Are Your Pores Too Big?

Beauties, do you hate your pores? They can make your skin look older, blackheads bigger, and definitely don't make you feel attractive—especially when you’re staring into a magnifying mirror! However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. More companies are releasing products that significantly reduce the appearance of your pores. We spoke with Washington, D.C.-based dermatologist, Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., to find out what makes some pores bigger than others, and how you can make them look smaller!

Genetics, sun exposure, and age are the biggest causes of large pores. "As you get older, your skin loses elasticity and your pore size increases, so it's important to start preventative methods as soon as possible if you want to make them smaller,” says Dr. Tanzi. The skin you inherited will also determine how big your pores look, as will the amount of time you spend in the sun without protection. The sun damages your skin, making it sag and lose elasticity. As a result, the walls of your pores droop and widen. "You can't ever reduce your pore size permanently, but following a regimen every day will maintain a smaller size," explains Dr. Tanzi.

Luckily for Beauties in today's modern times, there are plenty of serums, creams, and primers to help them achieve smaller pores. "Laser surgery and light treatments do decrease the size of your pores, but serums and over-the-counter products that contain glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid will also minimize their appearance significantly over time," says Dr. Tanzi.  Beauties with oily or acne-prone skin should try formulas with salicylic acid. This beta hydroxy acid also helps to prevent breakouts. Dr. Tanzi also suggests using an exfoliating brush (she recommends the Clarisonic) every other night. Primers help to disguise pore size by creating a smooth surface to apply your makeup (so it doesn't settle into the pores and make them look bigger). It’s also important to apply your SPF every morning—you don’t want your pores to keep growing!

So, Beauties, stick to your daily regimen and don't forget—the more rigorous you are at maintaining it, the better your skin will look.

Beautylish recommends:

1. glow by dr. brandt overnight resurfacing serum
2. Paula’s Choice 1% BHA Lotion
3. Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum