The problem with pores is that when you don't treat them right they become clogged and enlarged. Coupled with dry skin, pores can look worse than they actually are. But there are definitely ways to unclog pores and amazing make-up products to give the illusion of having almost no pores at all. Here are some of the best things to do, and use, to handle your pore problem.
Grainy Stuff
In order to help pores do their 'job' of allowing oil to flow efficiently, use a grainy exfoliant cleanser, which will polish off the dry, dead skin that's clogging them. Just be careful with grainy products. Use them gently and not too often. If you overdo it with washing, the body produces more oil in an attempt to replace it.
Facials
Facials are brilliant for thorough, deep-pore cleansing, not to mention how soothing they can be. The mark of a good facial is that it's personalised to meet the precise needs of your skin, so it's essential to have a consultation with a beauty therapist in which you discuss your needs and concerns prior to service. Another great feature of a facial is that you can have nasty blackheads (pores blocked with dead cells) safely extracted.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion significantly lessens the appearance of pores by 'roughening up' skin, therefore loosening the dead skin that clogs pores. It also stimulates collagen so skin looks really smooth. You can have it done professionally - try www.crystalclear.co.uk. Or you might like to try a less vigorous but still highly effective at-home product such as Origins Modern Friction. Just don't get microdermabrasion if you have spider veins. The skin treatment can make them worse.
Alpha and Beta Acids
Both alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids exfoliate to prevent dead skin cells from building up and clogging pores, but while alpha hydroxy acid is water-soluble only, beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) is oil soluble, so it's able to really seep into the sebum-packed pore, exfoliating the dead skin cells built up inside. Look for products that contain salicylic acid. If you have combination skin, you can find products like Murad's Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel, which contains both salicylic and glycolic acid.
Tretinoin
Ask your doctor to refer you to a dermatologist if your pores call for something stronger. Tretinoin, the drug widely known as Retin-A helps unclog pores by loosening blackheads and speeding up cell turnover. If the gel-based Retin-A is too harsh, ask about Renova, which comes in a moisturising base.
- Skip Foundation: Avoid applying foundation to any areas where pores are enlarged. Foundation just seems to magnify their look - even mattifying foundations seem to call more attention to pores.
- Use Blotting Powder: Apply a neutral blotting powder directly to any areas where pores appear larger. The powder will diffuse the look of the pores so all you'll see is a smooth, more matted surface. MAC Cosmetics makes a terrific one.
- Apply a Pore-Perfecting Cream: Look for gels and tinted creams formulated to smooth the appearance of pores. Just put the product directly on areas that are bothering you. Let it set and lightly apply powder over it.