Combine oily skin with sun damage, puberty and ageing and you’ve got an enlarged pore situation.

“Pores usually are at their worst on and around the nose but sometimes they may extend to the cheeks, forehead and chin,” says Dr Greg Goodman from the Dermatology Institute of Victoria. He recommends a good cleansing regime and using products that minimise pores and won’t clog them. “Skincare for oily skin is ideal with ingredients like Beta hydroxy and Salicylic acids to help dislodge excess oil and debris out of the pores,” he says. Look for statements like “non-comedogenic, non-pore clogging or oil-free on the label and you are on track to reducing their appearance”.

Do the 4-step – A simple, four-pronged approach is the best way to minimise pores.

Clean Your Skin

Dissolve clogs and dead skin cells with a mix of alpha and beta-hydroxy acids. AHAs tackle surface debris, while oil-soluble BHAs travel into pores to tackle the plus. Try Neutrogena Pore Refining Daily Cleanser, every day which will help to leave skin clear and smooth.

Exfoliate Your Skin

Deeply clean the skin and help to unplug those pores with an exfoliator. The Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser, has gentle exfoliating micro beads that sweep away dead surface skin and smoothes over rough, uneven patches that can make pores look worse while the alpha hydroxyl formula penetrates deeply into the pores to remove dirt, oil and make-up that enlarge them.

Tone Your Skin

Smooth over a toner like Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner, to refine the complexion before you apply your moisturiser. This will get rid of any excess residue that if left on the skin can fall into open pores making them look black.

Prevent Skin Damage

A non-comedogenic daily sunscreen like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen SPF50+, will help the skin to stay strong. Sun damage will only make matters worse and can enlarge pores while a sunscreen will strengthen them from the inside.

If you can’t beat em, hide them with these instant pore perfectors.

Prime: Smooth the surface of your skin with a silicone based gel, this fills in the tiny holes at the openings of the pores. Try a smoothing primer like BeneFit The POREprofessional Pro Balm, $30-60, just where it’s needed to instantly diffuse the look of pores.

Cover: Sponge on foundation. Go for a lightweight formula with exfoliating salicylic acid to unclog pores while hiding them like Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer, $72. This combines oil-controlling correctors with soft luminosity.

Detract: Bumping up your lashes with mascara like Clarins Truly Waterproof Mascara, $54, shifts the attention to your eyes, so skin becomes less of a focus.

This is a sponsored post by Neutrogena. All opinions expressed by the author are authentic and written in their own words.