Pore Real: Debunking Myths and Finding Your Glow

Sara Kwaider
Dec 25, 2024
4 min read

Pores.

We all have them, and yet they seem to be the star of so many skin concerns. Too big, too clogged, too visible—they often steal the spotlight in conversations about “perfect skin.”

But here’s the thing: pores aren’t the enemy.

In fact, pores play a vital role in keeping your skin healthy. They let your skin breathe, sweat, and release natural oils to keep it moisturized.

What they need isn’t “shrinking” or “erasing” (spoiler: that’s not possible)—it’s balance, love, and a little care.

Let’s dive into the world of pores with plenty of practical tips to help you embrace your skin’s natural texture while keeping it clear and balanced.

What Are Pores, Anyway?

Pores are the tiny openings on your skin where hair follicles reside.

Think of them as your skin’s little vents—they allow sweat and oil (aka sebum) to reach the surface, keeping your skin moisturized and protected.

Without them, your skin would dry out and struggle to defend itself from environmental damage.

But here’s where it gets tricky: when excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells clog these openings, your pores can stretch, become more visible, or turn into pesky blackheads and whiteheads.

The key isn’t to make them disappear (spoiler: you can’t), but to care for them so they stay clean, healthy, and happy.

Myths About Pores: Let’s Clear the Air

Before we talk about caring for your pores, let’s bust a few myths:

“You can shrink your pores.” Nope. The size of your pores is largely determined by genetics, but you can minimize their appearance with good skincare habits.
“Steam opens your pores.” Pores don’t have little doors that open and close. What steam does is loosen dirt and oil, making it easier to cleanse your skin.
“Blackheads are dirt.” Not quite. That dark color comes from oil and dead skin oxidizing when exposed to air—not from being dirty.

Understanding the truth about pores is the first step to treating them with kindness.

Cleanse with Kindness

Think of cleansing as a fresh start for your pores every day.

Your skin faces a lot—makeup, dirt, sweat, and pollution—and your pores are like little doorways collecting it all. The goal here isn’t to scrub them into submission; it’s to gently refresh them.

A good cleanser will clean your skin without stripping it. Harsh cleansers can backfire, forcing your skin to produce more oil to compensate.

Instead, opt for something gentle with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rose water to hydrate and calm your skin as you cleanse.

Imagine this step as wiping the slate clean, giving your skin room to breathe and your pores a little peace.

Exfoliation: Clearing the Way

If cleansing is the reset, exfoliation is the boost.

Your pores like tiny hallways that can get cluttered with dead skin cells and oil, leading to blackheads or breakouts. Gentle exfoliation is like tidying up those hallways, helping your pores look and feel their best.

Skip the gritty scrubs and instead reach for chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or salicylic acid. These work below the surface, dissolving debris without irritating your skin.

However, use them sparingly—once or twice a week is plenty. Overdoing it can irritate your skin and make your pores more noticeable.

Exfoliation isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating space for your skin to shine.

The Hydration Secret

Here’s a truth not many people realize: visible pores and oily skin are often signs your skin is thirsty.

When your skin feels dehydrated, it compensates by producing more oil, which can clog your pores and make them look larger.

The fix?

Hydration.

Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump your skin and jojoba oil to balance hydration.

Hydrated skin reflects light better, making your pores appear smaller and your skin naturally radiant.

Niacinamide – Your Pore Balancing Hero

If there’s one ingredient that deserves a standing ovation in the world of pore care, it’s niacinamide.

Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is a powerhouse that works wonders for balancing your skin and keeping your pores in check.

Regulates Oil Production: Niacinamide helps control sebum (oil) production, preventing pores from becoming clogged and reducing the shine that often accompanies oily skin.
Minimizes Pore Appearance: By improving the elasticity of the skin surrounding your pores, niacinamide makes them appear smaller and less noticeable.
Calms Inflammation: If redness or irritation is making your pores more prominent, niacinamide’s soothing properties can help calm your skin.
Strengthens the Skin Barrier: A healthy skin barrier means your pores are less likely to be impacted by external aggressors like pollution or harsh weather.
Fights Free Radicals: As an antioxidant, niacinamide protects your skin from environmental damage that can weaken elasticity and make pores look larger.

Protect and Prevent

Sun damage doesn’t just lead to wrinkles and dark spots—it also impacts your pores. UV rays weaken your skin’s elasticity, which can make pores look larger over time.

Daily sun protection is non-negotiable if you want to keep your pores looking their best.

Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher with a mineral base like zinc oxide to protect your skin without clogging your pores.

And don’t forget to reapply if you’re spending the day outside—your skin will thank you!

KANKOOSHA: Pore-Loving Potions

At KANKOOSHA, we believe in nurturing your skin with intention and care.

Our Radiant Rose Serum and Radiant Rose Face Potion, are crafted with pore-friendly ingredients like niacinamide, rose water, and other botanical extracts to keep your skin balanced and glowing.

Whether you’re looking to target clogged pores or simply want to enhance your skin’s natural beauty, KANKOOSHA is here to support you on your journey.