If you have large pores, you may wish there was some way to shrink them. Unfortunately, that can't be done. But there various methods you can try to help reduce the appearance of large pores and help prevent more pores from increasing in size.
Cause
Genetics and age are the big reasons some people have problems with large pores and others do not. DocShop.com reports that people with naturally oily skin have a tendency to have larger pores. Age takes its toll on the skin, too. Years of sun damage can thicken your skin, and that causes skin cells to collect around the edges of the pores and stretch them out. Skin also loses some elasticity with age, and that can cause pores to dilate. If you're prone to blackheads, the dirt and bacteria clogging the pore can lead to an accumulation of oil, which also causes the pore to expand.
Hygiene
HowStuffWorks.com notes that a good cleansing routine can help reduce the appearance of large pores. It recommends using a gentle cleanser twice a day or after sweating to keep oil from building up on the face. Don't wash too much, however, or scrub too hard. If you over-wash, your skin may respond by making more oil. HowStuffWorks also suggests using an exfoliating cleanser once a week to get rid of pore-clogging dead skin cells.
Topical Treatments
There are creams available to help reduce the appearance of large pores. According to HowStuffWorks.com, retinoid solutions can dissolve the bacteria that causes acne and can also treat sun damage---both factors in large-looking pores. There also are pore-minimizing creams on the market that help improve the appearance of pores by firming the skin around them. Finally, remember to use sunscreen to help prevent sun damage to the skin.
Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels
If at-home exfoliation isn't enough to give your skin the look you want, talk to a dermatologist about microdermabrasion or chemical peels. DocShop.com describes microdermabrasion as a special type of facial that gently scrubs away dead skin cells to reveal the softer, healthier skin below. HowStuffWorks.com notes that chemical peels also help to clean pores and smooth skin. It warns that more than one appointment will probably be needed, so cost may be a factor in both of these treatments.
Makeup
Using makeup the right way can help reduce the appearance of big pores. Be sure to use oil-free noncomedogenic moisturizers and makeup since these are designed to not clog pores. DocShop.com advises people with large pores to use a pre-foundation skin primer to even skin tones and keep foundation from clogging pores. Avoid liquid foundations, since these are not as good at covering large pores. Finish with a dusting of loose translucent powder to even skin tone and further diminish the look of large pores.
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