LIKE A PRO
Reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and clear up your complexion
Step 1 Find out your skin type.
Even though oily and combination skin types are at greater risk for enlarged pores, dry, dehydrated skin can have the same issue. Factors like pollution, heat and hormonal changes can also add to this problem. To find out where your skin falls on the spectrum (and pick the treatment that’s right for you), don’t hesitate to contact a specialist.
Step 2 Commit to a regular cleansing routine.
Morning and night, wash your skin with a cleanser to eliminate impurities. When choosing which product to use, forget about the ones that dry out your skin, and opt for a cleansing lotion with a light astringent to help tighten your pores. Our favourites contain rosewater or green tea. In the same school of thought, exfoliate without irritating the skin by choosing non-abrasive products like at-home peels, and only use them one or two times a week.
Step 3 Moisturize every day.
Whether your skin looks perfect or not on any particular day, moisturizing is very important. And so is using the right product: Choose a light formula that’s noncomedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) with a water or argan oil base and avoid using products that are formulated with petrolatum, a substance known to clog pores. Purifying clay or charcoal masks can come to the rescue for your pores. Try one application a week, concentrating on the parts of the face that need the most attention, such as the T-zone.
Step 4 Always, always wear sunscreen.
Regular UV ray exposure can harm the skin’s collagen and elastin, exacerbating the dilation of the pores. To avoid any further damage, apply a non-oily sunscreen specifically made for the face’s delicate skin.
Step 5 Thanks to the magic of makeup, cheat!
Start with a makeup base designed to minimize enlarged pores, then apply a light, matte foundation by gently patting the skin with a sponge or your fingers, ‘filling’ the pores and creating the illusion of uniformity. Then set everything in place with a pressed powder.