HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR PORES — WITHOUT PAINFUL JABS

ACID TREATMENT

CLEAR debris with ALPHA-H Liquid Gold (£33.50, marksandspencer.com), an overnight treatment containing cell-stimulating glycolic acid which clears dead skin while improving skin hydration and encouraging collagen growth. Salicylic acid is also good; try Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (£25, paulaschoice.co.uk); wipe over congested areas once a day.

SCRUB OFF DEAD SKIN

TRY a skin polish like Good Things Porefectly Clear Face Scrub (£4.99. Boots. com), which contains exfoliating particles and activated charcoal, known for its ability to bind itself to grime and extract it from pores. Great for blemish prone skin, it also contains caffeine which soothes redness.

COMPLEXION PERFECTOR

A TWO-minute, oncea-week at-home peel, Christian Breton Stop Surgery Dermabrasion Peel Cream (£68, hqhair. com), contains a cocktail of exfoliants including salicylic and glycolic acids. It’s packed with sandstone crystal particles to reveal new skin, make pores look smaller and keep skin radiant and smooth.

SMOOTHING JADE

FOR an alternative, grab a Jade Beauty Restorer (£35, hayoumethod. com). Chinese traditional medicine claims the stone reduces heat and inflammation by boosting circulation and lymphatic drainage. The results? The body doesn’t have to purge heat through the skin making pores appear smaller.

‘IONIC’ STEAM CLEAN

THE Panasonic Facial Steamer (£ 99.99, argos.co.uk) releases ‘ ionic steam’. The steam raises the temperature of the skin and softens hardened oil in pores, making it easier to extract. Or you could hang your face over a bowl of just-boiled water, with a towel over your head to keep the steam in.