Enlarged pores can plague you all your life, and they may get worse as you age. According to an article in Marie Claire, dermatologist Kathy Fields, M.D., states that cumulative sun damage can cause your skin to lose collagen and become saggy, which can stretch out your pores. Dirt, oil and dead skin can also clog your pores and make them look larger, as well as potentially lead to breakouts. Keep your skin free of debris and help rebuild lost collagen by using over-the-counter products designed to penetrate skin deeply. Clean, exfoliate and restore your complexion to help minimize enlarged pores.
Step 1
Use a cleanser that contains 1 percent salicylic acid, which is a chemical exfoliant, and wash your face with it each morning. According to Allure, this will help get rid of dead skin cells and keep your pores clear, as well as ward off pimples. Lather the cleanser in your wet palms and massage it onto your face, concentrating especially on the areas where your pores are the largest. Wash it all off with lukewarm water, then dry your hands and face.
Step 2
Apply an oil-free sunscreen. According to an article in Elle magazine, dermatologist David E. Bank, M.D., states that UV and environmental damage can weaken your skin's elasticity and lead to enlarged pores. Slathering on the sunscreen daily will help protect the collagen your skin still has and prevent your pores from becoming larger. Choose a product that is noncomedogenic so it will not clog your pores, and put on more throughout the day if you are outdoors.
Step 3
Dip a large makeup brush into a loose translucent powder, tap off the excess and swirl it onto your skin. Repeat until you achieve the coverage you desire. Allure notes that this will help disguise facial imperfections, such as large pores.
Step 4
Use the salicylic acid cleanser to wash your face again at night. Replace this cleanser twice a week with a creamy exfoliator instead, says Allure. This will help moisturize your skin while also getting rid of the dirt that can clog pores. Marie Claire advises that you stay away from harsh, grainy products when choosing an exfoliator, because these can damage your skin and actually make your enlarged pores worse. Smooth the creamy product onto your wet face, wash it off and pat dry.
Step 5
Smooth a dime-sized amount of peptide cream all over your face each night before bed to make your skin stronger and suppler. Marie Claire notes that this cream will help to minimize your pores by rebuilding collagen and plumping up your skin cells.
Things You'll Need
- 1 percent salicylic acid cleanser
- Towel
- Oil-free sunscreen
- Translucent powder
- Large makeup brush
- Creamy exfoliating cleanser
- Peptide cream
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