Anti Ageing skin SOS: enlarged pores

SHE online 17.12.2008

Reduce enlarged pores with our recommendations of the best creams around

Woman touching her face Pore size is determined by your genes and generally the oilier your skin, the larger and more visible your pores will be. As well as excess sebum, creams that are too rich will clog pores, so beware of heavy-duty moisturisers if you have oily or combination skin.

Lots of sun also makes things worse by making you perspire more and, as you age, pores start to sag, creating micro-shadows that exacerbate the appearance of an older, uneven texture.

What's the solution?

Astringents such as witch hazel and alcohol in toners temporarily swell the skin, making pores look less obvious for a time, but for a longer-term result try Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimising Skin Refinisher, £34. The company's scientists have shown that enlarged pores can be caused by a distension in the pore walls when sebum flow is blocked, so its product is designed to both clean the pore and reduce sebum build-up, while also containing a polymer that covers pores without clogging them.

We're impressed, too, by the new L'Oréal Paris Derma Genesis Pore Minimising Serum, £15.99, and Pore Minimising Smoother, £14.99, which refine and smooth skin beautifully.

Find the perfect treatments for:

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