How to Diminish Pore Size

Pores can be treated at home or professionally at a beauty salon or dermatologist's office.

Enlarged pores are a common facial problem facing both men and women of all ages especially those with combination or oily skin. Large pores can appear all over the face or only on the t-zone area, which is the nose, forehead and chin, or on the cheeks. Certain beauty regimens and specific cosmetics can help diminish pore size or simply make them appear smaller. The goal is to make pores smaller without clogging them, which might lead to breakouts.

Things You'll Need

• Facial cleanser
• Microdermabrasian kit (optional)
• Peel, scrub or exfoliant
• Toner
• Moisturizer
• Primer
• Translucent powder
• Foundation (optional)

Instructions

Pore Minimizing at Home

1. Wet face and wash with cleanser or skip ahead to the peel, scrub or exfoliant. All three are ideal for unclogging pores by removing dry, dead skin and allowing oil to flow. Rub the grainy product or cleanser into face gently and wash off. Some peels or exfoliants need to be kept on the face for a few minutes. Read the directions carefully before use. Or if you choose, first clean the face and then apply a peel or exfoliant.

2. Dry face with a clean towel by patting gently rather than rubbing. Use a toner with a cosmetic cotton pad and gently rub over entire face. Toners usually help tighten pores and make them appear smaller.

3. Apply a primer or pore minimizer. Primers are ideal when applied under moisturizer and makeup, since they prepare the face by creating a protective mask that makes pores smaller. According to Elle magazine, pore size can be reduced by using pore minimizers, which eliminate pigment buildup and diffuse microshadows caused by pores. Pores get larger with age, so it's important to use cosmetics that match your skin type and skin problem, whether you have dry or oily skin, or need acne-prone or anti-aging products.

4. Apply moisturizer or foundation over the primer or pore minimizer. If you need an easier and quicker routine, skip the primer and moisturizer/foundation routine. All you need is translucent powder. According to Allure magazine, a light dusting of translucent powder applied after washing the face fills pores without creating a cakey effect. Moisturizer or foundation can be applied on top if desired, though it's best when liquid foundation is avoided since it seems to magnify pores. If you use foundation, stick to powder foundation.

5. Remove all makeup at the end of the day with a cleanser or makeup remover and apply a night cream or the same pore minimizer. According to Elle magazine, the most important thing is to keep pores clean. In order to achieve that, use an exfoliant such as a scrub with salicylic acid and a retinoid cream or any cream that controls oil.

Professional Pore Minimizing

1. Use a professional microdermabrasion kit that can be purchased at drugstores or go to a beauty salon or spa that performs skin microdermabrasions. This is a more complex method of exfoliating and extracting skin. Gently exfoliate skin to minimize pore appearance or have someone do it for you. Microdermabrasion gets rid of the dead skin, which clogs pores, and stimulates collagen so skin looks smooth and pores are almost invisible.

2. Get a professional facial at a beauty salon or spa, which is more beneficial than a facial or peel done at home. They clean pores deeply and meet your skin's needs when done by a professional. A thorough cleanse is essential for unclogged, minimized pores.

3. Visit a dermatologist for precise consultation relevant to your particular skin type or condition. You might need a special treatment to diminish your pore size such as microdermabrasion, or a medicated cream such as a vitamin A treatment with retinol, which helps reduce pore size. Or you might simply be introduced to a simple at-home routine of thorough facial cleansing with the right cosmetics. Alpha-hydroxy acids are also used for exfoliating skin to minimize pore size as well as beta-hydroxy acids, or salicylic acid, which also helps fight breakouts. Your dermatologist might also recommend a long-term pore perfecting treatment such as Photodynamic Therapy Sessions. This treatment is composed of an energy source such as blue light, which is used to shrink oil glands making pores appear smaller. Then, an acid called Levulan is used to treat acne and evacuate pores as reported by Elle magazine. Sebum and dead cells are reduced and pore size is decreased temporarily, if not permanently.

Tips & Warnings

• Use blotting papers or blotting powder to soak up any excess oil during the day. They will make skin appear smoother and make pores smaller.

• Use a pore minimizing or correcting cream to hide any flaws. It can be used under powder or moisturizer.

• Always clean skin thoroughly and remember to exfoliate with scrubs or peels once a week.

• Avoid smoking and sun exposure, which lead to wrinkles and brown spots, which create enlarged pores.

• Do not overexfoliate. Use less often if a rash, redness or bleeding develops, or speak to a doctor.

• Read all product labels carefully to know what side effects might occur. If you have sensitive skin, test a product before applying it on the entire face.

References

• DERMAdoctor: Blackheads & Enlarged Pores
• iVillage: Treating Enlarged Pores
• Allure: Hot Trick: A New Way to Fake Small Pores
• Elle: Pore Minimizers

Resources

• Total Beauty: Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector by Clinique, Primer + Shine Control Review