How To Make Your Pores Look Smaller
UV protection is important for minimising pores in the long run. Sun damage enlarges pores over time by thinning the skin and affecting the collagen structure. Opt for a primer that contains SPF. NARS’ Pro-Prime Multi-Protect Primer SPF30, is the perfect solution, offering sun protection as well as pore-shrinking properties.
You should also be cleansing twice daily with a pH-balanced cleanser, and consider using a facial brush for a deeper clean. For an instant fix, primers and blurring creams work wonders to smooth the skin’s surface and make pores appear tighter. YSL’s iconic Touche Éclat Blur Primer will smooth skin in less than a minute and acts as the perfect primer under foundation.
To shrink pores, you could try a peel. New-generation peels work under the surface of the skin to give you an instant glow as well as cleaning out pores to shrink them in the long-run. If acne has left you with enlarged pores and scarring, try the Medik8 betaPeel.
Retinols are vitamin A-based products loved in the beauty world for their anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle properties. In the same way they work to banish wrinkles, they can help to minimise pores by increasing collagen production and plumping skin.
Don’t over exfoliate. It can irritate the skin, keep pores open and thus prone to congestion. Swap gritty scrubs for pre-soaked acid pads and keep an eye out for glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which are particularly effective. If you’re looking for something different. There’s been a recent resurgence of interest in steaming, the old-school ritual that involves immersing your face in steam. Set aside some time a couple of days a week and finish with a toner for the best results.
