Pores are open hair follicles on your skin that often become enlarged when they are clogged with oil and bacteria. This can happen during times when your skin is producing more oil than usual, such as puberty or pregnancy, causing your pores to expand in order to handle the excess oil. Heredity can also cause your pores to appear large, something that can be embarrassing and difficult to conceal. Fortunately, there are ways to shrink pores at home or with professional help.
Step 1
Wash your face every morning and evening with an oil-free cleanser. Use cool water when washing your face, which will make your pores tighter.
Step 2
Apply a lotion or cream containing 10 percent strength of glycolic or salicylic acid. You can also use a topical retinoid cream. Apply the cream after washing your face. The glycolic and salicylic acids are alpha hydroxyl acids that gently peel away dead skin cells that can be clumping around pores and causing them to expand. Topical retinoids unclog pores and make skin appear smoother. These creams are available over the counter.
Step 3
Exfoliate your skin once a week to remove dead skin cells and excess oil from your skin. Rub an exfoliating scrub onto your face in gentle circular motions for 60 seconds before rinsing it away with cool water.
Step 4
Discuss pore shrinking options with your dermatologist. Prescription alpha hydroxyl acid or retinoid creams are available, and professional chemical peels can shrink pores and make skin smoother as well.
Tips and Warnings
- Use only oil-free skin care products and makeup if you have large facial pores. Oily makeup can clog pores and cause them to become larger.
Things You'll Need
- Oil-free cleanser
- Cool water
- Lotion or cream
- Exfoliating scrub
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