Pores - The Honest Skin Science

Can pores actually be “tightened”?

Pores don’t have muscles, so they can’t permanently open or close. Their appearance is influenced by:

  • genetics (this sets the baseline)

  • oil flow

  • congestion

  • skin thickness and hydration

  • loss of collagen and elasticity with age

So yes — there are limits, especially if you’re genetically predisposed to visible pores.

What exfoliating acids (like Paula’s Choice) do well

Products like Paula’s Choice (often salicylic or glycolic acid–based) help by:

  • keeping pores clear of oil and debris

  • reducing the shadowing that makes pores look larger

  • smoothing the skin surface

They don’t “shrink” pores permanently, but they can make them look smaller.

Where our products fit (honestly)

Our Phyaluronic® isn’t an exfoliating acid. It works differently.

What it can do:

  • deeply hydrate and plump the skin around pores

  • improve skin comfort and elasticity

  • reduce the crepey or slack look that exaggerates pores

  • support barrier health so pores look calmer over time

Hydrated skin often reflects light more evenly, which can make pores appear less obvious — but this is softening, not restructuring.

Pores can't truly “shrink”

Pores are structural openings in the skin — they don’t have muscles that open/close.
What we can influence is how visible they appear, by:

  • keeping them free of oil and debris

  • smoothing the texture around them

  • plumping the surrounding skin with hydration

  • supporting elasticity for a firmer look

Together, these effects make pores look less obvious, even if their physical diameter hasn’t changed.

✅ A Simple Routine That Addresses This

AM — Balance + Hydration

1️⃣ Cleanse - Gentle Gel Cleanser

  • Light, refreshing, removes excess oil without stripping

  • Lays the foundation for clearer, less congested pores

2️⃣ BiomeBalance Serum (and/or Light Day Cream)

  • Light Day Cream contains niacinamide, which is shown in studies to help reduce the appearance of pores and regulate oil over time

  • Phyaluronic for super hydration and supports microbiome balance

3️⃣ Nourish (light layer or body use)

  • Deep hydration and barrier support

  • If your facial skin tends toward congestion, use lighter formulations on the face (Light Day Cream) and reserve Nourish for evening or body

4️⃣ Shield SPF 15

  • Daily protection — sun damage breaks down collagen and can make pores look bigger

PM — Exfoliate + Hydrate + Support

1️⃣ SeaScrub (2–3x/week)

  • Gentle, natural exfoliation helps clear dead cells and oil from around pores

  • Improves texture, reduces shadowing, smooths skin surface

  • Not daily — just a few times per week to avoid barrier disruption

2️⃣ Purify (evening face mask deep cleanse)

  • Removes build-up from the day and preps skin for treatments

3️⃣ BiomeBalance Night Cream with Bakuchiol

  • Supports elasticity and collagen support (bakuchiol is a gentle, retinol alternative)

  • Works overnight to enhance skin resilience

  • Squalane-based formulation - these help balance oil flow without congestion

🧠 Why This Works Together

SeaScrub

  • Provides gentle physical exfoliation (like a resurfacing cleanse)

  • Helps prevent clogged pores

  • Improves smoothness so light reflects more evenly → pores look smaller

Purify Cleanser

  • Keeps oil flow balanced without stripping

  • A clean canvas = less congestion

  • Extracts excess oil without over-drying

Niacinamide (in BiomeBalance)

  • Supports oil regulation

  • Reduces redness and uneven texture

  • Helps even tone around pores

Hydration with Phyaluronic®

  • Plumps the skin around pores

  • Increases water-holding capacity

  • Makes texture look smoother and more even

Together, these actions help pores appear smaller without harsh stripping, irritation, or unrealistic promises.

🧴 Quick Pore Minimising Routine

AM

  • SeaScrub → BiomeBalance Serum → Light Day Cream - SPF

PM (alternate days)

  • 1) Purify → (2–3 nights/wk) → BiomeBalance Night Cream

  • 2) Cleanse → Lange Serum → BiomeBalance Night Cream

🤝 Honest Expectations

  • This routine supports clarity, hydration, and texture

  • It does not literally shrink pores — but it helps them look smoother and less noticeable

  • Results are cumulative (weeks → months), not instant