Mission: Pore Care

Alright, ladies and gents, look sharp! We have a situation on our hands: enlarged pores that are clogged with sebum have caused our skin some dismay. But no worries, we've got an operation that'll get those pores feeling clean and looking small for an even complexion. Are you ready to take on the challenge? Here's the beauty breakdown on Mission: Pore Care!

Step 1: Cleanse

Time to get the nasties out of there! Pick a gentle but powerful foaming cleanser that contains active ingredients to pull out impurities from your pores. Nella's Black & Black Pore Cleansing Foam is formulated with 9 different black plant extracts that are packed with clarifying and antioxidant properties to not only cleanse but nourish the skin too. Pair with the pore brush it comes with to lather up into a rich foam for a really good clean.

How to use: Dampen face and brush, then squirt a small amount of product onto the brush before working it onto the face in circular motions. Once clean, rinse off with water.

Step 2: Exfoliate & Tone

Dead skin is as big a culprit as dirt in enlarging those pores of yours, so it's important that you keep them both clean and prepped to take on the next couple of steps. We recommend an exfoliating toner like Rire's Pore Tightening Fresh Toner that does both for you at the same time! This multitasking toner contains great ingredients like white clay, volcanic ash, tea tree, aloe vera and green tea extracts that absorb excess sebum while minimizing enlarged pores and keeping the skin feeling soft and smooth to the touch (say bye-bye to flakes!). Just be sure to shake it before use to mix up the powder and liquid elements!

How to use: Shake till combined, then saturate a cotton pad and wipe onto the skin, starting from the center of the face, working your way out.

Step 3: Extract

Ready for the most satisfying part of this regime? It's time to pull those hard-to-get sebum pieces right out of those pores. W-Lab's Sebum-Out Peel Off Pack is formulated with charcoal and volcanic ash from Jeju that work not just on your nose but all over the face to really get those blackheads and whiteheads out. Be extra careful not to get this on your brows and baby hairs for a pain-free experience.

How to use: Apply evenly onto the skin and allow to dry (15-20 minutes) before peeling off, starting from the bottom up.

Step 4: Shrink

Once you've gotten all that gunk out, keep them from coming back by shrinking those pores with a cooling product like Rire All Kill Pore Tightening Ice Stick. This balm stick is formulated with iceberg water that instantly cools the skin, making the pores shrink for a smooth, even complexion. We love throwing this in our bags to keep cool during warmer days too!

How to use: Twist up and apply directly onto the skin.

Step 5: Seal

Keep those pores shrinking for good with a treatment like Skinmiso's Pore Corset Serum: a lightweight, easily absorbed serum that's made with active, natural ingredients to effectively reduce the skin's sebum production as well as shrink those pores. Apply this on before your moisturizer for best results.

How to use: Drop out a small amount and apply evenly onto the skin, gently patting in for better absorption.

Step 6: Maintain

Pampering the skin at least once a week is essential in maintaining those pores in good condition. We love to sit back and unwind with The Face Shop's The Solution Pore Care Face Mask. Sheets of wonder, this mask is soaked in an essence packed with tannin to keep the skin shine-free and hydrated for a fresh complexion. A definite must have in your battle against pores!

Whew, that's a lot of information! Now that you're equiped with the knowledge on how to battle pores, you'll be a pro in no time! All the products mentioned above can be found on Althea's site, so be sure the check them out. What do you guys think of our pore regime here? What are some of your favorite weapons to use against enlarged, oily pores? Let us know in the comments below!