Proof that some things—likewise wine and cheese—become ameliorate with age: A recent study in the Journal of Clinic, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology found that for women over 40, pore size actually plateaus. Welcome news, if your magnifying mirror had you convinced they widen daily. Still, if knowing that your pores are frozen in time alone doesn't ease your concerns, hither's how experts say you can brand them await amend (and smaller) than always.

Footstep ane: Utilise a mask
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You're not imagining things: When pores go congested with makeup, dead skin cells, and dirt, those piffling indentations tin can go chock-full and announced larger. "Using a clay-based mask twice a week will aid to depict out impurities, keeping pores clear and tight," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Michelle Radow of . Clay absorbs excess oil and draws out existing gunk in your pores every bit information technology dries and contracts skin. Radow recommends Caudalie Instant Detox Mask ($39, ) and Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Clay Mask ($50, ).

Step 2: Exfoliate
Whether or not you accept time to employ a mask, an exfoliating scrub is a must. "Dead skin cells tend to collect in mounds effectually pores, making them look even larger," explains Emmy Graber, MD, a Boston-based dermatologist. "Using an exfoliator volition minimize pores and make the skin await brighter." Radow favors Dermalogica Daily Resurfacers ($lxx, dermalogica.com), pre-packaged doses of an acrid-and-enzyme cocktail that clears backlog gunk and brightens peel, though drugstore options like Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub ($15, drugstore.com) work well, too. Whatever y'all option, use information technology at least twice a week to proceed pores clear.

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Step three: Prep your skin
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Post-cleanse, prep peel with a daily moisturizer containing glycolic or salicylic acid, chemical exfoliants that may reduce the size of pores in less than a week's fourth dimension, says Graber. We like Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid x% Moisturizer ($45, ), which is fragrance-free and rich in antioxidant . Then—and this is key—follow upward with a primer before applying foundation. "This will assist cake makeup from migrating into pores and instantly minimize the look of larger pores for the day," Radow says. Just be sure to use one compatible with your makeup, or your foundation won't go on evenly. If your foundation is water-based, use a h2o-based primer like Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water ($32, ); if your face up makeup is silicone-based, use a silicone-containing primer like Benefit Stay Flawless xv-60 minutes Primer ($32, ). Tin't tell? Ingredients catastrophe in –cone, -methicone, or –siloxane signal a silicone formula; those without are h2o-based.

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Step 4: Utilize makeup strategically
After primer, employ your foundation with a makeup brush or sponge to create a polish even layer (it's tougher to achieve when you lot use your hands). Radow suggests wetting your makeup castor with water or a hydration spray to continue the expect dewy and natural, not caked on. Finally, dust on a colorless, finely milled powder like MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder ($26, mac.com) to set up your face makeup and further mistiness the appearance of pores.