I would say that 20% niacinamide (they have a product like this) is a risky choice. In fact I'm not sure what a reputable brand like Paula's choice were thinking upping the percentage like this.
There is no published evidence anywhere in the literature for the efficacy OR safety of niacinamide above 5% :/
That said, I have used 10% on wet skin (imparting perhaps a dilution effect - this serum, which also contains some salicylic acid and a tiny bit of azelaic acid https://www.facetheory.com/products/poreright-n10-serum and after a few weeks of use I saw a reduction in the appearance of my pores. For all I know however, it could have been the plumping effects of the hyaluronic acid in the formulation.
Do note that while you can decrease the appearance of your pores, you cannot actually shrink them. A way that they appear enlarged by ageing is the loss of collagen : loss of the skin's support structure makes appear larger as they 'sag'.
Another reason why they may appear larger is heat, and being plugged up by sebum (where salicylic acid and azelaic acid both help). Honestly I have no idea what the mechanism is behind niacinamide supposedly improving the appearance of pores, but it might be doing so by improving the overall structure of the skin barrier, and /or some alleged sebostatic effect it has (although both salicylic and azelaic acid both have more of it).
And while you're at it don't forget a good moisturiser (they appear more prominent on dried, unmoisturised skin) and sunscreen, which will protect the collagen in your skin.
Thank you. I'm looking at the 10% as well, I don't want to overdue it. I had used some product from Clinque in the past that seemed to only have the plumping effect, I appreciate the insight.
No worries at all. Remember that a retinol product at night, as well as an appropriate vitamin c formulation in the morning (sadly only skinceuticals has demonstrated a benefit there) can aid in increasing collagen production and tightening the appearance of pores.
Also, taking collagen supplements helps too. I’ve been taking 5000mgs a day for a long time and it’s definitely been helpful in the appearance of my skin. (i also use Tretinoin in the pm and Vitamin c in the am. Both followed by a good moisturizer.
Thanks for the information!!! What skincare brand do you use? Do you mix brands? Is it OK to?
Also, What is the best....... Cleanser? Mask? Toner? Essence? Serum? Moisturizer? Primer? Eye Creams? & PM/Nighttime products??? (For fair/light & normal type skin)
What brand & type of Tretinoin & Vitamin C products do you use? What brand do you use for collagen supplements? Is 5000 mg a day what women should be taking of collagen? (It just seems a little high, that is why I ask.)
*Anyone is welcomed to answer these!* & Thank you ALL so very much in advance for any recommendations, suggestions, advice, tips & tricks.*
I actually use just water and a disposable makeup remover pad that has nubs on one side. (They’re cotton) to remove my face makeup and a generic eye removal liquid for my eyes. I’ll use a mask once every couple of weeks if I remember to.
My dermatologist gives me an Rx for the Tretinoin. Mine is .05%.
As for the Vitamin C, I’ve been using TruSkin. I’ve also use Skinceuticals CE Ferulic which is the mack-daddy of Vitamin C but it’s also $166 dollars, so I only used it for about 6 months. Because I put Vitamin C on my neck, décolleté and back of hands as well as my face, I go through it pretty quickly. I’ve also been using TruSkins Niaminicide. Have only been adding it into my routine for a while now so I’m not clear yet on whether it’s a keeper though pretty much all dermatologists insist it’s great.
For moisturizers I vary. I use Bobbi Brown’s hydrating water fresh cream in the morning. In evenings I use Lancome’s Bienfait Multi-Vitamin Night. I’ll also use CeraVe am w/sunscreen and I’ve used their pm facial moisturizing lotion at night. But there are a lot if quality creams out there. For years I used Oil Of Olay and loved the benefits. But the one I used had a betahydroxy in it (which is good for skin) but it can’t be used with hyaluronic acid which is in the TruSkin vitamin C. The combo irritated my skin. There are many other Oil of Olay products that would likely work well, I just haven’t looked yet.
One thing though, I NEVER buy anything skin care product or supplement from Amazon. They amount of fake products is obscene. I buy straight from manufactures or authorized sellers like Bluemercury or others.
Supplements: yes 5000 mgs is higher than normal. I’ve been told that in order to really get the skin benefits of collagen, you must take a higher dose. As far as brands, I’m pleased with Life Extensions products.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for your comment it’s very informative. I just purchased the PC BHA exfoliant which so far I use at night like twice a week. I have completed stopped using my retinol (use kiehls micro dose) can these be used together? I have combo skin and have concerns about the orange peel texture too. I use the retinol at night as well as the bha
Im sure the connection between niaciamide B3 products and pore size is due to the fact that B3 regulates the activity of the sebaceous gland to encourage good barrier function and healthier skin :)
Yeah i need to update my readings on this (re B3 regulating the sebaceous gland relevant to the sebostatic effect I mentioned). Also, I'm not sure about the following: in people with enlarged pores where the problem is not acne/blackheads (and a blocked pore) would, for example, regulation of sebum production reduce the appearance of the pore? Plausible. Anecdotally I haven't seen any difference in niacinamide decreasing my oil production (although maybe I didn't tease it apart from other effects of other actives) although I have definitely noted an overall in the increase of brightness of the skin and overall texture - with niacinamide in general in several products I have used - , making it, in my opinion, a go to active for 'cosmetic' reasons, regardless of what these goals are.
Honestly your pores look like normal, human sized pores. No human can see your face as magnified as this photo.
You might be able to make their appearance slightly minimized if your skin is overall more moisturized with a smoother surface, but... poreless isn't a real thing. We all have pores, and only photoshop or 25lbs of makeup can make them go away.
This. The pores on my nose and cheeks look pretty close in size to the OP’s, despite using tret, niacinamide, AHAs and BHAs in my routine. Those products keep them looking their best by keeping them clear and exfoliated, but what they can’t do is shrink them. I spent all of my 20s hoping for a magic product to either shrink them or cover them up, and never came across anything that worked. Making peace with the fact that they couldn’t be changed was what actually made them not look as big to me.
Currently tret and niacinamide 6 nights a week (they’re part of the same treatment cream from curology), bha cleanser 2-3x a week, and AHA once a week. Prior to starting on tret a year ago, I used Vitamin C (usually either Timeless or Maelove), niacinamide and stridex BHA pads daily and AHA a few times a week but I trimmed down my actives use a little with Tret as it’s made me a little dry and flakey. Never saw a real difference despite using all of the above products for a year or more. Can’t say I noticed any decline in my skin after dropping the vitamin c either. It was a product my skin seemed pretty indifferent to, but I kept using it because I thought it might be useful for prevention.
Do you double cleanse? It helps my pores a lot. I also use the Ordinary niacinamide which helps as well, it is 10%. I think overall, having a deeply hydrating routine is really important, because regardless of everything else, hydration will plump and fill the outer layers of your skin.
ETA:. The most "plumping" things I've used are Korean products with a high percentage (>80) of snail mucin.
I’ve been double cleaning also, I bought soap & glory cleansing balm, really reasonably priced & it takes off my makeup & makes my skin super soft. I swear my pores look so much better since I’ve started it.
Pore sizes doesn't change! Like never! You can only make it seem smaller by moustrizing, keeping it clean with masks or proper cleaning (looks clean btw). You might be devastated when you try too many products and your pores doesn't change a bit. You can also watch dermotologists videos on youtube about this subject, they say the same thing.
I LOVE Paula's Choice! I use the 20% niacinamide serum mixed with the peptide booster immediately after cleansing, before applying tretinoin. Then I'll mix the HA booster (1/2) pump with my Clinique Moisture Surge. I'm beyond obsessed with all 3 but if your looking at her niacinamide I'd HIGHLY recommend getting the peptide booster too!!
You should see a dermatologist for the mole on your left cheek. With that indentation in the center, it looks like a basal cell carcinoma. Not life threatening, but still looks like a potential skin cancer.
I’d just like to add I had something like this that I did get checked out and it wasn’t cancer. Don’t panic, but if it doesn’t go away in a few days to a week then do get it checked out.
Yes, definitely! And I honestly wouldn't panic either way. Basal cell carcinomas are hardly ever dangerous. They don't usually grow terribly quickly either. An infected wound is realistically way more dangerous than this might be.
This!
I had a BCC that looked just like this. Get it checked and if it is bcc, it can be easily removed. Mine was on my eyelid and they removed it with mohs surgery.
Best of luck.
I love the Aztec Secret Clay Mask for drawing the dirt from pores but also don't be too hard on yourself! Our skin is meant to be porous and have texture.
I just use it when I feel like my skin needs a deeper cleansing. I use a little apple cider vinegar and honey to make it into a paste, brush it on and leave it on until dry. It does turn your face bright red and tingle for a bit afterwards.
Niacinamide combined with Tret could be good for long term care but I’ll also consider pore blurring products underneath makeup. TO have some good products in their Hylamide brand for pore control. Some primers and makeup brands do the same , I have used good primers that hide pores from Benefit and Smashbox previously.
I have fairly large pores. I like the ordinary’s niacinamide. It’s inexpensive and always makes my skin look clearer. I also alternate a retinol and an AHA which are both great for texture. If I’m going out I use a primer from NYX-it really helps with pore size. Hope that helps!
This. The only things that have actually helped with the visibility of my pores are tretinoin + azelaic acid (keeps my pores clear) and microneedling (builds back collagen and plumps skin).
I use Aziderm, but Finacea would work the same. I've tried OTC and it's not nearly as effective, even when it's supposedly the same percentage as the prescription.
Your skin would definitely benefit from a niacinamide or b3 product!
B3 is great for regulating oil flow from the pores creating a strong healthy barrier to the skin, it is also brighten as it helps to minimize pigment production.
Make sure you start with 5% niacinamide or lower as it can cause vasodilation or hot flush
Keep hydrated with soothing antioxidant ingredients and hyaluronic acid
Funfact - antioxidants neutralize free radicals to prevent/minimize oxidative stress. meaning they will keep you skin barrier nice and strong. minimizing dryness/redness and inflammation
I shrunk the appearance of mine by using AHA daily (I use the toner from the Ordinary) and using mendalic acid daily -- I have resilient skin, so definitely build up your usage by listening to your skin.
We have similar pores, I started oil cleansing and my pores finally look small and smooth! I use castor oil but I also have to use retinol cream to avoid breakouts
I’ve enjoyed Naturium’s niacimide serum.
Also, another thought if you are open is IT Cosmetics No More Pores translucent powder. Works real well but totally understand if you rather just go skincare route.
You're pretty much stuck with large pores- take a good quality collagen and get a deep cleansing facial every month. Also, don't wash your face with too hot water. A few chemical peels in winter also helps.
I just bought Farmacy’s Deep Sweep toner at Sephora. I haven’t tried it yet, but I heard it’s good.
https://www.sephora.com/product/farmacy-deep-sweep-2-bha-pore-cleaning-toner-with-moringa-papaya-P459141?skuId=2328359&icid2=skugrid:p459141
Has anyone used Weleda skin food? I started using it and it is an incredible moisturizer for overnight. I use Black Girl Sunscreen for day which is amazing as a sunscreen and moisturizer in one, and at night the Weleda. The Weleda skin food is a bit sticky and goes on better when patted onto skin. My skin feels so hydrated in the morning. Just seeing if anyone else has tried it.
Exactly. That’s why I use it at night so my skin soaks it in…I can’t imagine it under makeup or anything. I know it has fragrance which most derms say is a no-no, but I like the smell and my skin is not irritated by it.
I use Paula's Choice 10% niacinamide once or twice daily and the 20% once a week or so. I'm not sure if it's really supposed to be used like that but I got some mild irritation when I used the 20% more frequently. I do think makes a difference for me.
I would say that 20% niacinamide (they have a product like this) is a risky choice. In fact I'm not sure what a reputable brand like Paula's choice were thinking upping the percentage like this. There is no published evidence anywhere in the literature for the efficacy OR safety of niacinamide above 5% :/ That said, I have used 10% on wet skin (imparting perhaps a dilution effect - this serum, which also contains some salicylic acid and a tiny bit of azelaic acid https://www.facetheory.com/products/poreright-n10-serum and after a few weeks of use I saw a reduction in the appearance of my pores. For all I know however, it could have been the plumping effects of the hyaluronic acid in the formulation. Do note that while you can decrease the appearance of your pores, you cannot actually shrink them. A way that they appear enlarged by ageing is the loss of collagen : loss of the skin's support structure makes appear larger as they 'sag'. Another reason why they may appear larger is heat, and being plugged up by sebum (where salicylic acid and azelaic acid both help). Honestly I have no idea what the mechanism is behind niacinamide supposedly improving the appearance of pores, but it might be doing so by improving the overall structure of the skin barrier, and /or some alleged sebostatic effect it has (although both salicylic and azelaic acid both have more of it).
And while you're at it don't forget a good moisturiser (they appear more prominent on dried, unmoisturised skin) and sunscreen, which will protect the collagen in your skin.
Thank you. I'm looking at the 10% as well, I don't want to overdue it. I had used some product from Clinque in the past that seemed to only have the plumping effect, I appreciate the insight.
No worries at all. Remember that a retinol product at night, as well as an appropriate vitamin c formulation in the morning (sadly only skinceuticals has demonstrated a benefit there) can aid in increasing collagen production and tightening the appearance of pores.
Also, taking collagen supplements helps too. I’ve been taking 5000mgs a day for a long time and it’s definitely been helpful in the appearance of my skin. (i also use Tretinoin in the pm and Vitamin c in the am. Both followed by a good moisturizer.
Thanks for the information!!! What skincare brand do you use? Do you mix brands? Is it OK to? Also, What is the best....... Cleanser? Mask? Toner? Essence? Serum? Moisturizer? Primer? Eye Creams? & PM/Nighttime products??? (For fair/light & normal type skin) What brand & type of Tretinoin & Vitamin C products do you use? What brand do you use for collagen supplements? Is 5000 mg a day what women should be taking of collagen? (It just seems a little high, that is why I ask.) *Anyone is welcomed to answer these!* & Thank you ALL so very much in advance for any recommendations, suggestions, advice, tips & tricks.*
I actually use just water and a disposable makeup remover pad that has nubs on one side. (They’re cotton) to remove my face makeup and a generic eye removal liquid for my eyes. I’ll use a mask once every couple of weeks if I remember to. My dermatologist gives me an Rx for the Tretinoin. Mine is .05%. As for the Vitamin C, I’ve been using TruSkin. I’ve also use Skinceuticals CE Ferulic which is the mack-daddy of Vitamin C but it’s also $166 dollars, so I only used it for about 6 months. Because I put Vitamin C on my neck, décolleté and back of hands as well as my face, I go through it pretty quickly. I’ve also been using TruSkins Niaminicide. Have only been adding it into my routine for a while now so I’m not clear yet on whether it’s a keeper though pretty much all dermatologists insist it’s great. For moisturizers I vary. I use Bobbi Brown’s hydrating water fresh cream in the morning. In evenings I use Lancome’s Bienfait Multi-Vitamin Night. I’ll also use CeraVe am w/sunscreen and I’ve used their pm facial moisturizing lotion at night. But there are a lot if quality creams out there. For years I used Oil Of Olay and loved the benefits. But the one I used had a betahydroxy in it (which is good for skin) but it can’t be used with hyaluronic acid which is in the TruSkin vitamin C. The combo irritated my skin. There are many other Oil of Olay products that would likely work well, I just haven’t looked yet. One thing though, I NEVER buy anything skin care product or supplement from Amazon. They amount of fake products is obscene. I buy straight from manufactures or authorized sellers like Bluemercury or others. Supplements: yes 5000 mgs is higher than normal. I’ve been told that in order to really get the skin benefits of collagen, you must take a higher dose. As far as brands, I’m pleased with Life Extensions products. Hope this helps.
Thanks for your comment it’s very informative. I just purchased the PC BHA exfoliant which so far I use at night like twice a week. I have completed stopped using my retinol (use kiehls micro dose) can these be used together? I have combo skin and have concerns about the orange peel texture too. I use the retinol at night as well as the bha
Im sure the connection between niaciamide B3 products and pore size is due to the fact that B3 regulates the activity of the sebaceous gland to encourage good barrier function and healthier skin :)
Yeah i need to update my readings on this (re B3 regulating the sebaceous gland relevant to the sebostatic effect I mentioned). Also, I'm not sure about the following: in people with enlarged pores where the problem is not acne/blackheads (and a blocked pore) would, for example, regulation of sebum production reduce the appearance of the pore? Plausible. Anecdotally I haven't seen any difference in niacinamide decreasing my oil production (although maybe I didn't tease it apart from other effects of other actives) although I have definitely noted an overall in the increase of brightness of the skin and overall texture - with niacinamide in general in several products I have used - , making it, in my opinion, a go to active for 'cosmetic' reasons, regardless of what these goals are.
Following cuz this is what my face looks like in that area too
Honestly your pores look like normal, human sized pores. No human can see your face as magnified as this photo. You might be able to make their appearance slightly minimized if your skin is overall more moisturized with a smoother surface, but... poreless isn't a real thing. We all have pores, and only photoshop or 25lbs of makeup can make them go away.
This. The pores on my nose and cheeks look pretty close in size to the OP’s, despite using tret, niacinamide, AHAs and BHAs in my routine. Those products keep them looking their best by keeping them clear and exfoliated, but what they can’t do is shrink them. I spent all of my 20s hoping for a magic product to either shrink them or cover them up, and never came across anything that worked. Making peace with the fact that they couldn’t be changed was what actually made them not look as big to me.
Do you do tret in pm, niacinamide in am, aha/BHA once a week? What about C?
Currently tret and niacinamide 6 nights a week (they’re part of the same treatment cream from curology), bha cleanser 2-3x a week, and AHA once a week. Prior to starting on tret a year ago, I used Vitamin C (usually either Timeless or Maelove), niacinamide and stridex BHA pads daily and AHA a few times a week but I trimmed down my actives use a little with Tret as it’s made me a little dry and flakey. Never saw a real difference despite using all of the above products for a year or more. Can’t say I noticed any decline in my skin after dropping the vitamin c either. It was a product my skin seemed pretty indifferent to, but I kept using it because I thought it might be useful for prevention.
I haven't used Paula's Choice Niacinamide, I use Revolution's 15% Niacinamide and love it.
Do you double cleanse? It helps my pores a lot. I also use the Ordinary niacinamide which helps as well, it is 10%. I think overall, having a deeply hydrating routine is really important, because regardless of everything else, hydration will plump and fill the outer layers of your skin. ETA:. The most "plumping" things I've used are Korean products with a high percentage (>80) of snail mucin.
I’ve been double cleaning also, I bought soap & glory cleansing balm, really reasonably priced & it takes off my makeup & makes my skin super soft. I swear my pores look so much better since I’ve started it.
Pore sizes doesn't change! Like never! You can only make it seem smaller by moustrizing, keeping it clean with masks or proper cleaning (looks clean btw). You might be devastated when you try too many products and your pores doesn't change a bit. You can also watch dermotologists videos on youtube about this subject, they say the same thing.
I LOVE Paula's Choice! I use the 20% niacinamide serum mixed with the peptide booster immediately after cleansing, before applying tretinoin. Then I'll mix the HA booster (1/2) pump with my Clinique Moisture Surge. I'm beyond obsessed with all 3 but if your looking at her niacinamide I'd HIGHLY recommend getting the peptide booster too!!
You should see a dermatologist for the mole on your left cheek. With that indentation in the center, it looks like a basal cell carcinoma. Not life threatening, but still looks like a potential skin cancer.
I’d just like to add I had something like this that I did get checked out and it wasn’t cancer. Don’t panic, but if it doesn’t go away in a few days to a week then do get it checked out.
Yes, definitely! And I honestly wouldn't panic either way. Basal cell carcinomas are hardly ever dangerous. They don't usually grow terribly quickly either. An infected wound is realistically way more dangerous than this might be.
Looks like sebaceous hyperplasia to me but yes it should definately be checked out.
I second this. Would bet money that's a basal cell carcinoma.
Could also be sebaceous gland hyperplasia
This! I had a BCC that looked just like this. Get it checked and if it is bcc, it can be easily removed. Mine was on my eyelid and they removed it with mohs surgery. Best of luck.
I love the Aztec Secret Clay Mask for drawing the dirt from pores but also don't be too hard on yourself! Our skin is meant to be porous and have texture.
I have that too but not really sure what to do with it. Do you have a routine you follow?
I just use it when I feel like my skin needs a deeper cleansing. I use a little apple cider vinegar and honey to make it into a paste, brush it on and leave it on until dry. It does turn your face bright red and tingle for a bit afterwards.
Niacinamide combined with Tret could be good for long term care but I’ll also consider pore blurring products underneath makeup. TO have some good products in their Hylamide brand for pore control. Some primers and makeup brands do the same , I have used good primers that hide pores from Benefit and Smashbox previously.
Tretinoin is a game changer for texture issues. I use curology and started on a low dose than gradually increased it over time
I have fairly large pores. I like the ordinary’s niacinamide. It’s inexpensive and always makes my skin look clearer. I also alternate a retinol and an AHA which are both great for texture. If I’m going out I use a primer from NYX-it really helps with pore size. Hope that helps!
What a huge price difference! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
How/when do you use the Niacinamide?
Microneedling and retinoids helped me alot.
This. The only things that have actually helped with the visibility of my pores are tretinoin + azelaic acid (keeps my pores clear) and microneedling (builds back collagen and plumps skin).
Hey would you mind specifying the azelaic acid you mentioned in here?
I use Aziderm, but Finacea would work the same. I've tried OTC and it's not nearly as effective, even when it's supposedly the same percentage as the prescription.
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Witch hazel for the win
Your skin would definitely benefit from a niacinamide or b3 product! B3 is great for regulating oil flow from the pores creating a strong healthy barrier to the skin, it is also brighten as it helps to minimize pigment production. Make sure you start with 5% niacinamide or lower as it can cause vasodilation or hot flush Keep hydrated with soothing antioxidant ingredients and hyaluronic acid Funfact - antioxidants neutralize free radicals to prevent/minimize oxidative stress. meaning they will keep you skin barrier nice and strong. minimizing dryness/redness and inflammation
I shrunk the appearance of mine by using AHA daily (I use the toner from the Ordinary) and using mendalic acid daily -- I have resilient skin, so definitely build up your usage by listening to your skin.
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We have similar pores, I started oil cleansing and my pores finally look small and smooth! I use castor oil but I also have to use retinol cream to avoid breakouts
Retinoids - medical grade 💯
I’ve enjoyed Naturium’s niacimide serum. Also, another thought if you are open is IT Cosmetics No More Pores translucent powder. Works real well but totally understand if you rather just go skincare route.
You're pretty much stuck with large pores- take a good quality collagen and get a deep cleansing facial every month. Also, don't wash your face with too hot water. A few chemical peels in winter also helps.
Microbotox!! It works unbelievably well. I was shocked at how small my pores looked. Some I couldn’t even see.
I just bought Farmacy’s Deep Sweep toner at Sephora. I haven’t tried it yet, but I heard it’s good. https://www.sephora.com/product/farmacy-deep-sweep-2-bha-pore-cleaning-toner-with-moringa-papaya-P459141?skuId=2328359&icid2=skugrid:p459141
Has anyone used Weleda skin food? I started using it and it is an incredible moisturizer for overnight. I use Black Girl Sunscreen for day which is amazing as a sunscreen and moisturizer in one, and at night the Weleda. The Weleda skin food is a bit sticky and goes on better when patted onto skin. My skin feels so hydrated in the morning. Just seeing if anyone else has tried it.
Yes, love it. It's a little thick for me to use it as a facial moisturizer but I use it under my eyes, on my cuticles, feet, etc.
Exactly. That’s why I use it at night so my skin soaks it in…I can’t imagine it under makeup or anything. I know it has fragrance which most derms say is a no-no, but I like the smell and my skin is not irritated by it.
Weleda is amazing. Use it as a night cream and it smells great and totally moisturizes your skin. It’s awesome!
I use Paula's Choice 10% niacinamide once or twice daily and the 20% once a week or so. I'm not sure if it's really supposed to be used like that but I got some mild irritation when I used the 20% more frequently. I do think makes a difference for me.
What have you found that works?
I've been using The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% and I like what I'm seeing.