Help! My enlarged pores are driving me crazy!

Pores aren't there to annoy us... You may be obsessed by their size, but they're actually essential for our skin to properly function. They allow our skin to breathe by getting rid of sebum and dead cells. However, when they get clogged, they become enlarged and can cause blackheads to appear. So here are our tips on how to slam them shut once and for all!  

  This is essential if you want to keep your skin glowing and flawless for as long as possible. First and foremost, we need to cleanse our faces, even if we can't be bothered or are pressed for time. Use a gentle facial cleanser such as a cleansing oil or micellar water to rid your skin of grime accumulated throughout the day - make up, pollution, smoke, sebum, dust. This will allow your skin to breathe. 

  Our skin needs to be kept moisturised if we want our epidermis to remain in tip top shape. But make sure you use a moisturiser suited to your skin type, otherwise you could make any blemishes, including open pores, even worse. So best opt for one designed for dry, oily or sensitive skin as needs be. If your open pores are really bad, then go for an astringent treatment to help close them up.  

  Scrubs are great for unclogging pores. A good, fine grain scrub won't harm your skin or stimulate sebum production. It'll purify your skin and close your pores, so that they're able to eliminate sebum and dead cells. Added plus? You'll be left with a lovely, rosy glow! 

   Clay is a multi-tasker, but in this case it's great for purifying skin. Apply a clay face mask once a week, concentrating on the sides of your nose and chin. This will deeply clean and detox your skin. Result: not an open pore in sight!  

   There's nothing better than clever make up to disguise open pores. Even if they remain enlarged, camouflaging them still works a treat! Before applying your foundation, use a blurring primer to Photoshop out blemishes and leave your skin smooth and even-toned.