Uneven skin, shine and breakouts are just some of the beauty problems that come along with having large pores. While we can’t physically shrink them (though we really wish we could), there are ways to minimize their appearance. Here, celebrity aesthetician Renée Rouleau tells us how.
Exfoliate Often
Make sure your beauty routine includes regular exfoliation, which removes the dry surface cells that make pores look large and deep. Incorporate your favorite grainy scrub, as well as a chemical exfoliant, like an alcohol-free glycolic serum that also helps pores look smaller than they really are. “Another benefit of chemical exfoliants is that they can get into pores and help to keep them cleaned out if they are clogged,” says Rouleau.
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Regular Extractions
Speaking of keeping pores clean, manual extractions are another way to minimize their appearance. You can do them yourself or see an experienced aesthetician on a monthly basis.
A Splash Of Cold Water
A simple and easy trick that gives us the jolt we need in the morning can also hide large pores. “Splashing your skin with cold water will temporarily constrict the opening of your pores, making large ones appear smaller,” Rouleau explains.
Use The Best Skin Care Ingredient
For a more long-term effect, use products packed with one of the biggest anti-aging super ingredients–retinol. “Long-term use of a product containing retinol will really help smooth your skin and make your pores look smaller and less noticeable,” says Rouleau. “It is truly the most scientifically proven ingredient to retexturize skin to reveal a smoother look with less visible pores, lines and wrinkles.”