Our Pore Philosophy

The Medik8 Approach

Many products on the market rely heavily on drying alcohols for a temporary shrinking effect to leave pores less noticeable. While this can reduce their size briefly, drying alcohols impact on overall skin health and can worsen enlarged pores in the long term. Ingredients such as DMAE can cause damage to skin cells, leading to premature ageing and stretched pores, which is why we don’t use it in any of our formulations. Read our overview of the causes of enlarged pores here.

Medik8’s philosophy focuses on improving the skin’s health and pores are shrunk as a natural byproduct of this. We take a three-step approach to reducing the size of pores; targeting all their major causes:

Sebum Levels

Overactive sebum production is a key factor in causing enlarged pores. An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone which signals for sebum production. Red clover extract blocks 5-alpha reductase, reducing the levels of sebum flowing through the pores to reduce potential for stretching or blemishes. Find red clover extract in Pore Minimising Tonic™ and Refining Moisturiser™, where it is also able to improve cellular renewal to limit the formation of blemishes.

Exfoliation

Mandelic acid is an exceptional alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which is both water and oil soluble. This means that it can exfoliate the dead skin cells on the surface, while also penetrating into pores to help dislodge blockages. This helps to prevent stretching of pores from blockages, returning them to their normal shape and keeping blackheads at bay. Find mandelic acid in Pore Cleanse Gel Intense™, which gently exfoliates within pores for a clearer, decongested complexion.

Anti-Ageing

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, protects the skin from premature ageing caused by the environment and UV rays. Able to scavenge harmful free radicals, it can prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin to protect the skin’s delicate structure, for a firmer complexion and taut pores. Find ALA in Pore Minimising Tonic working to shield the complexion from external damage. If you suffer from enlarged pores due to a loss of elasticity in the skin, combining the Pore Refining range with our CSA philosophy is key. Combine usage of Pore Cleanse Gel Intense and Pore Minimising Tonic with Crystal Retinal 6 or Retinol 3TR to boost collagen levels and tighten up enlarged pores.

With an extensive pore range featuring cleansers, moisturisers, masks and treatments, we have a solution whatever your problem. Mix and match key products such as Pore Minimising Tonic with your normal routine, or switch up your skincare regime for a dedicated pore-minimising solution.