Large pores can easily lead to blackheads and whiteheads. And those can lead to acne. So it's important to care for your pores to alleviate any skin-care complications. The bad news is that if you are born with large pores, you can't change them. But you can use products that will tighten them a bit.
Blackheads are pores that are still open and filled with oil, dead skin and other debris. They are black because the debris is open to the air and the oil oxidizes. Whiteheads are also clogged pores, but in this case the pore is closed over the debris, so it can't oxidize. Both blackheads and whiteheads, if left untreated, will become acne.
Mild Soap and Water
One of the best defenses against blackheads is soap and water. Cleanse the skin thoroughly twice a day, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology, scrubbing gently to remove oil and dry skin from the face. Some soaps and facial cleansers come with a mild exfoliant, such as ground almonds or oatmeal, and those will help dig out any debris from the whiteheads or blackheads and help to tighten pores.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial solution that is applied topically to help dry the oil and tighten the pores on your face. It should be used once daily to start, and if no side effects are noted, increased to twice per day. Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter facial soaps and traditional acne medications.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin is the generic form of the medication Retin-A. It's a derivative form of Vitamin A that, when applied, causes the skin to peel and regenerate more quickly. Different concentrations of tretinoin are available by prescription, and there are some mild, non-prescription-strength creams available over the counter. The medication does have side effects including inflammation and itching. Some people also experience photosensitivity when using tretinoin, and need to avoid the sun.
Home Remedies
There are lots of home remedies that people use to treat blackheads and large pores. Try rubbing your face with a mask made from yogurt and honey, suggest the experts at DailyGlow.com, and then add some citrus such as lime or strawberries to the mixture to help draw out the debris from inside the pores. Or buy some Fullers clay and use that for a mask. A clean face is the best treatment for tightening pores.
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