But for some, pore concern can grow into a full-blown fixation nicknamed “porexia.” If your obsession with the way your pores look diverts your attention away from the things you need to get done or otherwise interferes with your daily life, that’s porexic territory, says Josh Zeichner, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Another clue? Causing damage to your skin with excessive use of exfoliating tools like harsh scrubs, home microdermabrasion kits, and other acidic products. “It takes about two weeks for a baby skin cell to make it from the bottom layer to the surface of your skin,” Zeichner says. “It’s not necessary to use products like these any more often than one to two times per week.” (Follow these 3 steps and products for proper pore treatment.) Though pore size is determined by genetics, Zeichner explains, there are some healthy ways to deal. Because collagen in your skin is actually what keeps your pores tight, keeping your face protected from the sun with SPF and a wide-brimmed hat will prevent the protein from the damage that gives pores a larger look. And while you can’t control your oil production, you can blot them with blotting paper to keep the oil from settling into and clogging your pores (we like Sephora’s new cooling mint blotting papers, $10 at sephora.com). MORE: 3 Makeup Products That Can Make Pores Look Smaller
