment based on moderate certainty evidence from a recent RCT 1.
Key Ingredients to Minimize Pores
- Salicylic acid: penetrates oil-clogged pores to clear them, with a concentration ranging from 0.5% to 2% 1
- Niacinamide: although the evidence is insufficient to develop a recommendation for its use in acne treatment 1, it is often used to regulate sebum and strengthen the skin barrier
- Retinoids: normalize cell turnover and reduce sebum production, but the provided evidence does not specifically support their use for minimizing pores
- Clay masks: absorb excess oil, but the provided evidence does not specifically support their use for minimizing pores
Treatment Approach
Start with a gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid, and consider applying niacinamide serum morning and night. Incorporate retinol in your evening routine, beginning with 2-3 times weekly and gradually increasing frequency. Use clay masks once or twice weekly for deep cleansing. Consistency is key, and results typically appear after 4-8 weeks of regular use. Always use sunscreen daily, as some of these ingredients can increase sun sensitivity.
Considerations
The evidence for minimizing pores is largely based on acne treatment guidelines, and the most recent and highest quality study supports the use of salicylic acid 1. Other ingredients like niacinamide, retinoids, and clay masks may be beneficial, but the evidence is insufficient or not directly related to minimizing pores. Therefore, the recommendation is based on the strongest available evidence, prioritizing salicylic acid as the key ingredient to minimize pores.
From the FDA Drug Label
Our pads help clear your complexion and minimize the appearance of pores This plant based formula contains Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid for a gentle chemical exfoliation that help refresh your surface skin cell layer and energize your skin. The ingredients that help minimize the appearance of pores are:
- Glycolic Acid
- Salicylic Acid 2
From the Research
Ingredients to Minimize Pores
To minimize pores, certain ingredients can be beneficial. The study 3 on green clay and aloe vera peel-off facial masks provides insight into the formulation of facial products.
- Key ingredients that can affect the characteristics of facial masks include:
- Cereal alcohol: affects drying time at concentrations of 1-12% (w/w)
- Carbomer: influences formulation viscosity at concentrations of 0-2.4% (w/w)
- Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): alters formulation viscosity and film-forming performance at concentrations of 2.5-17.5% (w/w)
- The optimized formulation in the study 3 contained 13% (w/w) PVA and 10% (w/w) cereal alcohol, which provided excellent homogeneity and stability.
- Green clay and aloe vera are also used in the formulation, which can be beneficial for minimizing pores due to their potential skin-soothing and purifying properties.