How to Minimize Pores

First things first:

Pores are an important part of your skin that work to clean out your dead skin cells onto the skin’s surface, and naturally moisturize it with an oil called sebum. That means you need them to live, so it’s impossible to completely erase them altogether. Clogging and sun damage are 2 culprits for larger-looking pores, but you can take steps to minimize their appearance with a daily routine.

Step 1

Cleanse Washing your face is key because—simply put—the goal is to get rid of the dirt, makeup and oil trapped within your pores. Because oily skin makes pores appear larger, look for products with ingredients that can help reduce oil production like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and green tea.

Step 2

Exfoliate Before you start, open your pores with a warm towel for a few minutes. While exfoliating, use gentle circular motions. Don’t overdo it! 2–3 times a week will do the job without aggravating your skin. Pro tip: Chemical exfoliators and facial peels speed up cell turnover and reduce clogging to help prevent congested pores. Not only do they help to minimize their appearance, but they also improve the look of uneven skin tones and fine lines.

Step 3

Apply retinol Retinol helps to increase collagen production to help improve the thickness of your skin, while also decreasing oil production. This leads to smoother skin and tighter pores!Pro tip: If you have sensitive or super dry skin, start with a trial period. Once a week at first, ramping up to every other night.

Step 4

Put on primer This is your last step to add to your routine before you put on makeup. The main purpose of a primer is to blur and smooth out your complexion, but those specifically made to minimize the look of pores can keep them clear of excess sebum and build-up while also locking in hydration.