Large pores, unfortunately, are genetic, but in most cases pores aren’t as “large” as you think. But for those who do have them, they are often a source of worry,
STEP 1: Stop worrying about them.
Stop comparing your skin to those impossibly perfect-skinned models in magazines. The only reason they have perfect skin is because they have been made up by experts and airbrushed to look that way. And remember Miranda from The Secret Life of Us? She was a billboard face for facial cleanser and she was still miserable. Case closed.
STEP 2: Keep them clean.
Unfortunately you can’t change the size of your pores, but you can minimise them by tightening the skin around them, thus making the pores appear smaller. One of the main things that make large pores stand out is dirty skin. Pores can appear larger when dirt and oil get trapped in them, so your first step is to have a thorough daily cleansing routine.
There are three key ingredients to look for when it comes to pore-specific products…
Retinol: helps strengthen the elastin and collagen below the surface of the skin, helping pores appear smaller and tighter (try Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Cream)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids: exfoliate skin to make it look smoother and more toned
Beta Hydroxy Acids: exfoliate the skin and work to remove impurities from pores
Both the cleanser and the toner from Neutrogena’s Pore Refining range contain Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids. Add them to your shopping list when you run out of your current product.
STEP 3: Hide and seek.
While you’re waiting for your new cleansing regime to kick in, you can take the hide and seek option and conceal your pores with makeup. Invest in a foundation primer like Napoleon’s Auto Pilot - Pre-Foundation skin primer. Apply the primer to your entire face to even out your skin tone and prevent foundation from sinking into pores. When it dries, apply your foundation.
NOTE: Cream or cream-to-powder foundations are more effective than liquid ones. Finish with a light dusting of loose powder and you’re ready to go – pore-free!
STEP 4: Change your ways.
There are a few other ways to reduce the appearance of your pores. We recommend that you…
- Eat plenty of fresh fish, vegetables and fruit – especially berries and melon.
- Reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet. Choose “good fats” like avocado over saturated fats.
- Swap your usual moisturiser for one specifically designed for minimising the appearance of pores. I’ve been using Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Cream for 3 months and the large pores around my nose have definitely become less noticeable.
TOOL BOX:
- Neutrogena Pore Refining Range: Cleanser, Toner and Cream – available at your local supermarket, pharmacy and Farmers stores.
- Napoleon Auto Pilot – Pre-Foundation skin primer
- Cream or cream-powder foundation
- Loose powder
STEP 1: Stop worrying about them.
Stop comparing your skin to those impossibly perfect-skinned models in magazines. The only reason they have perfect skin is because they have been made up by experts and airbrushed to look that way. And remember Miranda from The Secret Life of Us? She was a billboard face for facial cleanser and she was still miserable. Case closed.
STEP 2: Keep them clean.
Unfortunately you can’t change the size of your pores, but you can minimise them by tightening the skin around them, thus making the pores appear smaller. One of the main things that make large pores stand out is dirty skin. Pores can appear larger when dirt and oil get trapped in them, so your first step is to have a thorough daily cleansing routine.
Retinol: helps strengthen the elastin and collagen below the surface of the skin, helping pores appear smaller and tighter (try Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Cream)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids: exfoliate skin to make it look smoother and more toned
Beta Hydroxy Acids: exfoliate the skin and work to remove impurities from pores
Both the cleanser and the toner from Neutrogena’s Pore Refining range contain Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids. Add them to your shopping list when you run out of your current product.
STEP 3: Hide and seek.
While you’re waiting for your new cleansing regime to kick in, you can take the hide and seek option and conceal your pores with makeup. Invest in a foundation primer like Napoleon’s Auto Pilot - Pre-Foundation skin primer. Apply the primer to your entire face to even out your skin tone and prevent foundation from sinking into pores. When it dries, apply your foundation.
NOTE: Cream or cream-to-powder foundations are more effective than liquid ones. Finish with a light dusting of loose powder and you’re ready to go – pore-free!
STEP 4: Change your ways.
There are a few other ways to reduce the appearance of your pores. We recommend that you…
- Eat plenty of fresh fish, vegetables and fruit – especially berries and melon.
- Reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet. Choose “good fats” like avocado over saturated fats.
- Swap your usual moisturiser for one specifically designed for minimising the appearance of pores. I’ve been using Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Cream for 3 months and the large pores around my nose have definitely become less noticeable.
- Neutrogena Pore Refining Range: Cleanser, Toner and Cream – available at your local supermarket, pharmacy and Farmers stores.
- Napoleon Auto Pilot – Pre-Foundation skin primer
- Cream or cream-powder foundation
- Loose powder
