Pores are necessary to keep your skin moisturized; they secrete oil and provide an avenue for toxins to escape your body. However, large pores give skin an undesirable appearance. They may be caused by sun exposure, acne or a genetic predisposition. While difficult to permanently reduce the size of your pores, you can take steps to diminish their appearance and make them less noticeable.
Step 1
Wash your face twice daily with a mild cleanser. Any face wash that contains vitamins A or C is ideal because these promote cell turnover. The cell turnover process can help staunch excessive oil production and get rid of debris clogging your pores such as oil, dirt and makeup.
Step 2
Apply astringent after you wash your face. Use one with witch hazel or acne fighting ingredients to prevent oil from clogging your pores. Soak a fresh cotton ball with astringent and apply all over your face and neck twice daily.
Step 3
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. Many over-the-counter scrubs are available to help slough away dead skin cells and reveal fresh, new skin. Always use these scrubs gently, however, to avoid irritating your skin.
Step 4
Apply a skin tightening mask to your face once a week. These tighten pores, absorb oil and reduce the appearance of pores. Most masks are left on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinsed thoroughly with warm water. Each product is different so follow the instructions on the bottle closely.
Step 5
Avoid the sun if possible. If you have to be outdoors, wear sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Sun overexposure damages your skin cells, causing pores to become thicker and magnifying their appearance.
Things You'll Need
- Face wash
- Exfoliant
- Astringent
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