How to minimise pores: the best tips and products

Pore size is a common concern when it comes to the skin on our face. Many of us experience enlarged pores on our noses and around our T-zones, and it can be really tough to target.

It’s important to first understand why our pores can appear enlarged, to begin with. Lorna Hura, National Training Manager at iconic skincare powerhouse Sisley, lays it all out for us:

“When sebaceous glands malfunction, sebum can be produced in excess. This is known as hyperseborrhea. When sebum is produced in excess, pores tend to enlarge to enable this increased stream of sebum to flow out. This phenomenon of dilated pores is especially visible on the nasal wings, cheeks, forehead and chin.

She notes that the top three causes of enlarged pores are the following:

1. Hormonal changes (frequent during puberty, but also throughout the female cycle and during pregnancy, etc.)

2. Environment (pollution and sunshine, etc.)

3. Everyday life (stress, unbalanced diet, smoking, etc.)

So how do we fix the problem, or at least minimise the appearance of our pores? First, it’s important to target pores using masks with ingredients such as clay to draw out the ‘gunk’.

Then, it’s just about maintaining a continuous skincare line, says Lorna: “Use a skincare line that will cleanse/ tone/treat the skin while rebalancing and tightening pores. You should also use products with astringents that work on tightening the pores, such as Lady’s Mantle Leaf Extract.”

There are also a number of primers and powders which can be used as part of your skincare line to decrease the size of pores. Take a look at our top skincare and makeup recommendations for enlarged pores…