When the small pores on your skin are stretched, it's likely the pores are clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria and oil. When these clogs are exposed to oxygen, a darkened tip forms, solidifying the blockage. Commonly called blackheads, these clogs cause the pores to stretch and become noticeable. Shrinking these pores requires safe removal of the blockage and a few at-home treatments to return your skin to its previous glowing state.
Step 1
Cleanse your skin twice daily with a gentle exfoliating wash. According to CareFair.com, the best washes contain ground almond or orange peels. Gentle exfoliation removes embedded skin cells, bacteria and sebum from the pores. Do not scrub the skin when exfoliating because that causes irritation and can widen pores further.
Step 2
Apply oil-free cosmetics to avoid making pores look larger. Oil-free cosmetics are labeled water-based or noncomedogenic, and do not settle into pores or promote blackheads, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 3
Apply a weekly mud mask to cleanse pores and give them a smaller appearance. According to CareFair.com, specialty mud masks are available over the counter to combat large pores. Acid-based facial masks or pore-refining masks are not recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center because the masks increase skin irritation in sensitive skin types.
Step 4
Apply a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid based acne lotion to your face. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, benzoyl peroxide is available over the counter and in prescription form while salicylic acid also is available over the counter. These ingredients kill bacteria and help remove unsightly blackheads by deep-cleansing your pores.
Step 5
Apply a topical retinoid to your skin daily. Topical retinoids are derived from vitamin A, an essential nutrient responsible for skin health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, possible side effects include redness, peeling and UV sensitivity. Topical retinoids reduce inflammation while cleaning out blocked pores.
Step 6
Apply tea tree oil to your skin after cleansing. Tea tree oil is a natural astringent that reduces inflammation and eliminates bacteria, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tea tree oil has fewer side effects and has the same effectiveness as benzoyl peroxide.
Things You'll Need
- Mild exfoliating cleanser
- Oil free cosmetics
- Mud mask
- Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid based lotion
- Topical retinoids
- Tea tree oil
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