The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Do Face Masks Really Work? The "Magic" Behind Face Masks — and How to Get the Most Out of Them. Penn Medicine. Exfoliating AHAs and BHAs such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid are often go-to ingredients in an acne skincare routine due to their oil regulating properties, and for the same reason, they help in reducing the appearance of pores as well. "It's possible to regulate skin oiliness and reduce the buildup of dead skin cells and sebum in the pores by using exfoliating acids," says Butler. Independent Laboratory Testing: To ensure unbiased results, we collaborate with independent third-party laboratories. These labs validate our findings and ensure our products meet the highest safety and effectiveness standards.

Huang ZR, Lin YK, Fang JY. Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules. 2009;14(1):540-554. doi:10.3390/molecules14010540 Welcome to the secret weapon of your makeup routine. This blurring balm is a 4-in-1 product that never disappoints. It can serve as a primer which minimizes pores and blurs skin, a sheer tint coverage, setting powder, or to contour and sculpt your face. And as if it could not get any better—the formula is designed to absorb oil on your skin throughout the day—say good-bye to an oily t-zone. The universal shade is a great primer; however, there are twelve additional tones to match all shades and increase the versatility of the product. If your pores have become larger with age, a collagen-boosting in-clinic treatment could be the way to go. "Collagen is particularly important because of the fact that it supports your skin and provides structure. It also helps your skin look firmer, thus minimizing the appearance of pores," explains Dr Galyna. "One of the most effective - and indeed most popular - treatments isThermage FLX - a treatment that relies on non-invasive radiofrequency to tighten and smoothen the skin, minimizing the appearance of pores alongside a host of other age-defying benefits."Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013 Apr;4(2):143-6. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.110593. PMID: 23741676; PMCID: PMC3673383. Circosta C et al. Effects of isoflavones from red clover (Trifolium pratense) on skin changes induced by ovariectomy in rats. Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 20,12 (2006): 1096-9. doi:10.1002/ptr.2017 Araújo, Lidiane & Addor, Flavia & Campos, Patrícia. Use of silicon for skin and hair care: An approach of chemical forms available and efficacy. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 91. 331-335. 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163986. Retinolis a form of vitamin A that is highly regarded among skincare experts for its ability to promote skin cell turnover, revealing a brighter complexion with the look of minimized pores. It's a popular pore-minimizer ingredient found in the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Face Cream and RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream. Our pros say to look for products with ingredients that help reduce the appearance of pores. Here's what to prioritize:

The first thing you can do to minimize the appearance of pores is to wash your face regularly,” explains Dr. Lal. “This will help decongest your pores, especially if you use a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.” Sarkar R, et al. Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan-Mar; 6(1): 4–11. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.110089. Farmacy is really making its mark in skincare for its effective formulas and natural-leaning ingredients, many of which are farmed by the brand themselves. This swipe-on toner aims to clarify the skin and therefore minimize pores in a gentler way. It contains a low percentage of salicylic acid to dissolve oil, as well as gentle fruit enzymes to shift dead cells and soothing botanicals for a multifaceted daily treatment.

An ELLE Editor says: “This product is a game changer for your base face. I use it over my primer and underneath my makeup for a Paris filter like foundation and concealer application. When I first got my hands on this, I thought it was more like a setting powder, which it is! So yes, I also tap this into my skin post makeup application for an airbrush like finish. This product is the band aid of my makeup routine—it really fixes and sets everything.” — Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE We love an all-around product. This toner will minimize pores while improving skin texture and encouraging cell renewal. It’s formulated with alpha hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, as well as the brand’s proprietary nutrient-rich liquid Pitera, which is designed to boost skin softness and smoothness. An ELLE editor says: “Peace Out makes some of my all-time favorite pimple patches, so I couldn’t wait to try the brand’s newer pore strips, especially since my nose is always the most congested area on my face. The amount of gunk these strips pull out is truly incredible, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and pores looking much tighter--even under the scope of my magnifying mirror. I also love that these strips can be gently removed and that the retinol in them makes my skin look a little brighter, too.” — Sam Peters, Senior Commerce Editor

If you haven’t already, you should also incorporate clarifying face masks, niacinamide-based face serums, and tightening toners into your skincare routine, as these products help to reduce enlarged pores as well. And if you’re the type of person who wears a decent amount of makeup on a regular basis, consider investing in a blurring primer to help diminish the appearance of pores. Thring TS, Hili P, Naughton DP. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. J Inflamm (Lond). 2011 Oct 13;8(1):27. doi: 10.1186/1476-9255-8-27. PMID: 21995704; PMCID: PMC3214789. Savić, Vesna Lj et al. Comparative Study of the Biological Activity of Allantoin and Aqueous Extract of the Comfrey Root. Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 29,8 (2015): 1117-22. doi:10.1002/ptr.5356 After two minutes the device will buzz to indicate 'Step 2' is complete and the device has turned off. What ingredients should I look for? The best pore minimizers come in many forms. Makeup products typically use silicones to blur the skin and create a smoother canvas. In skincare, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) should be your go-to. "Salicylic acid is great if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of congested pores. It works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells so that they can release from the pore more easily, and breaks down oils, such as sebum," explains cosmetic doctor, Dr Parisha Acharya.According to makeup artist Victoria Stiles, enlarged pores and oily skin typically go hand in hand. To combat both, she recommends products containing retinol and vitamin E. "Retinol will gently exfoliate the skin while Vitamin E will nourish," she says.Rigorous Clinical Trials: Each product undergoes meticulous clinical trials over periods of up to 180 days. These trials involve real people and are designed to test both the immediate and long-term benefits of our skincare formulations. Can you ever reduce pore size? This million-dollar question has a pretty straightforward answer. "Of course minimizing pore size isn't possible since genetics determine how large or small they are," explains plastic surgeon Dr Osman Bashir Tahir. However, what you can do is reduce their appearance. Either by boosting collagen production to reduce age-related gaping, by cleaning out the debris that clogs them up, or by using makeup such as primers that smooth over the uneven texture. The good news is that there are a long list of ingredients that can work to minimize the appearance of large pores, says Dr. Melissa Burnett, dermatologist at Premier Dermatology. First there are alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, which you’ll commonly see listed as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid or malic acid. There are also beta hydroxy acids, or BHAs, the most common of which is salicylic acid. You may also see topical retinoids such as over-the-counter adapalene or retinols, or prescription strength tretinoin or tazarotene, amongst other things.

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of pores, there are several factors to keep in mind in the product you choose. Here’s what to consider. Ingredients An ELLE editor says: “I am not afraid to admit that while I fully believe that Biologique Recherche’s P-50 works, I’m also a little scared of it. Of course I want to use a product called “Jesus in a Bottle,” but I also sometimes want something a little gentler but also effective. I consider this to be like baby P-50 or “Baby Jesus In A Bottle,” I guess you could call it. It contains just about every ingredient you’ve heard that’s good for your skin: Vitamin C, Retinol, Antioxidants, Multi-Hydroxy Acids, and Vitamin E. Unlike P-50, it is also not irritating and has an almost silky texture and works over time to give brighter skin and the appearance of tighter pores.” — Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director, ELLEFlip the device and attach the suction nozzle to begin extraction. Begin on 'Level 1' and increase the strength as appropriate, depending on the skin's resistance, then glide over taught skin with with continuous upwards movement. Complete one pass per area to avoid unnecessary stress to the skin and stop when it feels complete.