It really doesn’t seem fair but as we get older, our pores also get more noticeable. Not long after we’ve recovered from teen acne, stress can make those pores become quite big and unsightly. When pores get larger, we often blame genetics or less collagen, things we have very little control over.
So what’s a girl to do?
While many experts argue that larger pores are down to genetics, you don’t have to take this lying down. The cosmetics industry has spent millions of dollars and many hours trying to minimize the appearance of pores. Although the best pore minimizer won’t actually eliminate the pores (there’s no such miracle cream YET!), they will at the very least help make those unsightly big pores less noticeable.
But wait there’s more.
As we age, we also naturally lose collagen which leads to wrinkles and means the skin around pores gets looser, making the pores look larger. The good news is that just as you can fight back against ageing, with the right skin care regime and proper exfoliation offered by many of the best pore minimizers you can temporarily shrink those pores.
As well as genetics and collagen making pores larger, excess oil and debris can also make pores appear much bigger than they actually are. Using a face primer or preventative serum will ensure those pores stay hidden. Large pores will ruin that flawless look you’ve tried so hard to achieve and may even ruin the effect of painstakingly applied makeup.
Let’s take a look at what we can do to reduce the appearance of pores. If we’re stuck with them, we may as well try to shrink them. We’ll look at how pore minimizers actually work before choosing some of the most effective formulas out there.
So let’s get this show on the road.
- An effective primer that instantly* mattifies shine and minimizes the look of pores.
- Helps minimize the appearance of pores
- Blurs the look of imperfections and lines
- Perricone MD
- Beauty and personal care
- Packaging may vary
- Continuous long term visible wrinkle refinement after 8 weeks reduction in the look of wrinkles begins after 12 weeks the...
- Immediate reduction in pore appearance in just 5 minutes
- 100% NATURAL DEAD SEA MASK works for all skin types, including dry, normal, oily, combination, sensitive, and irritated. This...
- MINERAL-INFUSED Clarifying Mud Mask is based on an advanced formula composed of Dead Sea mineral mud that gently purifies and...
- PURE DEAD SEA MUD helps to effectively cleanse the skin and provide a soothing sensation. Rich in minerals, the pure mud aids...
How Do Pore Minimizers Work?
Although you can be genetically prone to larger pores, they’re also caused by the accumulation of excess debris, dirt and oil in the environment around you. The human body, in addition, naturally produces an oil (sebum) to lubricate it which normally drains out of the pores. But when excess sebum accumulates, the pores and follicles get stuck underneath the top layer of skin, enlarging the pore and causing blackheads or zits.
Here’s the good news.
The best pore minimizers can work in several ways to minimize and reduce the appearance of pores. The first is through exfoliation which acts as a scrub and removes debris skin or dirt from the surface of the skin which may be clogging the pores and making them appear larger and less attractive. Products that exfoliate are very effective in reducing the appearance of unsightly pores and can even add moisture to the skin or tighten it for a fresher, clean look.
Other products may use potent ingredients, like alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids which will remove the debris of dead skin from the surface revealing fresh new skin cells below. Some products will use vitamin A which stops the dead skin cells from sticking together and hardening to block the oil from leaving the skin. Azelaic acid found in many pore minimizers will fight the bacteria that causes breakouts and blackheads.
What Pore Minimizers Won’t Do
Remember, pore minimizer products won’t actually get rid of your pores, only cosmetic or laser surgery can do that but they’ll noticeably make them more invisible (what we’re all after at the end of the day). Pore minimizing products don’t just cover up large, clogged pores, they treat them by removing built-up dirt and oil and by firming skin. The result is smaller, more refined pores.
There are many natural ways you can combat the appearance of those pores. Used with any of the following best pore minimizer products, some of the tips from this Youtube clip can help you attain that pore-free look and enhance your other make up too:
The Best Pore Minimizer
Advancements in the cosmetic industry mean there are now plenty of products available that while not actually reducing the physical size of the pores, work to make them appear much smaller than they are. Many of these products will also help to mask the other effects of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines.
We’ve looked at many of the different solutions out there to bring you, in our opinion, five of the best pore minimizers available.
Dr. Brandt
Pores No More If you’ve been browsing for a pore minimizer in your local store, chances are that you’ve stumbled across this value, what many women call ‘miracle in a tube’, primer. Dr Brandt’s Pores No More range has often been described as a best kept secret—well no more, the secret is out! This particular Pores No More product is a great treatment to use before putting on your makeup for smoother, clearer skin. This product can be used in two ways; applied as base on freshly cleansed skin or on top of existing makeup. Either way, the tea tree oil and flaxseed extracts work to absorb oil and reduce fine lines. You can even touch up throughout the day with the added mineral powder keeping everything intact and fresh. Although it goes on creamy, it dries for a powdery texture which gives your skin an even tone and protects pores from buildup.
Perricone MD
Intensive Pore Minimizer This product by environmentally-conscious company Perricone MD is free of sulfates, parabens or any other synthetic ingredients and instead uses potent compounds like DMAE and alpha-lipoic acid. Instead of masking or ‘filling in’ the pores like many other products, this formula actually treats the pores. A three-pronged attack gently exfoliates the skin of build up, firms the appearance of sagging pore walls and controls oil production that further reduces shine and the appearance of blemishes. The earlier mentioned alpha-lipoic acid and DMAE help refine the texture of the skin and boost elasticity while salicylic acid deeply cleanses your pores and even clears any clogged. An impressive 87 percent of people who used this product noticed their pores looked smaller and more refined with consistent use.
