Pore patrol

Pores. We all have them. For many, they're not an issue.

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For others, they can appear large and open, sometimes blocked and congested. As a result, one of the things I am asked frequently on social media is: what do I do about my pores?

Pores: the lowdown

“Pores are perfectly natural and are the tiny openings of hair follicles on your skin, essential for allowing oil and sweat to reach the surface,” says Milena Mansouri, dermatologist and founder of Dr Milena Aesthetics (milenaaesthetic.com) “Larger pores can be down to a mix of factors, including genetics, skin type (oily skin tends to have more visible pores), and age, as collagen and elasticity decrease over time and pores can start to stretch out a little.

“When oil, dead skin cells, and dirt build up inside them, it can cause them to stretch and look bigger too.

“Sun damage can also break down collagen and elastin, making pores look more pronounced.

“So, while you can't actually erase pores - nor should you want to, your skin needs them - there are ways to minimise their appearance.”

How to shrink them: