Ask any skin expert for their most common client skin complaint and they'll tell you - it's pores.

Large pores. Blocked pores. Open pores. Oily pores. Pores with blackheads.

We know this because we asked Dermal Therapist Yadira Cauchi.

"How to reduce pores is a topic that pops up in my clinic every single day," she said.

Every single person on this planet with a face has pores. 

But the truth is... you can't actually 'get rid of' your pores.

Cauchi added, "Any brand or product that tells you that you can get rid of your pores is lying."

Watch this short video to hear what a dermal therapist tells her clients about how to get rid of pores. 

Pores are a natural and essential part of how our skin functions. 

While no skincare product can 'close' your pores or make your pores go away (no, not even a pore nose strip!), you can change how they look.

With the right skincare, you can make your pores appear smaller for a smoother, more refined complexion.

Read on for the top two ingredients for large pores and congestion, according to clinical skin experts.

1. Salicylic Acid For Pores

Salicylic Acid is an oil-soluble Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA).

The reason Salicylic Acid is great at decongesting pores is because it exfoliates within the pores and can break down excess sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria that contribute to visible pores and congestion.

Try: Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic

• A multi-use BHA exfoliating treatment that can replace (at least) 6 products in your beauty routine
• Made for normal to oily and blemish-prone skin types, or anyone wanting to address visible pores, oil and shine, blackheads and breakouts
• 2% Salicylic Acid formula also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial Arnica Flower, Thyme and Eucalyptus to help reduce the severity of inflammation
• Use once daily, either in the morning to mattify oil before makeup and SPF, or at night as your PM exfoliant
• Can also be used on body breakouts, as a pimple spot treatment, and subbed into your routine to help clear hormonal breakouts

SHOP CLEAR SKIN TONIC

2. Niacinamide For Pores

Want your pores to look smaller? Add a Niacinamide serum (also known as Vitamin B3) into your routine.

Research shows as little as 2% topical Niacinamide can result in a 'significant reduction in sebum excretion rate and pore size'.

Anecdotally, people often say using a Niacinamide serum 'shrinks' their pores.

Here's what's actually happening...

When pores get congested, they stretch to accommodate the blockage.

Using Salicylic Acid and a Niacinamide product like the Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide together in a routine helps decongest clogged pores and tighten the pore lining.

Why Do I Have Large Pores?

Your pores might look different to someone else's for a bunch of reasons, like:

• Your genetic skin type - Oily skin types may find their pores are more visible
• Your skin health - If your skin is congested, your pores may look clogged and blocked, or even 'filled' with tiny black dots called blackheads
• Your skincare - Common mistakes like not cleansing properly, sleeping in makeup and SPF, or using the wrong skincare for your skin type may impact how your pores look
• Environmental and hormonal factors can also affect pore size and appearance

Final Verdict on Pores.

Ditch the pore strips and at-home blackhead extraction tools, OK?

Instead, add Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to your skincare routine.

And if you're ever not sure, go and see a dermal therapist or qualified skin expert for professional, personalised advice!