How to Minimize Your Pores
By: Alexandra Tunell
Courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar
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Question: Is it possible to shrink my pores?
Answer: Large pores are the result of genetics and loose collagen in the skin, but with the right skin care regimen and proper exfoliation, “yes, you can temporarily shrink them,” says Dr. Ellen Marmur, founder of Marmur Medical and author of Simple Skin Beauty. “Use light makeup and be sure to remove 100% of it daily so that no debris sticks in the pore,” says Marmur, who recommends double cleansing with washes and scrubs that contain Vitamin C to brighten skin and salicylic acid to refine pores.
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"Double cleansing is cleaning your face twice with two different cleansers, one being oil-based to dissolve sebum and remove surface impurities, followed by your normal everyday cleanser," she says, and it’s ideal for people with oily skin and acne as well as those who live in big cities and are exposed to more pollutants or women who workout regularly. In addition to using sun protection, collagen-boosting creams and pore cleansing strips daily, "Thermage and fractional lasers work wonders to minimize pores," says Marmur. "Have the in-office procedures at least once a year and have facials with steam and light acids to chemically rid the pores of built up protein. And never, ever, ever pick."
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Courtesy of Soap & Glory, Clinique and Dr. Jart+
From left to right: Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It, $20, sephora.com; Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfecting Makeup, $27, clinique.com; Dr. Jart+ Pore Minimalist Mask, $7.50, sephora.com.
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