Best Skin Care Routine for Enlarged Pores

Enlarged pores are an all-too-common skin care concern for many women. While you may have searched for a way to get rid of enlarged pores, unfortunately, it’s not actually possible to do so. The good news is, there are skin care products you can use (such as an exfoliating face mask) and steps you can take in your skin care routine to help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. There are also makeup tips you can try to help disguise the look of enlarged pores. Keep reading for our best skin care tips for diminishing the look of enlarged pores.

THE BEST SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR ENLARGED PORES

While you now know that you can’t get rid of enlarged pores, there are things you can do to help reduce their appearance. Follow our skin care routine for enlarged pores below!

Step #1: Use an exfoliating facial cleanser

Your skin care routine for enlarged pores should start with choosing the best facial cleanser for your skin care concerns. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser goes beyond daily cleansing to exfoliate and unclog pores for skin that feels smoother—and according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), exfoliating may make pores less noticeable. Formulated to transform from a clay consistency to a mousse, this facial cleanser removes everyday impurities from skin’s surface without over-drying. Immediately, skin is purified of dirt, oil, and pollution, left with a clean, clear look, and feels smoother. Use after use, pores appear tighter and minimized and imperfections appear less visible. Once a day, squeeze a small amount of the cleanser into your hands, then gently massage it onto your face using circular motions before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water and patting skin dry.

Step #2: Try a sugar scrub

If you have enlarged pores, another exfoliating skin care product to give a try is a sugar scrub. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Face Scrub immediately (and gently) polishes away dull skin. With continued use over time, pores look tighter, unclogged, and less visible and skin looks less shiny and rebalanced. Three times a week, apply a small amount of the face scrub on dry skin, then massage it over your face with wet fingers and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Step #3: Moisturize morning and night

Regardless of your skin type or skin care concerns (such as enlarged pores), using moisturizer should be part of your daily skin care routine. Look for one that offers lightweight hydration, like the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal to Oily Skin, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water and has a matte finish. Apply to damp skin after cleansing to help lock in hydration.

Step #4: Add a face mask to your skin care routine

Just as using a sugar scrub can help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores with continued use over time, so can a face mask. Day after day, dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of your skin, leaving your skin feeling rough, while dirt and oil can build up, causing the appearance of enlarged pores. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask addresses your skin care concerns to reveal a polished, pore-minimized, and smooth complexion. This face mask is formulated to draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils, unclog and tighten the appearance of pores, exfoliate dead skin cells from skin’s surface, and smooth the look of imperfections. Immediately, skin texture appears refined and pores look visibly minimized, while the appearance of imperfections is less visible with continued use over time. Three times a week, apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Step #5: Don’t skip SPF

A broad-spectrum sunscreen can also make a difference in your pores! According to the AAD, sun damage can cause your skin to lose its firmness, leading to more noticeable pores. Prevent sun damage by applying a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day—regardless of the season, the temperature outside, or even your skin tone.

Step #6: Use retinol

The AAD states that while oily skin, mild acne, and less firm skin can all cause pores to appear larger, using a skin care product with retinol can help. Try adding the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Cicacream Face Moisturizer Pro Retinol & Centella Asiatica, which is formulated with Pro-Retinol and centella asiatica to resist signs of aging, to your routine.

Bonus Step: Use primer before applying makeup

Once you’ve made your way through your skin care routine, don’t move on to foundation just yet. Applying a primer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer, over enlarged pores can help create a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup application.

For more makeup tips that can help reduce the look of enlarged pores, check out The Complete Makeup Routine for Large Pores.