There are several facial features that we enhance to make them appear bigger and bolder -eyes, lashes, brows, lips- but our pores aren’t one of them. In fact, it’s the exact opposite- we want to hide those suckers as if they don’t even exist. How does one go about this? Let us count the ways…
The best way to make pores appear smaller is to keep them unclogged, and there are many ways to achieve this.
Retinol: Like a chemical exfoliant, retinol increases cell turnover rate, which keeps pores free of dead skin, oil, etc.
Philosophy - Help Me Retinol $49
Clay Masks: Use a clay mask twice a week to suck dirt and oil from pores, leaving them smaller and tighter.
Aztec Secret - Indian Healing Clay Mask $8
Glycolic Acid: This skin-loving ingredient stimulates collagen and tightens pores.
Peter Thomas Roth - Glycolic Acid 10 Percent Toning Complex $40
At-Home Peels
Dr. Jart+ Pore Medic Derma @ Home Peeling $42
Makeup Primer: To temporarily reduce the appearance of pores, use a primer before applying foundation.
Dr. Brant - Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer $45
Oil Cleanser: Consider using an oil cleanser, because facial oil dissolves better in oil than water.
Boscia - Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil $28
SPF: Yet another reason to use SPF daily, too much sun exposure damages collagen and elastin in the skin, making pores appear larger.
Clarins - UV Plus HV Broad Spectrum SPF 40 $41
DIY: “Steam-clean” your skin by holding your face over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head. This opens and cleanses pores (just be careful not to burn yourself). Add essential oil or flowers to the water for the added boost of aromatherapy and a spa-like feel.
More treatments:
Laser Treatments: Ask a dermatologist about laser treatments to permanently shrink pores, i.e. Medlite and Genesis.
Accutane: Used for super-severe acne ONLY, this drug shrinks the oil gland and drys the skin out, which makes pores appear smaller. However they usually go back to normal when you discontinue the drug.
