PERFECT PORES: Some products can help to resurface skin

ASIDE from lines and wrinkles, one of the crueller facts of ageing can be the sudden increase in the size of our pores.

The size of these glands- which allow sebum (oil) to be secreted onto skin to keep it hydrated- is largely dictated by genetics. The lucky few may naturally boast near-imperceptible pores, while others may find theirs easily visible.

Even so, sadly as skin loses firmness pores can expand. Similarly, congested skin is more prone to increased pore size as the build-up of dirt and oil can cause them to stretch.

While little can be done to actually ‘shrink’ or close pores, however, some products can help to resurface skin, resulting in a more even appearance. Try an alpha-hydroxy cleanser such as the Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel by Dr Dennis Gross (from £17/€19.82 for 60ml, www.cultbeauty.co.uk).  This daily foaming cleanser gently exfoliates and cleans to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. 

Refine skin texture and unclog pores with Dr Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (from £18/€20.99, www.cultbeauty.co.uk). This two-step process combines five gentle acids with age-fighting antioxidants and retinol to gently exfoliate and clean, resulting in reduced pore visibility and an even skin tone.

Next, although it may be tempting to skip the moisturiser, dry skin can actually over-produce oil, exacerbating the issue of enlarged pores. Instead, try a light hydrating product such as 111SKIN’s Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask (from £20/€23.32, www.111skin.com). This gel-like masks allows ingredients liquorice root extract and silk amino acids and asiatica to penetrate deeper to brighten and condition skin.

For makeup, try to avoid heavy products which can settle into pores, emphasising their appearance. Instead, choose a light texture, such as the Sheer Eye Zone Corrector by Shiseido (€38.50 for 3.8ml, www.elcorteingles.es).

Finally, control oil throughout the day using gentle blotting papers to mattify without drying skin out. Check out the Matcha Blotting Papers by Winky Lux (£8/€9.33 for 100, www.winkylux.co.uk), which contain green tea extract and promise to leave makeup intact.