Here Are Some Dos and Don'ts of Treating, Shrinking, and Hiding Open Pores

Like cellulite and taste buds that make cilantro scream "soap," some women are just born with large pores. And while you'll never make them totally disappear from your skin, there are some ways make them less obvious. Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, of New York's SKINNEY Medspa and celebrity makeup artist Jaime Greenberg share their best tips on how to do it.

Don't Over-Cleanse

"This can dry out and irritate the skin, which can actually make pores look larger," explains Dr. King. Avoid any harsh formulas for oily skin like acne washes and reach for an extra-gentle cleanser both morning and night to keep those pores clear.

Do Book a Laser Appointment

While creams that promise to shrink pores are hocus pocus, Dr. King says one thing will make them contract: resurfacing lasers. One to ask your derm about? Fraxel, which triggers your skin's repair process.

Do Slather On SPF

Aging and sun damage contribute to pore size, says Dr. King. "As the skin loses its firmness, the pore may appear larger because of the lack of the support from the surrounding tissue," she explains. Just one more reason to wear sunscreen all year-round.

Don't DIY Your Extractions

Yes, squeezing the gunk out of your skin can help, says Dr. King, but this is a job for a professional. A trained facialist will know how to do extractions gently without damaging your delicate tissue, so book an appointment for this one.

Do Try An Astringent

If you've got a photo-worthy occasion coming up, an astringent may help the day-of, says Dr. King explains because they're slightly dehydrating, so they tighten pores temporarily.

Do Consider a Retinoid

Besides holding off the signs of aging, prescription retinoids help keep pores clear and less visible. Ask your doc for an Rx.

Do Use a Primer

Primer creates a smoother layer on the skin that makeup will sit on top of — instead of settling into pores. Greenberg's favorites are lightweight silicone-based formulas.

Do Go for a Matte Formula

Dewy finishes exaggerate skin imperfections of all kinds, so going for a matte foundation is key, says Greenberg.

Don't Reach for This Kind of Highlighter

"Powder highlighters tend to sit on top of the skin and emphasizes what you are trying to camouflage," says Greenberg. Instead, hit the high points of your face with a shimmer cream.

Don't Go Heavy On Powder

You might be tempted to pile on powder to keep shine at bay, but it can actually cake around your pores. So stick with a light, color-free formula.