Let’s face it, large, open pores make you appear older than you are. It also make for difficult makeup application. Unfortunately, the size of your pores cannot be minimized—but there are some steps you can take to make them appear smaller and prevent them from widening.

Exfoliate Regularly and Use a Clay Mask

Exfoliation is key; this allows your skin a chance to breathe, in addition to removing dead skin cells that can otherwise lead to more noticeable pores. Try investing in a quality apricot scrub and using it on your face several times a week. Furthermore, using a clay mask before bed once a week can also help minimize the appearance of pores and prevent acne.

Find a Pore-Minimizing Primer

There are plenty of primer specifically designed to minimize pore appearance. These work by essentially covering up pores before you apply your makeup so that foundation, powder, and other cosmetics sit on top of the pores, rather than filling them in and making them even more noticeable. You may have to experiment a little to find the right primer, but once you do, it’ll be worth it!

Rinse Your Face With Cool Water

Finally, remember to always rinse your face with cool water. Warm or even hot water can irritate the face and cause pores to open even more. Cold water, on the other hand, will soothe the skin and cause pores to close off, thus minimizing their appearance. Rinsing your face with cool water can also reduce redness and inflammation, so be sure to give it a try!

These are just a few hacks worth keeping in mind when it comes to minimizing your pore size. Be sure to give these a try to see what a difference a little bit of extra care can make in your skin’s health and appearance. The best part? None of these tips will add much time to your skin care routine!