Closing Pores

[Mafe]

I'm just a girl, standing in front of all these beautiful people, asking them which products they consider BEST for enlarged pores!?🤔🤷🏻‍♀️

[meaners]

Peels work wonders. I have tried so many different things using sephora's samples (which is a good idea to hunt for what's best for you). I have the same problem you're facing and I use an AHA peel once a week and it keeps my skin looking great. I use a stronger one I think it's 20%, which some people might think is too much but it's not really harsh at all in my opinion. Not saying it won't be for someone else but I personally feel like for me, any lower percentage is a waste of money. Hope this helps!

[suze]

One of my biggest skin concerns were large pores. I started upping my moisture (and drinking lots of water!) and it helped tremendously. I also added in a day and a night serum. Kiehls daily serum (its yellow) followed by belif moisture bomb. At night I use the Origins night-a-mins serum followed by the night-a-mins moisturizer. (I think that serum has been the biggest game changer.) they were noticeably smaller, even without makeup. As far as makeup goes Dr. Brandt Pores No More is a good primer, but really matte. Boscia also has some great products for pores. Good luck!

[saraf89]

Hey I just wanted to let you know that there is no product currently on the market that can actually shrink your pores. As far as I know that can only be done by a laser. Exfoliating can help make your pores look less noticeable but won't actually tighten or shrink them. A chemical exfoliant might actually be beneficial. It won't make your pores vanish or untraceable but it will smooth your skin texture. I recommend an AHA for dry skin and as far as the percentage that depends on your skin sensitivity. Don't waste your money on products that give people false hope

[MissPuff]

@Mafe I second @glamLAURous, do not, by any means, use the St. Ives Apricot Scrub. The particles are entirely too rough to be scrubbed over your skin and will hurt, rather than help.

Like she mentioned, pores are genetic, you can't really shrink them but you can certainly clear them if they're clogged. Unclogged pores give the appearance of smaller pores. A regular routine of gentle cleanser and regular exfoliation will help, though I prefer chemical exfoliation to physical, plus a BHA serum (Paula's Choice makes a few different concentrations, great option) before moisturizer. 

Though, for an instant fix, and who doesn't love instant, my absolute holy grail is the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask. It's a pink clay mask that sucks everything out of my pores in roughly 10 minutes. There's an immediate visual difference that's even more noticeable the next day. It's a bit drying, so I only use it on my T-zone, then have to hydrate like crazy afterwards, but it's amazing, best clay mask I've ever used.

https://www.sephora.com/product/instant-detox-mask-P395615

A little pricey, and in theory, all clay based masks serve a similar purpose. Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask is another good one that's a bit more affordable, and I think, is a 100pt perk this month, so you might be able to get a sample to try first!

https://www.sephora.com/product/clear-improvement-active-charcoal-mask-to-clear-pores-P297524

[glamLAURous]

Please, please don't ever use St. Ives Apricot Scrub on your skin - I am a licensed Esthetician and this is one of the products it tell people/clients NOT to use. Their ingredients are not natural and if you take a look at them they are irritating and actually CLOG pores. It's a SCRUB, which will exfoliate the dead top layers of your skin. It is great to use an exfoliant regularly to allow moisturizers and serums to better penetrate your skin and makeup apply more smoothly, but honestly it will have nothing to do with your pore size. Unfortunately your pores are genetic, so you can't technically shrink them but you can minimize their appearance. I would recommend 1. Start with a good cleanser - one that contains salicylic acid, which will help reduce the number of dead skin cells that get stuck in your pores. Salicylic acid will also help reduce the oil on your skin, which can make your pores look bigger. One of my favorites and also easier on your wallet is Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. 2. Exfoliate! No more than 2-3 times/week. I use Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (that way I can alternate between this and my Neutrogena during the week). 3. Retinol. For some people, retinol can cause some skin peeling, so if you have sensitive skin start by using it every other day or every third day until you see how your skin reacts to it. Lately, I've been loving Peter Thomas Roth - Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum. 4. Use a primer. A primer is great pore camouflage and sits on the surface of your skin and creates a barrier between your makeup and your skin. It makes for the perfect surface for foundation that won't get trapped in your pores. 5. Use a clay mask regularly! (1-2x/week). One of my all time favorites is Glam Glow: SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment. Hope this is helpful! Xo.

[Tonda31]

Saint Ives apricot scrub is the best for making pores smaller.