Hate Your Pores? Learn How To Minimize Them

Pores, we all have them but why is it that some of us seem to have pores that you can see a mile away? It seems as if everyone else you see has a perfect complexion and you wonder why you were plagued with these holes! I feel your pain and have been asking myself the same questions. Follow these tips to get the best complexion you can and to fake the rest.

So you don't have prefect pores, how can you hide them? First thoroughly cleanse your face with an oil free cleanser suited to your skin type such as Neutrogena's Pore Refining Cleanser. After washing your face with warm water use a cold water splash to help close up the pores. Use an alcohol free toner to help close up your pores even more, keep some toner in the fridge for an even better effect. Apply a light oil free moisturizer that fits your skin type, wait at least three minutes then put on a pore minimizer with oil control such as Clinique Pore Minimizer T-Zone Shine Control on the areas with enlarged pores. Wait a few minutes before applying foundation. Not too much a little goes a long way and you will look like you caked it on if you apply too much The best products I have tested are Dermacia and Dermablend (now both available at most CVS pharmacy's), find the right shade and only use a little on the areas you need it, not on your whole face. These products are a little pricey but they last forever. Whether using a brush, sponge or finger, apply foundation in a downward direction where your pores are enlarged otherwise it will just get caked in your pores and make them appear larger. Always keep brushes clean and use new sponges each time. Apply a nice setting powder such as Dermablend's Setting Powder over the foundation to set it. Most people with large pores have oily skin also so keep some oil blotting sheets such as Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets with you and some setting powder for touch ups throughout the day. Make sure you clean your face well at night to get all the makeup out of your pores.

Keeping Pores Clean

Not all of us have the money to spend on Micro-Dermabrasions and facials every month. Follow these easy at home steps to give your skin a spa like treatment.

Wash your face with an oil free wash that is right for your skin type, if you can splurge a little get a Clarisonic Skincare brush to use with your cleanser. Steam your face once or twice a week. Boil a pot of water with a little lemon and pour it into a bowl. Place your face over the bowl for 15 minutes to steam clean your pores, use a towel over your head to keep the steam longer. Make sure the steam is at a reasonable temperature so you don't burn your face. After steaming, use a scrub to clean out the blackheads that have loosened in your pores. Try St Ives Apricot Scrub, be gentle don't scrub too much. After scrubbing use a clay mask such as Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask to tighten and help clean out pores. Both products cost less then $5 at most drug stores. Wash off with a washcloth and apply a moisturizer. Follow this routine at night for the best results.

It may seem like a never ending battle but you need to keep up with taking care of your skin. Most importantly your pores are probably not as visible to others as they are to you so don't stress. Other things that will help you look and feel better are drinking a lot of water, exercising, getting enough sleep and taking a multivitamin.