How To: Minimize pores

You can't change the size of your pores, but you can make them look a lot smaller.

You Will Need

* A facial cleanser containing salicylic acid
* An oil-free moisturizer with retinol
* SPF 30 Sunscreen
* A facial primer containing silicone
* Matte makeup
* A gentle exfoliant
* Redness-reducing eye drops (optional)
* A dermatologist (optional)
* An at-home chemical peel (optional)
* A do-it-yourself dermabrasion kit (optional)

Step 1: Wash your face twice daily
Wash your face twice a day with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, which can minimize the appearance of large pores by unclogging them.

Step 2: Use an oil-free moisturizer
Make sure your daily moisturizer is oil-free—especially if you have greasy skin—because facial oil can make pores look larger. Use one that contains retinol. It boosts collagen, making pores look smaller.

Step 3: Use sunscreen daily
Slather on the sunscreen. Sun damage can make pores look larger—permanently. Use a sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection and has a minimum SPF of 30.

Step 4: Prime your skin
Before applying makeup, prep your face with foundation primer containing silicone, which fills in the pores, creating a smooth surface for your foundation.

Step 5: Use matte makeup
Use matte foundation. It makes pores look smaller than cream- or oil-based ones, whose shine only highlights pores.

Step 6: Exfoliate weekly
Exfoliate your face weekly with a facial scrub or loofah. Exfoliating helps keep pores free of the dirt and oil that cause them to look larger.

Step 7: Consider dermatological treatments
Ask a dermatologist if you're a good candidate for a topical retinoid cream, or for treatments like a chemical peel, laser-skin resurfacing, intense-pulsed-light treatment, or dermabrasion.

Step 8: Consider the upside
Consider the upside: Prominent pores often result from oily skin, which looks less wrinkled than dry skin as you age.