How do I Treat Visible Pores?

Some people simply have larger pores than others, which makes them more visible. Visible pores are also more likely to become clogged with oil, which can lead to blackheads or blemishes. Visible pores are often found on the nose, chin, and forehead area; unfortunately, it is difficult to shrink pores permanently, but it is possible to minimize their appearance by caring for the skin, and through the use of makeup.

One way to treat visible pores is to develop a daily skin care routine. Wash the face with a gentle cleanser morning and night, and exfoliate with an exfoliating scrub or a mask at least once a week to deeply cleanse. After washing the face, apply a toner to help shrink enlarged pores. It is best to wash the face with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can make pores seem even larger. Remember, never pick at or squeeze a blemish or blackhead; this can cause an infection and make a pore seem even larger.

After cleansing and toning, apply a moisturizer to the skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose an oil-free moisturizer or one that contains acne-fighting ingredients. Those with dry skin should choose a more nourishing moisturizer. A nighttime moisturizer should be thick and rich, but should not clog the pores either. Most facial moisturizers are labeled non-comedogenic, which means they will not clog the pores.

Next, you can camouflage visible pores with makeup. For areas where pores are especially large, such as around the nose, you may choose to apply a pore concealer. This is a product that fills in large pores, making them less noticeable; it comes in different shades for different skin tones. Be sure to always remove this product at the end of the day. Once you have applied pore concealer to problem areas, you can treat the whole face.

Some people apply a makeup primer before foundation, which can make skin appear smoother. A mineral powder foundation often works well to conceal visible pores as well, and this may be applied over the entire face, but a liquid foundation can work as well. It is best to apply makeup as soon as possible after applying a moisturizer, because it helps the makeup blend into the skin more seamlessly. In addition to at-home treatments and makeup, spa treatments such as facials at a salon can help to remove existing blackheads and conceal visible pores.