Are you tired of seeing your enlarged pores and blackheads become permanent fixtures? Good news: there are simple and affordable solutions to minimize their appearance and improve the quality of your skin. Discover our tips, tricks, and favorite products for clearer skin, even on a tight budget.

1. Choose a routine with or without retinol

First and foremost, it is essential to determine whether or not you want to include retinol (or a derivative) in your routine. Retinoids are known for their effect on cell renewal and improving skin texture, but they can be irritating to sensitive skin.

See this post on Instagram

A publication shared by Beautydecoded (@skincaredecoded)

• Sensitive skin : opt for azelaic acid or a low-dose retinoid.
• Summer period : The skin is more exposed to the sun, so it is best to avoid irritation (and therefore strong retinol) and opt for azelaic acid.
• Focus on quick results : Azelaic acid may be more suitable, as retinol often causes a period of adjustment with dryness and redness.
• Gradual introduction of retinol : if you decide to use it, apply it every other night or every third night, then adjust the frequency according to your skin's tolerance.

2. Invest in a good salicylic acid cleanser

The first step in combating dilated pores consists of using a mild cleanser containing salicylic acid. This fat-soluble ingredient penetrates the pores to remove excess sebum and dead skin cell residue.

Three recommended cleansers

1. CeraVe Anti-Blemish Gel
   – Contains salicylic acid, niacinamide, and gluconolactone
   – Medium-strength surfactants, good tolerance
   – Affordable price (around €10)
   – Fragrance-free
2. Sebiaclear by SVR
   – Gluconolactone to combat blemishes
   – A powerful surfactant in the formula; caution advised for very sensitive skin
   – Lightly scented
   – Price: approximately €13.90
3. Sébium Active Foaming Gel by Bioderma
   – Gentle cleansing base, more suitable for normal to dry skin
   – Contains zinc, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and a prebiotic
   – Affordable price

3. Protect yourself from the sun

It is true that in the short term, sun exposure may seem to improve the appearance of blemishes by reducing inflammation. However, in the medium term, UV rays thicken the skin (hyperkeratinization), promoting pore blockage and the appearance of acne or blackheads.

The council : apply sunscreen sun protection suited to your skin type (fluid for oily skin, richer cream for dry skin). Protecting your skin from the sun is essential to prevent thickening of the epidermis and limit problems with clogged pores.

4. Regulate sebum production

To prevent pores from enlarging, you must control excess sebum.

• Niacinamide is an ingredient of choice: it regulates sebum production and limits melanin transfer, helping to reduce post-blemish marks.
• Green tea is also known for its sebum-regulating properties.

Recommended serums

• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
  – Reduces shine, combats mild to moderate acne
  – Fluid texture, ideal for morning use
• Aromazone Niacinamide, Zinc, and Copper Serum
  – Highly effective and low cost
  – Ideal for tight budgets

5. Combating thickening of the epidermis: azelaic acid or retinoids?

To reduce the accumulation of dead cells in the pores, two key ingredients: retinoids (retinol, retinal, etc.) and azelaic acid.

• Azelaic acid :
  – Less irritating, good option for those with sensitive skin. sensitive skins or dehydrated
  – It is possible to add a retinoid to the routine later if necessary.
• Retinoids (retinol, retinal) :
  – Require a period of adjustment
  – Provide real benefits in terms of anti-aging and skin texture, but may cause dryness and redness at first.

Examples of affordable products

• Teen Derm A-Z by Isispharma (approximately $15)
  – 15% azelaic acid reduces the appearance of blackheads and enlarged pores
  – Boswellia extract with soothing properties
• Azelaic acid Clémence & Vivien
  – 10% azelaic acid, zinc PCA, hyaluronic acid, oat extract
  – Good value for money
• Geek & Gorgeous Retinal Serum
  – Contains retinal, which is converted by the skin more quickly than retinol
  – Gentle formula with panthenol and allantoin
• Aromazone Retinal Serum
  – Low concentration, good option if skin is ultra-sensitive
  – Water-based serum, so less deep penetration of retinal, but ideal for beginners

6. Use mattifying creams (sparingly)

If you have oily skin, a mattifying cream will help absorb excess oil and blur the appearance of pores. Apply it only to oily areas (T-zone) if the rest of your face is dry or normal.

• SVR Mattifying & Pores
  – Contains silica, an excellent sebum absorber
  – Gluconolactone, salicylic acid, and niacinamide to treat blemishes
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+)
  – Different forms of salicylic acid
  – Niacinamide and zinc PCA to regulate sebum
  – Procerad (ceramide) to reduce post-acne red spots

Tip once a week, a clay mask (kaolin) can also help absorb excess sebum. However, be sure to moisturize well afterwards, as a mask that is too drying can aggravate dehydration and enlarge pores in the long term.

7. Don't forget to stay hydrated

Dehydrated skin loses its tone: the tissues slacken and the pores appear larger. Use serums, lotions, and moisturizing creams. in addition to your cosmetic products to maintain the balance of the skin barrier.

8. Exfoliate with salicylic acid

Beyond the cleaner, you can integrate a salicylic acid exfoliant into your routine (1 to 3 times a week depending on your skin's sensitivity). It deeply cleanses pores and acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.

• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid
• Geek & Gorgeous (Liquid or Pads with salicylic acid)

9. Watch your diet

Did you know that a diet rich in high glycemic index (refined sugar, sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods, etc.) can increase sebum production and worsen the appearance of pores?

• Limiting insulin spikes by avoiding high GI foods outside of meals
• Give preference to fiber and foods with a low or medium GI (vegetables, low-sugar fruits, whole grains, etc.)

Numerous studies show that a more balanced diet helps reduce acne and blemishes.

To get rid of enlarged pores and blackheads, you need to focus on a consistent routine including a suitable cleanser, rigorous sun protection, sebum-regulating active ingredients (niacinamide, green tea), gentle exfoliation (salicylic acid) and, depending on skin sensitivity, a retinoid or azelaic acid. Never forget to stay hydrated, because skin that lacks water can cause pores to become even larger. Finally, keep an eye on your diet: reducing insulin spikes can help visibly improve skin quality.

With these tips and affordable products, you have everything you need to achieve clearer, smoother, healthier skin without breaking the bank. Now it's up to you!

Make the right choices for your skin

Say goodbye to unnecessary get visible results!

Our artificial intelligence recommends personalized cosmetics.