e.l.f. Discovery

5 Skincare Tips to Help Minimize the Appearance of Pores

No need to feel alone—we all have them. Although it’s not possible to completely get rid of the pores on your face, you can still take actionable steps to help minimize their appearance.

Tip 1. Use a Face Cleanser that Works For Your Skin Type

Choosing the right face cleanser for your skin type is e.l.f.ing important! Different skin types have different needs, and using the wrong cleanser can lead to issues like dryness, excess oil, or irritation. E.L.F. has a range of face washes to suit every skin type and concern:

For dry skin, oily, or acne-prone skin, the Daily Face Cleanser gently removes impurities while leaving skin feeling soft and moisturized without stripping the skin.
Sensitive souls can rejoice with the Gentle Peeling Exfoliant, which buffs away dullness while being gentle on delicate complexions.

No matter your skin's vibe, e.l.f. has you covered with cleansers that work to leave your skin feeling e.l.f.ing clean!

Tip 2. Incorporate a Face Mask into Your Skincare Routine

Face masks are an important part of any skincare routine as they work to provide deep cleansing and nourishment for the skin. Using a face mask regularly can help to minimize the appearance of pores by unclogging and removing excess oil, dirt, and impurities that sometimes cause pores to look enlarged.

The Holy Hydration! Sleeping Mask is a game-changer for your nighttime skincare routine. This ultra-nourishing mask is an e.l.f.ing must-have for those seeking intense hydration and a radiant, glowy complexion. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, it deeply quenches thirsty skin. Wake up to a softer, smoother, and more luminous you - it's the beauty sleep you've been dreaming of! You can use this face mask as an overnight mask and apply a layer to your skin before falling asleep, or just leave it on for 10-15 minutes for a quick skin thirst-quench.

Tip 3. Use Pore-Refining Skin Treatments

Looking into toners and serums that can help treat skin concerns, such as targeting pores and aiming to reduce their appearance, can play a huge role helping your skin texture look smooth and soft. Our Thirst Burst Pore-fecting Toner was created with pores in mind. This toner, formulated with pore-refining 2% BHA and 1% hydrating hibiscus complex, helps to both hydrate and gently exfoliate the skin. With a non-comedogenic formula, this toner can help to remove impurities from your pores, and give your skin that plumped-up look. Adding a pore-refining toner to your routine will help you get that smooth textured skin with minimized pores in no time!

Using a hydrating face serum is a must for achieving a glowing, hydrated complexion! Serums are lightweight and packed with concentrated active ingredients that help to deliver nourishment and hydration. By replenishing the skin's moisture levels, a hydrating serum may help to minimize the appearance of pores for a smoother, more youthful look. The Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum contains 1.7% hyaluronic acid in three molecular weights to help hold moisture in the skin giving you a plump, smooth, and bouncy complexion.

Tip 4. Moisturize Your Skin (Even if You Have Oily Skin!)

Using a moisturizer is an essential step in any skincare routine, even for those with oily skin. Contrary to popular belief, skipping moisturizer can actually lead to excess oil production as the skin tries to compensate for the lack of hydration. A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer can help to balance the skin's oil levels and prevent dehydration.

Moisturizing daily can also help to strengthen the skin's barrier function, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy complexion. A compromised barrier may lead to issues like increased sensitivity, dryness, and even breakouts.

To learn more about moisturizers and which one may be right for you, be sure to check out our article, Gel vs. Cream Moisturizer: What’s the Difference?.

Step 5: Prime Your Skin

We recommend starting with a pore blurring face primer as the first step, to help minimize the appearance of pores and give your skin a smooth surface for the next step of your makeup routine. A face primer may also help to smooth over pores helping them to look less noticeable. Try to look for primers that are specifically designed to help smooth the skin and minimize the appearance of pores.