3 Experts Tricks for Shrinking Pores

Yes, there are things you can do. By Krista Bennett DeMaio, REDBOOK.

The dermatologist says: "You might feel like your pores are getting bigger as you get older, but that's not exactly true. What happens is that skin loses elasticity over time and becomes lax, so they just look larger. Also, if you don't take off your makeup every night and exfoliate regularly, pores can become chronically clogged and get stretched out--permanently. To help keep them clear, use a cleanser that contains a mild exfoliant, like salicylic acid or willow bark." Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser, $6.99, has salicylic acid. In the morning, slather on a moisturizer or sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect against the damage that leads to slack skin. "Then, add a peptide or retinol treatment to your night regimen. Both ingredients stimulate collagen production, which helps keep skin firm and, over time, can make pores appear smaller." For a faster--if temporary--fix, a skin-tightening serum like Clarins Truly Matte Pore Minimizing Serum, $50, helps you look flawless in a snap. -Dennis Gross, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Related: 10 Facial Oils for Every Skin Type and Concern

The facialist says: "When makeup and oil get trapped in your pores, they look bigger, so be sure to deep-clean your skin once or twice a week. I recommend using a white clay mask, which draws out gunk but is gentler than some other clay masks." We like Nuance Salma Hayek Ageless Clarity White Clay Treatment Mask, $12.99. "Begin by washing your face, then place a lukewarm damp towel on your skin for two minutes, pressing it in to help open up your pores. Take off the towel, then splash your face with cool water and apply the mask. Or, for extra pore-tightening benefits, put a dollop of the mask in your palm and mix in a few drops of orange-blossom water--which you can pick up at any health food store or Whole Foods--before slathering the mask on your skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse and pat on your moisturizer." And stash a small bottle of lactic-acid toner or exfoliating makeup wipes in your gym bag to get your skin extra-clean after a workout. "They'll get rid of the oil and sweat that can plug up pores." Try Yes to Grapefruit Brightening Facial Towelettes, $5.99. -Mila Moursi is a facialist whose clients include Jennifer Aniston and founder of the Mila Moursi Skin Care Institute & Day Spa in Beverly Hills, CA

Related: 10 Facial Oils for Every Skin Type and Concern

The makeup artist says: "You'll see a major improvement in the look of your pores if you use a silicone-based primer: It fills them in and creates an even surface. Even if you don't put any makeup over it, primer has a slight blurring effect that makes skin appear smooth." Try Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer, $9.99. "If you wear foundation, switch to a powder formula, especially if you have oily skin. It'll absorb the excess oil that makes pores more obvious. Apply it with a brush or, if you want more coverage, a makeup sponge. Either way, gently press it into your skin, which helps soak up oil." Try Laura Geller Beauty Baked Elements Foundation, $33. "For the same reason, use powder blush rather than cream, and avoid anything shimmery. Putting a product with sheen on top of pores is like holding a magnifying glass to them." -Laura Geller is the founder of Laura Geller Cosmetics


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