Can You Get Rid of Enlarged Pores?

Enlarged pores are obvious and can be hard to cover up. These dips and crevices in your skin may be the first and last thing you notice when looking in the mirror. While you may think you’re doing all you can to subdue their appearance, by learning about was causes the appearance of enlarged pores you can help you target them for a more refined beauty look. To help you better understand your enlarged pores, below we detail what causes this skin care concern and answer the question, “Can you get rid of enlarged pores?” We also explain how to reduce their appearance and cover them up with a mixture of skin care products and face makeup. Ready to rock your most refined visgage? Read on to learn how with our guide to enlarged pores.

What Causes the Appearance of Enlarged Pores?

To start, it helps to investigate what may be the cause behind your enlarged pores. In some cases, you may be unable to avoid them because large pores can be inherited, just like your eye color. However, large pores can also be a sign of skin aging or general pore congestion. Makeup, sunscreen, and just daily dirt can get caught in your pores, and if your skin is not cleaned well enough your pores can stretch to accommodate the buildup. Your pores are also highly sensitive to environmental factors like hot temperatures and humidity—and when irritated, can increase in size.

Can You Get Rid of Enlarged Pores?

Unfortunately, you can’t get rid of enlarged pores. While you may not be able to shrink your pores, but you can certainly help minimize their appearance. Retinol, along with other derivatives of vitamin A, are commonly found in many skin care products. “Most often they are used to provide anti-aging benefits,” says Dr. Rocio Rivera, head of scientific communications for L'Oréal Paris. “Simultaneously, when applied to your skin, this ingredient can assist with unclogging dirt and debris from pores through exfoliation. As a result, the enlarged pores undergo a tightening effect, which allows them to appear smaller.”

Keep in mind too, that it’s not only about what skin care products you use, but about your skin care routine as a whole. To best address large pores, always wash your face in the morning and at night with a pore-targeted facial cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser.  After cleansing, follow up with a face mask and/or face scrub 2-3 times a week. To get the job done, add the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Face Scrub or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliating and Refine Face Mask to your skin care routine.

How Do You Conceal Enlarged Pores?

While using the right skin care products can help diminish the look of enlarged pores, it never hurts to have a makeup routine to hide them as well. To start, you’ll want to prep your skin with primer. This can help blur the look of enlarged pores and fine lines and wrinkles. To see for yourself, try using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Lock Face Primer. It’s best to use a matte finish primer when you have enlarged pores because dewy, glowing formulas can sometimes draw more attention to their appearance.

After applying primer, move on to a matte foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Foundation. Lightly blend the formula onto your face with a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, paying special attention to any pesky pores. Finish your face makeup look off with a quick dusting of finishing face powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder, and your face will look smooth and refined.

Want to learn more about how makeup can help you play down your pore size? Check out our article, The Makeup Routine for Large Pores, next.