Beauty News

How to reduce the appearance of pores

Take charge of yours with these practical and effective tips.

1. Keep them clear

Pores filled with dead skin cells and debris can appear larger, so it’s important to be vigilant about cleansing your skin. An enzyme-based exfoliating cleanser will go a long way, but so will exfoliating two to three times a week with a gentle scrub to help remove any build-up. Consider adding a toner to your regime after cleansing to help refine the texture of your skin.

2. Beef up your skincare

Because our skin loses elasticity as collagen breaks down, it can cause the walls of our pores to sag and look even larger. Keep an eye out for skincare that can help retexturise the surface of your skin by improving cell turnover, along with ingredients that help to improve elasticity and firm the skin. Sun protection is important too because sun damage will also affect your pore size.

3. Absorb excess oil

Along with genetics and age, another reason pores can look more enlarged is if there is an overabundance of oil. The pores expand to allow extra room for the oil to flow out, but can often end up becoming clogged and, once exposed to air, can form a blackhead. Clay masks work well to draw impurities out from pores as well as refining the skin. Pore strips are a worthwhile option for dealing with blackheads.

4. Blur them out

Primers and blurs are the smoke and mirrors of the cosmetic world and they can seriously diminish the look of pores by smoothing over the edges with their silicone-based, powdery, tinted finish. Experiment by patting just a little over problem areas and allowing time for it to dry before you put any other make-up on top. They’re perfectly fine to wear on their own too and can also be gently patted over the top of liquid foundation.

5. Be clever with make-up

Choose your foundation formulation wisely because the last thing you want is one that settles into open pores. Use your skin type as a guide – if you have oily skin, choose an oil-free foundation, and if it’s dry, go for more of a nourishing one. Primer applied underneath will help to create a smooth surface for your foundation to go onto and prevent it from moving around too much. Keep shimmer or highlighting products away from problem areas to ensure that you avoid exaggerating them.

Try these pore busters…

  1. Linden Leaves Skin Refining Cream Cleanser, $40.

  2. Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimising Foundation Primer, $76.

  3. Benefit Porefessional Instant Wipe Out Masks (for 8), $55.

  4. Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub, $67.

  5. Kiehl’s Overnight Resurfacing Micro-Peel Concentrate, $109.

  6. Elizabeth Arden Illuminating Pore Minimising Toner, $69.

  7. Indeed Laboratories Nanoblur, $40.

Related stories