Large pores are a problem for many women, preventing us from having the smooth-looking skin we desire. There are a myriad of face washes, masks, and other products that promise to shrink pores, but this is an impossibility. Pore size is related to oil production, which is genetic. You can’t change the size of your pores any more than you can change the size of your eyes or ears. However, there are products you can use that will hide the pores, as well as products you should avoid, which accentuate them.
As a teenager, I tried all sorts of products that promised to shrink my pores, but I never found one that worked. I later learned that the effect of these products is temporary at best – they may provide a tightening of the skin, but it doesn’t last very long.
It’s very important to avoid products that will make big pores look even bigger. One example is mineral makeup, the most famous example being Bare Minerals (although there are dozens of similar products now on the market). When I tried a sample of a product at a salon, I was amazed to find that the pores on my nose and cheeks looked enormous – almost as if someone had drawn dots all over my face with a black pen. I have heard from many other women who experienced the same problem with mineral makeup, so if you have large pores, make sure to try before you buy.
Another product to be cautious of is shimmer, whether it’s in a gel, liquid or powder. A bit of shimmer on the cheeks can create a lovely highlighting effect, but if you have large pores there, adding shimmer is like shining a spotlight on them. When you use shimmer, it is wise to avoid placing it on areas that have noticeable wrinkles or large pores.
Make sure that your pores are clean. Pores that are clogged or dirty will be all the more noticeable. In addition to daily cleansing, consider adding a Beta Hydroxy Acid (also known as salicylic acid) to your skincare routine. This exfoliant can get into the pore to improve cell turnover and get rid of dead skin cells that are clogging it up.
Now onto hiding the pores. There is one product I have found that sort of acts like spackle for your face. It is Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector. It fills in your pores, making them almost seem to disappear. It also has a slight mattifying effect, which is helpful because oily skin and large pores often go hand in hand. I apply this to my nose and cheeks after applying an oil control product (see my article on oily skin for more information), and I then have a smooth, almost “porcelain” effect on my skin.
While you can’t change the pores you were born with, if you follow these steps, your skin can still look great.
