The story of how my pore care made things worse the more I did it🐰 ― Counterproductive care and 3 correct methods
Introduction
My pores are still visible even though I scrub every day.
Even after using pore strips, they go back to how they were the next day.
Nothing changes even when I use expensive pore care products.
Have you ever experienced this? Actually, I was the same.
For 7 years, I kept doing care that I shouldn't have been doing,
thinking it was "good for me."
Today, I'm going to talk about that.
[1] The real cause of visible pores
There are 4 causes for visible pores.
① Excessive sebum secretion
Pores get clogged with sebum and turn dark.
The point is that "washing too much actually increases sebum."
When skin is stripped of too much sebum, it secretes excess sebum to compensate for the deficiency.
This is the vicious cycle of "over-washing."
② Pore enlargement due to dryness
When skin is dry, it shrinks, making pores look enlarged.
You might tend to think "my pores are visible because I have oily skin," but pores also enlarge due to dryness.
In fact, there are many cases where lack of moisture is the cause.
3. Pore enlargement due to UV rays
When collagen decreases due to UV damage,
the skin around the pores loosens, making the pores stand out.
Many people do not know that "UV rays are also related to pores."
4. Sagging pores due to aging
When skin loses its firmness, pores stretch vertically.
This is what is known as "sagging pores."
This is the main reason why people suddenly start worrying about their pores after their 30s.
[2] 5 pore care mistakes you should never make
I will honestly list the care methods that have the opposite effect.
✗ Daily scrub cleansing
This destroys the skin's barrier function.
When the barrier is broken, the skin becomes sensitive to external stimuli,
leading to a vicious cycle where excess sebum is secreted and pore clogging worsens.
Using a scrub once or twice a week is enough.
✗ Overusing pore strips
Nose pore strips feel satisfying, so it's easy to use them too much, isn't it?
Actually, every time you use a pore pack, your pores are gradually widening.
In the long run, it is counterproductive.
If you use them, please limit it to once a week or less.
✗ Washing your face with hot water
You may have heard that
pores open up and dirt is removed better,
but hot water strips away even the necessary sebum.
As a result, it creates a loop of dryness → excessive sebum secretion → clogged pores.
The ideal is lukewarm water (32–35°C).
✗ Squeezing out pores with your fingernails
This is the number one care method you must never do.
It causes wounds, inflammation, and pigmentation.
When you want to push them out, just focus on cleansing thoroughly instead.
✗ Not moisturizing after washing your face
After washing your face, your skin is exposed.
If you leave it like this, it will dry out and your pores will open up.
The golden rule is to apply toner within 1 minute after washing your face.
【3】There are only 3 correct pore care methods
I've written at length, but the correct answer is simple.
✅ Thoroughly moisturize
Replenish moisture thoroughly with a lotion containing ceramides.
Preventing dryness is the most important point in pore care.
✅ Apply sunscreen every day
By preventing the decrease of collagen caused by UV rays,
you prevent pores from opening and enlarging.
This is not only pore care, but also general anti-aging prevention.
✅ Wash your face gently with lukewarm water
Just wash gently by wrapping your face in foam with lukewarm water at 32-35°C.
Not over-washing is the most important thing.
Supplementary advice:
Lotion containing vitamin C derivatives (ascorbic acid)
is effective for blackheads in pores.
Try looking for "ascorbic acid" on the ingredient list.
[4] Points for care by pore type
Knowing your pore type will change the priority of your care.
🔴 Blackhead pores
Cause: Clogged sebum + old dead skin cells
Solution: Lukewarm water face wash + niacinamide-infused toner
NG: Overuse of scrubs and pore strips
🔵 Enlarged pores
Cause: Dryness/excess sebum
Solution: Thorough hydration with ceramide toner
NG: Hot water/over-washing
🟢 Sagging pores
Cause: Aging, UV rays, collagen loss
Solution: Daily sunscreen + niacinamide-infused toner
NG: Excessive massage
What all types have in common is
that "hydration" and "sunscreen" are the basics.
Summary
✅ Pore care: "Avoid over-washing, moisturizing is most important"
✅ Use pore strips and scrubs no more than once a week
✅ Daily sunscreen + moisturizing will improve pores
Before buying expensive products specifically for pore care,
please first re-evaluate your moisturizing and sunscreen routine.
For most people, this alone will make a difference🐰
＼This is the end of the free preview／
"Which toner should I specifically use?"
"Which products contain niacinamide?"
In the paid section, I have honestly summarized
the products I have actually used and felt were effective, categorized by type.
(Currently available for free🐰)
■ Products I actually use, by pore type
▶ For those with blackhead pores
Toner containing niacinamide
→ Choose one where "niacinamide" is high up on the ingredient list
→ Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that is effective for both brightening and pores
✅ Hada Labo | Gokujyun Medicated Firming Lotion (Red Gokujyun)
This is a quasi-drug packed with Rohto Pharmaceutical's technology. It contains niacinamide as an "active ingredient."
Ingredients list: Active ingredient: Niacinamide
Price: Around 1,100 yen (tax included)
Features: Because it is listed at the top as an active ingredient, it is recognized for its effectiveness in improving wrinkles and preventing dark spots. It also has excellent moisturizing power thanks to the inclusion of 3 types of hyaluronic acid.
▶ For those with open pores
Ceramide lotion → Choose one where "ceramide" is high up on the ingredients list
✅ Cezanne | Rich Skin Conditioner
An unwavering favorite for those who say, "I just want high-quality ceramide at a low price."
Types of ceramide: Human-type ceramide (Ceramide AP, NP, EOP)
Price: 500ml / Around 715 yen (tax included)
Features: Contains 3 types of "human-type ceramide" which has high affinity with the skin. Since it is a large 500ml bottle, you can use it generously not only on your face but also for full-body moisturizing after a bath. While it feels refreshing to use, it gives a sense of hydration from within.
▶ For those with sagging pores
Niacinamide + Sunscreen (SPF50+):
→ Niacinamide is an all-purpose ingredient that works for both whitening and pores
✅ Hada Labo | Gokujyun Medicated Firming Lotion (Red Gokujyun)
✅ Moist Labo | Transparent BB Essence Cream (Quasi-drug)
UV protection: SPF50+ / PA++++
Ingredients: Contains active ingredient niacinamide.
Approach to sagging pores: Niacinamide, as an active ingredient for wrinkle improvement, supports firmness with continued use. Also, its smooth texture adheres to stretched pores, providing natural coverage.
Price: Around 1,400 yen
✅Minon | UV Mild Milk
If you're unsure, choose this. A savior for sensitive skin.
Features: Achieves SPF50+ and PA++++ while being free of UV absorbers (non-chemical).
What's amazing about it: A smooth milk type designed to avoid leaving a white cast. It also contains skin-soothing ingredients (dipotassium glycyrrhizate), so it protects your skin while caring for damage caused by sunburn.
Price range: Around 1,700 yen
■ My actual pore care routine
Morning:
Wash face with lukewarm water (no facial cleanser)
↓ Ceramide toner (generous amount)
↓ Sunscreen (SPF50+ / PA++++)
Night:
Cleansing (thoroughly remove sunscreen)
↓ Gently wash with facial cleanser
↓ Niacinamide-infused toner
↓ Emulsion or cream (only on areas where dryness is a concern)
Just these 6 steps. Total cost: less than about 2,000 yen per month🐰
Thank you for reading until the end🐰
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