DDF
Wrinkle Resist Plus If you’ve been buying separate cleaning, moisturizing and pore-minimizing formulas, you’ll know how soon the cost can add up. And even more so, the extra time it adds to your daily makeup routine. This multitasking, across the board solution, can be ideal as you try to combat the problem of big pores. DDF Wrinkle Resist pore minimizer is a daily moisturizer that both exfoliates the skin and hydrates to refine the appearance of wrinkles and instantly reduce the look of pores. Made with a combination of peptides and skin-essential vitamins the formula works with your skin’s natural regeneration process and collagen to cleanse and heal the skin. Surface-diffusing molecules in this formula provide an extra smoothing effect and diffract light to instantly minimize the appearance of pores.
Smashbox
Foundation Primer Vegans, rejoice! This quality primer is cruelty free and only uses plant-based ingredients including soy protein. This gel formula is also created without parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, oil, fragrance or talc. If you use foundation then a base like this can help with minimizing pores. Applied as a gel, this primer controls oil and balances out shine while also dramatically reducing the appearance of pores. In a consumer study of 99 women, 97 percent saw the look of their pores minimized. It helps smooth the skin and camouflage any remaining pores and protects them from clogging. For best results, Smashbox recommends you follow up with a liquid or cream based foundation.
New York Biology
Dead Sea Mud Mask This mineral-infused spa quality mud from New York Biology promises to tighten your skin leaving it with a healthy-looking glow. Dead sea mud is noted for its high concentration of sodium and magnesium; highly effective against blackheads and other skin blemishes. Derived from the Dead Sea in Israel, this all-natural mud is suitable for use on all skin types, including dry, oily, combination, sensitive and irritated. This daily acne treatment has been designed to be highly effective in reducing pores and absorbing excess oil, yet gentle enough for everyday use. The quality mud also removes dead skin cells and toxins for softer, fresher skin. As a bonus, mud treatment is known to boost the blood microcirculation and refine the texture of your skin. Smaller pores, no more blackheads and tighter but smoother skin—what’s not to like!
our #1 rated
Pros
Works as a blank canvas for your makeup
great with foundation.
Covers up pores and in the long term reduces them.
All day protection from oil and shine—fresh
clean matte look.
Acts as barrier against product build up.
Suitable for normal
combination and oily skin.
Reduces fine line and creases for photo-ready skin.
Enhances makeup.
Sweat and humidity resistant.
Very economical
small tube but you really don’t need much.
Ideal for carrying in purse for those touch up moments.
Cons
Some users have complained the product is slightly tinted
so may not be suitable for use on light or fair skin.
No moisturizer
ladies with dry skin are best to apply moisturizer before using.
Many customers have found it doesn’t last much more than a couple of hours and will need those touch ups.
our #2 rated
Pros
100 percent natural ingredients.
Paraben free.
Effective in reducing large pores
not just covering them.
Salicylic acid deep cleanses the skin.
Proprietary mineral compound tightens the skin for a younger
fresh look.
Unisex
not a makeup item so can be used by the other half too
if you let them!
Easy to dispense with a spray bottle.
Cons
It’s very expensive
bottle should last couple of months.
No moisturizing agents—for best results apply morning and night before moving on to other serums or moisturizers.
Herbal smell may be off-putting to some.
our #3 rated
Pros
An all-in-one primer
moisturizer
pore minimizer and wrinkle reducer.
Light diffusing properties reduce the appearance of pores and wrinkles.
Vitamins and peptide technology gives long term anti-ageing benefits.
Easy to diffuse
you only need to apply a small dot of this serum and you can apply it smoothly all over the face.
Clinical tests reported 80 percent of women found their skin felt soft and smooth.
Lightweight
most users find this doesn’t leave the face feeling greasy or cause breakouts.
Pleasant odor
with many customers even commenting how great it smells.
Cons
Can be very expensive
but a little goes a long way.
Packaging could do with redesign.
Some complained as they get halfway down the orange and clear parts separate.
Doesn’t do much to resist already existing wrinkles
just hides them a little.
our #4 rated
Pros
Gentle formula suitable for all skin types
including sensitive skin.
Paraben and sulfate free.
Long lasting
controls oil all day and is water resistant.
Won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
Smooth matte finish reduces shine.
As the name suggests
ideal for photographic work.
Cons
Some users have found the gel can feel heavy on the skin.
Can cake up on the face in some cases.
Coverage is too light
really needs a foundation on top for best results.
Expensive when you consider it’s only a primer.
our #5 rated
Pros
Natural muds have been used in skincare regimes for thousands of years and are known to be highly effective.
Helps treat acne and blackheads while reducing pores.
Packed with vitamins that nourish the face for more youthful looking skin.
Great for both females and males.
Customers with oily skin have noted just how effective this product is.
Only needs a thin application.
Cons
As with most mud masks
can be messy and time consuming.
Strong unpleasant odor found by many customers.
Can be harsh on more sensitive skins
always try a patch test first.
Expensive—prices vary wildly for this product with some suppliers charging up to $100.
Our Choice
Although any of the products we’ve looked at can help minimize those unsightly pores we all suffer from as we get older, you should always try to choose a product based on your skin type as well as your schedule. If your time is limited, an all-in-one solution that does the job of many products including moisturizer, cleanser, exfoliator and primer as well as minimizing pores is the way forward.
When looking for the best pore minimizer, we’ve seen many different options at all price ranges that claim to mask the appearance of pores, or rather minimize them. In our opinion the best pore minimizer with an instantly visible effect is Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer. No longer a secret, here’s to healthier, younger looking skin for everybody.
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