flatlay with various skin care products laying on top of a beauty magazine

Enlarged pores on my face are probably my biggest insecurity. I call them jokingly moon 'craters', but they are far as cute! I have always tried to reach a smooth, doll-like skin appearance. The main goal was to clean out and shrink the look of the enlarged pores. If only I could make them vanish instantly! However, this skincare challenge seems to be unachievable. Fortunately, many skin care treatments and makeup products can help with the appearance of large pores. In this post, I'm going to share with you some of my beauty finds, that help to battle and camouflage the appearance of enlarged pores.

What Are Skin Pores Anyways?


You may be surprised to learn that enlarged pores are a pretty common issue for many people of all genders and ages. Facial pores are small openings, located on the surface of our skin. They are connected to hair follicles and serve as the conduit for sebum our skin produces. They are very functional moon 'craters' that keep our skin healthy, glowing, and moisturized.

Include Ice Cubes and Cold Tools in Your Skin Care


Camouflaging enlarged pores with makeup is always an option. However, it is best to start with a thorough skincare routine to minimize the appearance of large pores. For instance,  I like to include ice cubes and special 'cold' tools (like massagers and rollers) into my daily regimen. Did you know that cold not only helps with puffiness but also smoothes the skin's surface and boosts the skin’s glow?

But the best thing about at-home cryotherapy is the instant results it provides! If you don't believe me, try it yourself today! All you need is an ice tray and freshly-brewed chamomile tea (it reduced irritations). Let your skincare brew freeze and gently massage your facial skin with ice cubes. Alternatively, you can freeze one of your metal or rock rollers, and execute the procedure with the help of these tools. The results are immediate: pores vanish, puffiness disappears and skin surfaces become more even.

jade roller on top of a table

Use Chemical Peels Instead of Mechanical


When it comes to removing old skin cells mechanical skin exfoliators and polishes are great. For mechanical peel, I like using the Clarifying Skin Polish by Celebrity Skin. It gently exfoliated the face, mildly hydrating it at the same time. But, if your skin is sensitive, it is best to opt for classic chemical peels. Pick up something very gently, that won't burn the skin. 

Alpha or beta hydroxy acids help to unclog enlarged pores, removing dirt and excessive sebum. These acids improve the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles, prevent acne breakouts and brighten skin complexion. Use it once or twice a week, it will be more than enough to keep your skin fresh and clean.

Don't Skip Your Skin-pampering Days


Hydration is the key to beautiful and healthy skin. If you struggle with enlarged pores, you can't skip your skin-pampering days. A thorough cleanse, followed by cleansing facial masks, under-eye patches, and nourishing skin masks. Throw in retinoids to put a final accord and you are done! A skin-pampering day wasn't wasted, it means the enlarged pores don't stand a chance!

On days like this, I like to incorporate all-natural skin care masks, which I DIY myself. An avocado paired with honey works like a charm, moisturizing even the thirstiest skin, while a strawberry face mask even out the skin tone. Plus, it has a wonderful smell! I can't have enough of it!

A skin-pampering day wasn't wasted, it means the enlarged pores don't stand a chance! If you're needing to purchase some new products, before doing so you must check the ingredients and reviews to be aware of what you'll be using. When comparing, make sure the positive feedback is similar to the Gundry MD Dark Spot Diminisher Reviews, if so the product is definitely worth a go.

flatlay with various skin care products laying on top of a beauty magazine

Camouflage with Makeup Primers


Ready for the final, vanishing remedy? If you can't fight something, you can always camouflage it with the help of a few magical makeup products. When it is time to apply makeup, I like to use a pore-minimizing primer. Usually, these products are silicone-based, and they are not recommended for regular usage. But I believe it is only a matter, of how you use them and how well you clean your skin afterward.

Some of my favorite makeup primers are POREfassional by Benefit and Pore Silky Balm by 3CE. These two products are my best pore-minimizing makeup friends. They both have similar formulations and work similarly – smooth out large pores on the face, cover the redness and create a perfect canvas for makeup foundation. You can even use them both at a time on different face areas!

In-depth Treatments


If basic skincare and masking tips aren't for you, you can always use a more 'in-depth' approach to the enlarged pores issue. I'm talking about a professional chemical peel or laser treatment. During the professional chemical peel, a special solution is applied to the skin, which causes the top layer of dead skin cells to peel off. This can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enlarged pores. 

An Intense pulsed light aka the IPL is a skin-evening technique used for reducing hyperpigmentation and improving skin texture. Both of these treatments deliver a good, long-lasting effect, but they won't make your pores vanish instantly! 

Let's Summarize

There is nothing wrong with having some blemishes or uneven skin texture. Nobody is perfect and life is not an Instagram filter. Still, if you want to rock a smooth, doll-like skin texture, many cool ways will help you to hide large pores. Keep your skin healthy, don't skip a skin-pampering day, and use a high-quality makeup primer. These will surely make your skin appear smooth and pore-free!

Lots of love,
Liz