Oily Skin Guide: How to Minimize the Appearance of Pores

Oily skin and the appearance of large pores can go together like peanut butter and jelly. That’s because when dirt and oil build up on the surface of your skin, it can leave your pores looking enlarged. Unfortunately, you may find that this skin combo isn’t nearly as satisfying as your favorite childhood lunch. The good news is, there are certain skin care steps you can take to help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores when you have oily skin. Follow our best skin care routine below (along with makeup tips), specifically for oily skin types, to help diminish the look of enlarged pores. We’ll explain how to cleanse your face when you’re dealing with oily skin and the appearance enlarged pores, plus tell you all about our best moisturizer for oily skin.

STEP 1: PICK THE RIGHT FACIAL CLEANSER

The first step in your skin care routine (morning and night) should be cleansing. Look for a facial cleanser that is formulated to work on oily skin and help minimize the appearance of pores, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser. This facial cleanser is formulated to seamlessly transform from clay to mousse and remove everyday impurities without over-drying. Immediately, skin is purified of dirt, oil, and pollution and feels smoother, while pores appear minimized with continued use over time. Once a day, squeeze the facial cleanser into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Gently massage the facial cleanser onto your face using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

STEP 2: PUT ON A FACE MASK

Who doesn’t love to use a face mask every so often? Applying one gives you the opportunity to sit back and relax for a few minutes as your face mask goes to work. And we could all use a little chill from time to time! When you have enlarged-looking pores, look for a face mask that can help address this skin concern, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask. Day after day, dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of your skin, leaving your skin feeling rough, while dirt and oil buildup can cause the appearance of enlarged pores. This face mask is formulated with three types of clay and red algae and can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils as well as exfoliate dead skin cells. Immediately, pores look minimized. Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Use three times a week for best results.

STEP 3: USE OUR BEST MOISTURIZER FOR OILY SKIN

If you have oily skin, then there’s a chance that you could think skipping out on moisturizer after washing your face is totally fine. After all, why would you want your complexion to look even shinier than it already does, right? Well, it turns out that moisturizer is necessary, even for those with oily skin types. Reach for one that has a matte finish, like L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal to Oily Skin. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration.

STEP 4: APPLY MATTIFYING MAKEUP

Once you’re done working your way through your skin care routine, it’s time to move on to makeup. Start by applying a face primer. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Lock Makeup Primer, which leaves skin with a matte finish. Don’t stop there, follow with a matte foundation and face powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Powder.

STEP 5: PREP FOR BED WITH MICELLAR WATER

At the end of the day, don’t just hop into bed without removing your makeup. When you sleep in your makeup, it can mix with the dirt and oils that have built up on the surface of your skin throughout the day—and this can lead to clogged pores. Make things easy on yourself by using a no-rinse cleansing option like micellar water before bed. Try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin, which purifies and mattifes. All you have to do is pour some micellar water out onto a cotton pad and wipe the pad across your face.

Check out our article, The Makeup Routine for Large Pores, for more advice on covering up large pores with the right makeup products.