You can’t shrink them, but you can minimize pores.
We are touching on a beauty topic more mature friends will understand. As we age, our skin changes… we know that. A common concern is more visible pores as our skin starts to lose that smooth, porcelain appearance.
Studio 5 Style & Beauty Contributor Megan Moore shared a subtle change in product and technique that can visibly reduce skin texture for more radiant skin.
Find all the products Megan mentioned on her website.
Understanding the Changes in Our Skin
As we age, our skin sees a lot changes, including a loss of elasticity. This loss leads to more noticeable dips and valleys on the skin’s surface. Megan explained, “as we lose elasticity, we just don’t have that smooth surface that the elasticity gets us.” Changes in oil production also affects the appearance of our skin, sometimes leading to increased oiliness or dryness.
The Myth of Changing Pore Size
One common misconception is that we can change the size of our pores. However, Megan clarified, “it’s actually physically not possible to change your pore size. That’s genetically decided for you.” Instead, the focus should be on reducing the appearance of pores through skincare and makeup techniques.
Skincare Solutions
The trick to minimize pores lies in keeping them clean. Exfoliation is key in this process. Megan recommended using a liquid exfoliant, such as a beta hydroxy acid. “It’s something that you’re going to put on at night after your cleanse. It’s going to help clean out the debris and the oil in those pores nightly.” However, you don’t want to over-exfoliate. Megan suggested starting with two times a week and gradually increasing to three times.
Another useful tool is an at-home facial device. It mimics professional treatments like HydraFacial. This device uses salicylic acid to cleanse and extract impurities from the pores. “This is an investment,” Megan said, “but it is a great option at home.”
Makeup Techniques for a Flawless Finish
Once skincare is addressed, makeup can help create smoother-looking skin. Megan emphasized the importance of using products that create a veil over the pores. “They’re not going make them smaller, but they can create a veil over it,” she said.
Choosing the right foundation color is also important. A mismatched foundation, especially one that is too light, can enhance the appearance of pores. Megan suggested testing foundation on the inner thumb palm to see how it lays over the texture of the skin.
Setting and Finishing Touches
Setting powder can make a significant difference in reducing shine and can minimize pores. Megan’s favorite is a talc-free powder by Polite Society. “It’s very finely milled, it’s talc free, so it’s really great for you, but it will just cut the shine.”
When it comes to blush, choosing a matte finish can help avoid accentuating pores. Megan suggested testing blush on textured areas of the skin to see how it blends and lays over the pores.
Find more beauty advice from Megan at thebeautysnoop.com and on Instagram @beautysnoop.
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