Many people find the size of their pores to be a big insecurity, applying makeup primers and other beauty products to the face in an attempt to blur them.
While you may have stumbled upon the idea that cold water can do the trick to shrink your pores, unfortunately, that’s not true. In fact, pores can’t actually shrink at all (but there are things you can do to make them appear smaller!).
Cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson told Insider that your pores are the same size (and stay that way). They may appear larger because oil, dirt, debris, and dead skin cells can get trapped in the pores, making them swell up and appear large and dark.
When you wash your face, most of that gunk gets removed from your pores, helping them appear smaller.
It is recommended that you use a gentle facial exfoliant a few times a week to rid those pores of any debris, but be careful! Overdoing a facial exfoliant can cause the pores to become irritated, swelling them up and making them appear larger.
While water temperature has no effect whatsoever on the size of your pores, rinsing the face with cold water can help increase blood flow, and provide a healthy glow. However, The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face in lukewarm water.
Don’t forget to add a hydrating moisturizer to your daily skin care routine! Your face (and pores) will thank you.
